Tristan Walker

Tristan Walker is currently serving as the Strategic Advisor to the Communications Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a position he has held since October 2022. Prior to this role, he was the Innovation Chief at the IMF from August 2017 to October 2022, where he played a significant role in establishing the IMF's Innovation Lab (iLab), aimed at fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.12

Walker has a diverse professional background with extensive experience in both academia and various leadership roles. He previously worked as the Vice President for Innovation & Economic Development at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2017. His earlier positions at KAUST included Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Operations and Director of Budgeting, Planning and Performance. Before his tenure at KAUST, he held roles in the UK, including Head of Analysis & Planning at Crossrail Ltd and Chief of Staff to the Managing Director of Finance at Transport for London.1

Walker holds an MBA from the University of Oxford - Said Business School and has participated in the High Potential Leadership Program at Harvard Business School. His educational background also includes a BSc from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and studies at international schools, including the United World College of the Atlantic and Jakarta International School.1

His career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial experience and a commitment to innovation, making him a key figure in driving forward the IMF's initiatives in these areas.2