By 
WASHINGTON, DC — In a strategic move to reinforce its analytical capabilities during a period of profound global economic transformation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Silvana Tenreyro as its new Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department.
The announcement, made on July 7, 2026, by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, positions the prominent academic and policymaker to succeed Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, who recently stepped down to return to academia.
A Proven Track Record in Policy and Academia
Ms. Tenreyro, a triple national of Argentina, Britain, and Italy, brings an impressive blend of intellectual leadership and practical central banking experience to the IMF’s top economics post. She holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Economics from Harvard University, having completed her undergraduate studies at the National University of Tucumán in Argentina.
Currently serving as the James E. Meade Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics—where she has been a faculty member since 2004—Tenreyro is highly regarded within global economic circles. Her academic contributions have earned her prestigious international accolades, including the Yrjö Jahnsson Award, the Bernhard Harms Prize, and the Birgit Grodal Award. She has also served as President of the European Economic Association and holds fellowships in the British Academy and the Econometric Society.
Importantly, Tenreyro’s expertise extends well beyond theoretical frameworks. She served as an external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2017 to 2023. Her career also includes tenures at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Mauritius. Prior to this appointment, she was already integrated into the IMF’s network as part of the Managing Director’s External Advisory Group.
Steering the Fund Through Heightened Risks
Managing Director Georgieva emphasized that Tenreyro’s unique combination of skills is exactly what the Fund requires to navigate today’s volatile macroeconomic landscape.
“At a time of profound transformation and heightened uncertainty in the global economy, Silvana’s mix of intellectual leadership and policy experience will help ensure that the Fund’s analytical work and multilateral surveillance and policy advice will remain at the cutting edge in support of our membership.”
Georgieva also praised Tenreyro as an “exceptional leader and communicator” who is known for her ability to translate complex economic concepts into clear, actionable ideas while fostering a collaborative environment for rigorous debate.
Looking Ahead
As Chief Economist, Tenreyro will step up as one of the primary global voices on macroeconomic trends and the international economic outlook. She is officially scheduled to assume her new responsibilities at the IMF headquarters on August 10, 2026.
