Director of Center for International Development is named

Kennedy School of Government (KSG) Dean David T. Ellwood has announced that Ricardo Hausmann, professor of the practice of economic development, has been named director of Harvard’s Center for International Development (CID). Hausmann, the CID’s first director from a developing country, assumed the post immediately.

“Professor Hausmann brings a wealth of experience in international development and research,” said Ellwood. “His tremendous vision and expertise will help build on the critical work of CID, ensuring the Kennedy School and Harvard University continue to make a significant impact in the developing world.”

“CID is an extraordinary resource for the University as we deepen our commitment to promoting development around the world,” said Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers. “Having a policymaker and a scholar with Professor Hausmann’s deep experience will spur the center’s cross-disciplinary approach.”

With additional seed funding provided by the Office of the President, Ellwood will lead the effort to establish a permanent endowment for the center, which continues to be a vital component of the University’s engagement in international development issues.

“I am thrilled that Ricardo Hausmann is taking this on,” said Dani Rodrik, Rafiq Hariri Professor of International Political Economy and director of CID’s Political Economy Program. “He has exactly the kind of energy and creativity that will move CID forward.”

Hausmann previously served as the first chief economist of the Inter-American Development Bank from 1994 to 2000. Prior to this, he served as minister of planning of Venezuela, as a member of the board of the Central Bank of Venezuela, and as chair of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Development Committee.

“The enormous disparities in opportunities across countries is the fundamental challenge facing the world today,” said Hausmann. “Harvard has among the best professors on development and the brightest