I am excited to announce that CGD’s Board of Directors has appointed world-renowned economist Mohamed A. El-Erian to be the Chair of the Board. Mohamed will take up the role on June 18.
I have long admired Mohamed’s clear, insightful, and original analysis of the world economy, markets, and institutions. He is one of the most respected and perceptive public intellectuals on global economic issues ranging from the big picture—the global implications of the changing balance of economic power—to the specific—the impact of the Iran War on global financial flows. Much like CGD, this rigorous analysis comes with independent and practical policy insights including ways to strengthen and reform the International Financial Institutions, and rebalance policy away from too heavy a reliance on monetary policy.
Mohamed has deep knowledge and experience working on global financial issues both in the private and public sector. After his PhD, he spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he rose rapidly to become a deputy director. He had a highly successful career in the private sector including as CEO and co-CIO of Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) and Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz (PIMCO’s parent company). He has also spent time in academia, including as President of Queens’ College at the University of Cambridge and now as Professor of Practice at the Wharton School and Senior Global Fellow at the Lauder Institute. He has written award winning best-selling books that take the complexities of the radical changes in the global economy, and global financial crises and make them accessible to the general public.
For the last quarter century, CGD has generated bold ideas grounded in rigorous analysis, working with decisionmakers to take them through to impact. Our researchers are well known as honest brokers and independent thinkers working across areas of expertise to reduce global poverty and improve lives. Mohamed cares deeply about CGD’s mission, and we look forward to the innovative economic thinking and passion for development he will bring in this role. His expertise and perspective will be invaluable to CGD at this critical moment for international development.
Mohamed succeeds Debra Fine, who has served as Interim Board Chair during the search. I am grateful to Debra for her work in this role, and look forward to her continued engagement with CGD as she returns to the position of Board Vice Chair.
