Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath was appointed as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, the financial body’s chief Christine Lagarde announced on Monday.

“Gita is one of the world’s outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience,” Lagarde said.

“All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our research department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our chief economist,” she said.

Gita, 46, will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018.

She is the second Indian economist to be appointed as IMF chief economist after Raghuram Rajan, who later served as RBI governor.

She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

Earlier in 2016, her appointment as financial adviser to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had generated controversy as some communist leaders questioned the CPM-led state for roping in a person who was more into market economy and liberal policies.

A US citizen, she was born and grew up in India.

Gopinath did her PhD in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a BA from the University of Delhi and MA degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.

The economist joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as an assistant professor before moving to Harvard in 2005. She became a tenured professor there in 2010.