- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed renowned economist Silvana Tenreyro as its next Chief Economist and Director of the Research Department, marking an important leadership transition at a time of heightened uncertainty in the global economy.
- Tenreyro will officially assume office on August 10, 2026, succeeding Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, who is returning to academia after serving as the IMF’s Chief Economist.
IMF Announces New Chief Economist
- The appointment was announced by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who described Tenreyro as an accomplished economist with exceptional academic credentials and extensive policy experience.
- As Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, Tenreyro will oversee the IMF’s global economic analysis, policy research and flagship publications.
- Her appointment comes as the global economy continues to face challenges including geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures and financial market volatility.
Who is Silvana Tenreyro?
Silvana Tenreyro is an internationally recognised economist with citizenship of Argentina, Italy and the United Kingdom.
She is a long-serving Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) and has built a distinguished career spanning academia, central banking and international economic policy.
Her research has focused on:
- Monetary policy
- International trade
- Economic volatility
- Exchange rates
- Currency unions
- Economic growth
She is widely regarded as one of the leading macroeconomists of her generation.
Experience in Central Banking
Before joining the IMF, Tenreyro held several high-profile policy positions.
Bank of England
She served as an External Member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England from 2017 to 2023, where she helped shape monetary policy during significant economic events, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other Key Roles
She has also worked as:
- Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
- Member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Mauritius.
- Member of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s External Advisory Group.
These roles have given her deep experience in monetary policy, financial stability and international economic governance.
Academic Background
Silvana Tenreyro earned:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Argentina.
- Master of Arts in Economics from Harvard University.
- Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University.
She currently teaches at the London School of Economics, one of the world’s leading institutions for economics and public policy.
Role at the IMF
As IMF Chief Economist, Tenreyro will:
- Lead the IMF Research Department.
- Supervise preparation of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) and other major analytical reports.
- Guide global economic research.
- Advise member countries on macroeconomic policies.
- Serve as one of the IMF’s principal public voices on the global economy.
Her work will play a critical role in shaping the IMF’s policy recommendations to its 190 member countries.
Recognition and Achievements
Tenreyro is widely published in leading international economics journals and has received global recognition for her research.
In 2025, she received the Bernhard Harms Prize from the Kiel Institute, recognising her pioneering contributions to:
- Economic volatility.
- Monetary policy transmission.
- Currency unions.
- Growth and welfare economics.
Her research has significantly improved understanding of how economic shocks affect both emerging and advanced economies.
Conclusion
Silvana Tenreyro’s appointment as IMF Chief Economist marks a significant leadership transition for the International Monetary Fund. Combining academic excellence with extensive central banking and policy experience, she is expected to play a key role in shaping the IMF’s economic research and policy advice as the world economy confronts complex and rapidly evolving challenges.