I am an economist and public policy specialist. I am currently the World Bank’s 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. Before moving to the World Bank, I worked for the New Zealand Aid Programme, which is a part of the Pacific and Development Group at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. At MFAT, I managed a team of people passionate about economics, governance, trade and labour mobility. I was also the New Zealand Government’s chief development economist. Most of my time in this role was spent on four issues: (a) supporting Pacific Island Countries in strengthening their economic management; (b) managing New Zealand’s strategic relationships with international financial institutions; (c) representing New Zealand on regional and international development policy issues; and (c) developing and advancing the New Zealand government’s international development policies.
My previous lives involved increasing amounts of hair and travel (in reverse chronological order). 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.