Minouche Shafik has been announced as the 20th president of Columbia University after former president Lee C. Bollinger announced his departure from the post.

Nemat ‘Minouche’ Shafik is an experienced economist with a career trajectory that spans public policy and academia. Since 2017, she was the director of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

At 36, the Egyptian-born economist became the youngest-ever vice president of the World Bank.

Costis Maglaras, dean of Columbia Business School, said: “We are thrilled to welcome an economist who has had a major impact through her work on development, in macroeconomic policy, in academic leadership, and through her scholarship and publications.”

The appointment of Minouche marks the first time that Columbia University has been headed by a female. Three-quarters of Ivy League institutions will now be led by females.