IMF picks Rodrigo Valdés to lead fiscal affairs department

The International Monetary Fund has named Chilean economist Rodrigo Valdés as director of the organization’s fiscal affairs department.

He has held an array of private and public sector roles, and between 2015 and 2017 was finance minister of Chile. Earlier in his career he held leadership positions at the Central Bank of Chile, including as director of research and chief economist.

Valdés currently works at the IMF, where he has led the organization’s western hemisphere department since 2023. As director of the FAD will be responsible for overseeing the analysis of global fiscal trends and advice on fiscal issues that is passed to member countries by the intergovernmental institution.

Commenting on his appointment, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said: “Throughout his Fund career, Rodrigo has been highly appreciated for his sharp analytical mind and for his genuine care for his staff. I am confident that Rodrigo’s intellectual heft, in-depth knowledge of the Fund, and excellent communication and people skills will serve the department, the Fund, and our membership well.”

Valdés has a Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was a professor of economics at the Catholic University of Chile. His prior private sector experience includes senior appointments at BTG Pactual, Banco Estado, and Barclays Capital in New York.

He takes up the appointment on Oct. 27 this year and will succeed Vitor Gaspar.