Kenneth Rogoff

Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Economics at Harvard University (never graduated)

What is Kenneth Rogoff known for?

Ken Rogoff is a renowned American economist and distinguished chess player. Born in Rochester, New York on March 22, 1953, Rogoff became a notable figure in the fields of economics and chess.

During his early life, Rogoff developed a keen interest in chess, dramatically dropping out of high school to concentrate on the game. He made a name for himself in the chess world, impressing the legendary Bobby Fischer with his self-assured style. Notably, he won the United States Junior Championship in 1969, was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1974, and earned the Grandmaster (GM) title in 1978. He also had laudable performances in several chess tournaments. However, he decided to shift his focus to academia, recognizing a burgeoning passion for economics.

As an academic, Rogoff's accomplishments are equally, if not more impressive. He received his BA and MA from Yale University summa cum laude in 1975, then pursued a PhD in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1980. Rogoff's expertise in financial economics led him to serve as the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund from August 2001 to September 2003. Additionally, he held esteemed positions at institutes like the Federal Reserve System and Princeton University.

Rogoff's impactful contributions extend beyond his roles in various institutions. He found himself in a public dispute with Joseph Stiglitz, a former chief economist of the World Bank and 2001 Nobel Prize winner, which put him in the spotlight. Furthermore, he is acclaimed for his insights on the 2008 financial institution near-meltdown and the resulting serious recession, along with Carmen Reinhart, which fellow economist Alan Blinder highlights as highly relevant.

Today, Rogoff continues to contribute his vast knowledge to the field of economics as the Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Public Policy and professor of economics at Harvard University. He's also a revered figure in chess circles, blending two distinct worlds into an inspiring career trajectory.

For more information, do check out Rogoff's University website and explore his input on Project Syndicate.