The World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has today [September 6]announced the appointment of Kaushik Basu, 60, as the institution’s new Chief Economist and Senior Vice President.
Basu, who replaces Justin Yifu Lin, is an Indian national, most recently served as Chief Economic Adviser of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance among other senior positions in government and educational institutions.
“Having worked in a Ministry of Finance, in addition to his impressive academic achievements, Kaushik is uniquely suited to help us offer evidence-based solutions and advice to client countries and provide innovative excellence in leading our development research,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim.
Basu, who holds a PhD from the London School of Economics, founded the Centre for Development Economics at the Delhi School of Economics in 1992 and is a founding member of the Madras School of Economics.
He has held visiting professorial positions at Harvard University, the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University, and the London School of Economics, among others.
In May 2008 the president of India awarded Basu one of the country's highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan, for distinguished service of high order.
He begins his term on October 1 this year.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
