I love economics, political economy, and public policy. I am currently the World Bank’s Senior Country Economist for Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa. I moved here in August 2022.
Past lives:
Between 2018 and 2022, I was the World Bank’s Country Economist for Uzbekistan, based in Tashkent. I helped oversee one of the most dynamic economic transformations, and one of the fastest World Bank engagement expansions, in recent years.
Before moving to the World Bank, I was an economist and diplomat for the New Zealand Government. I worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), where I I was the New Zealand Government’s chief adviser on economic issues in developing countries. I managed an amazing team of people passionate about economics, governance, trade and labour mobility, and worked closely with Pacific Island Countries to strengthen their economic and fiscal institutions and improve economic management. I managed New Zealand’s strategic relationships with international financial institutions. I represented the New Zealand Government at international and regional forums and multilateral negotiations relating to development policy issues. I also developed and advanced the New Zealand government’s international development policies.
My previous lives before this involved more travel–and more hair. And roles in two Finance Ministries (New Zealand, Zambia), a Central Bank (Guyana), and an investment bank (Deutsche Bank). I graduated from (LSE and Loyola College in Chennai). I am a proud former ODI Fellow (I worked in Guyana and Zambia as part of the Fellowship) – it was without question the most professionally and personally rewarding experience of my life.
I also used to run a (relatively) successful web hosting company in India. But that was a long time ago.
This site:
I use this site for longer blog posts, which are mainly small notes on issues (mostly technological and travel related) – where I didn’t find other online resources helpful – that others may find helpful in the future. Updates here are more sporadic than on my Twitter feed. I also keep a box of chocolates on this site – memories of different experiences I’ve had over the years.