Profile – Kristalina Georgieva – BBC Sounds

Kristalina Georgieva: A Trailblazer at the International Monetary Fund

Kristalina Georgieva has been at the helm of the International Monetary Fund for over a year now, bringing a fresh perspective and a unique background to the prestigious institution. Unlike her predecessors, Georgieva grew up behind the Iron Curtain in Bulgaria, a country that was then part of the Soviet bloc.

Born in Sofia in 1953, Georgieva’s upbringing was marked by hardship, as her family did not belong to the Communist Party regime. Her father, a civil engineer, fell ill when she was young, forcing Georgieva to start working at the local food market at just fifteen years old. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education in economics at the Karl Marx Higher Economic Institute and later spent a year at the London School of Economics in the late 1980s.

Over the past three decades, Georgieva has held key positions at institutions like the World Bank and the European Commission. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first person from an emerging economy to lead the IMF as its managing director.

When she’s not immersed in her work, Georgieva is described by friends, colleagues, and family as a fun-loving individual who enjoys dancing and singing in her free time.

Becky Milligan delves into Georgieva’s remarkable life and career, speaking with contributors like her daughter, Dessislava Kinova, her friend and Chief Risk Officer at the European Commission, Iliyana Tsanova, as well as other prominent figures like Lord Nick Stern, Lord Mark Malloch Brown, Ivan Krastev, and Galia Mintcheva.

Key Moments in Georgieva’s Career

• Studied economics at the Karl Marx Higher Economic Institute in Bulgaria
• Spent a year at the London School of Economics in the late 1980s
• Held top positions at the World Bank and the European Commission
• Appointed managing director of the IMF in 2019

Georgieva’s journey to the top of the IMF is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference on the global stage. Her leadership style, shaped by her unique background and experiences, has brought a new perspective to the IMF, setting her apart as a trailblazer in the world of international finance.