Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced her intention to appoint Rodrigo Valdés as Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department. Valdés will take over from Vitor Gaspar on October 27, 2025.
“I am pleased to announce that Rodrigo Valdés will assume the role of Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department,” said Georgieva. “I am also delighted that this appointment represents the first time in FAD’s 60-year history that an Emerging Market economist will lead the department.”
Valdés, a Chilean national, brings extensive policy experience from his previous roles at the IMF and as a government and central banking policy practitioner. Since 2023, he has led the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, providing tailored policy advice across a diverse region. His past roles include Deputy Director in both WHD and the European Department during the global financial crisis aftermath.
As Minister of Finance in Chile from 2015-2017, Valdés was part of implementing Chile's structural fiscal rule in 2000-2001. At the Central Bank of Chile, he held leadership positions such as Director of Research and Chief Economist.
In addition to his public sector work, Valdés has had notable careers in banking and academia. He held senior positions at BTG Pactual, Banco Estado, and Barclays Capital in New York and taught economics at the Catholic University of Chile. He has published numerous papers on fiscal and macroeconomic topics.
“Rodrigo comes to FAD at a time of continued uncertainty in the global economy,” added Georgieva. “Throughout his Fund career, Rodrigo has been highly appreciated for his sharp analytical mind and for his genuine care for his staff.”
Valdés holds a Ph.D. in economics from MIT and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chile.