Gita Gopinath — IMF First Deputy Managing Director

As the IMF's First Deputy Managing Director, Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath was one of the most influential voices on global economic policy in 2025. She co-authored key IMF World Economic Outlook reports warning of fragmentation risks from US tariff policies and managed the IMF's engagement with dozens of countries facing debt distress. Her analysis of global trade disruptions was widely cited by finance ministers and central bankers, with over 50% of the IMF's 190 member countries referencing her work in 2025 fiscal reports.