International Monetary Fund (IMF) First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath will step down at the end of August to resume her role as a professor at Harvard University. 

The surprise exit, reportedly her own decision, follows her recent visit to Sri Lanka, where she emphasized the need for sound fiscal policy. 

Gopinath, the IMF’s first female Chief Economist, was promoted in 2022 and is known for her expertise in international finance. 

A successor will be named by IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva soon.