World Bank appoints Nobel laureate Michael Kremer as Chief Economist

The World Bank has appointed Nobel laureate Michael Kremer as their Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. This appointment was made public in a statement released on September 16, 2026 by the World Bank Group. Kremer is a renowned development economist, celebrated for his innovative approach to tackling global issues through rigorous research.

The World Bank Group's President, Ajay Banga, highlighted Kremer's extensive experience in translating research into impactful programs affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. These initiatives range from enhancing vaccine access and school health programs to supporting smallholder farmers. Banga emphasized the urgency of the global development challenges at hand, including job creation, private capital mobilization, and ensuring essential services for all.

Banga expressed excitement about collaborating with Kremer and the World Bank's staff, as well as partners globally, to address both the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. He stressed the bank's commitment to leveraging data, evidence, and research to inform policies and interventions across sectors. The World Bank is now poised to strengthen the connection between knowledge and impact, ensuring that research drives its analytical agenda, shapes strategies, and informs investments worldwide.