In a statement, Georgieva credited Gourinchas with keeping IMF research “rigorous” plus “highly relevant” through major shocks, including the post‑pandemic environment, the surge in global inflation, rising geopolitical tensions, plus increasing fragmentation.

Under Gourinchas, the Research Department was described as highly agile, producing policy‑relevant analysis during volatile periods plus delivering flagship publications such as the World Economic Outlook plus the External Sector Report. Georgieva said the work strengthened IMF capacity to assess spillovers, risks, plus policy trade‑offs as global conditions shifted rapidly.

The statement highlighted advances in IMF analytical work on geo‑economic fragmentation, drivers of global inflation, plus determinants of global imbalances. The statement also referenced initiatives aimed at strengthening the Global Financial Safety Net plus expanding IMF toolkits, including the AI Preparedness Index, the Structural Reforms Impact Tool, RES DataHub, plus development of next‑generation macroeconomic models.

Recent work on alternative scenarios assessing economic impacts linked to war in the Middle East was also credited as an important input into policy discussions during the Spring Meetings, with Georgieva describing that work as particularly valued by IMF members.

Beyond research outputs, Gourinchas was described as a trusted adviser contributing to surveillance plus programme work, plus fostering a collaborative workplace culture focused on staff development plus talent management.

The statement said Gourinchas is expected to return to the University of California, Berkeley.

–IMF/ChannelAfrica–