Gerry Rice will retire on 1 December 2022 as the director of the communications department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the managing director, Kristalina Georgieva has announced.
“Gerry, the IMF’s communications director and spokesman is among our most respected leaders,” Georgieva said.
“Since joining the Fund, initially as deputy director in 2006 and then as director in 2011, he has made an indelible impact on the effectiveness of the institution-by transforming how the Fund communicates, thus bolstering its standing and reputation among our members, stakeholders, and the broader public.
“His relentless focus has been on the impact of communications and how it can help to strengthen the traction of the Fund’s operational work and policy advice,” Georgieva said.
“Since becoming managing director, I have relied on and benefited tremendously from Gerry’s experience, judgment, and advice—as well as his enduring friendship. I speak for all colleagues in saying we will miss him,” she added.
Rice helped shape the IMF’s communications on numerous issues: from the global financial crisis to COVID-19; and in responding to changing membership needs from climate to inclusion-all within a rapidly evolving geopolitical and communications landscape. Notably, he led the IMF’s communications into the Digital Age.
“Gerry has earned the admiration and respect of policymakers and influencers, as well as his peers, for his strategic thinking, openness and listening, and delivery of results,” she said.
“He has helped to modernize the Fund’s communications, and the Communications Department itself, by overhauling all facets of our work in this area.”
Prior to joining the IMF, Rice had a long career at the World Bank, where he rose through the ranks to hold a number of top positions including as Speechwriter to several World Bank presidents, advisor to the managing director, director of Internal Communications, and communications director for the World Bank Group.
Rice holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Glasgow and was a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard. He is the author of several books on American history and on the Scottish economy as well. He also served on secondment as an advisor to the Scottish Government as it achieved devolution at the turn of the century.
The search for Rice’s successor will begin shortly.
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