David McWilliams Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerDavid McWilliams

Economist, author, journalist, documentary-maker and broadcaster -ranked 10th most influential economist in the world

David McWilliams is an economist, author, journalist, documentary-maker and broadcaster. He is Adjunct Professor of Global Economics at the School of Business Trinity College Dublin and is ranked 10th most influential economist in the world. He produces a weekly economics podcast which has repeatedly topped the Irish and English podcast... Read more

Biography

David McWilliams is an economist, author, journalist, documentary-maker and broadcaster.

He is Adjunct Professor of Global Economics at the School of Business Trinity College Dublin and is ranked 10th most influential economist in the world. He produces a weekly economics podcast which has repeatedly topped the Irish and English podcast charts.

David is co-founder of the world’s only economics and stand-up comedy festival Kilkenomics – described by the FT as “simply, the best economics conference in the world”. He also founded Ireland’s leading literary and ideas shindig, the Dalkey Book Festival. The WEF at Davos debased their currency profoundly by making him a Young Global Leader a few years back.

David has written five bestsellers and one of these The Pope’s Children is the best selling nonfiction ever published in Ireland. His writing style is described by Bloomberg’s head of economics Stephanie Flanders, as having “a great knack for bringing a complex economics story to life. He is also funny. In economics, that’s a rare and persuasive combination.”

Once upon a time, David had a few real jobs, working extensively in the public and private sectors. He was an economist in the International Relations Department of the Irish Central Bank; Chief European Economist at UBS, Europe’s largest bank; and Head of Emerging Markets Research at Banque Nationale de Paris.

Popular Talks by David McWilliams

  • Economics and its role in ordinary people’s lives
  • Trends in the global economy

How to book David McWilliams as a keynote speaker

How do I book David McWilliams for a keynote speech?

You can book David McWilliams through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with David's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are David McWilliams's speaking fees?

David McWilliams's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for David tailored to your event.

What topics does David McWilliams speak about?

David McWilliams speaks on Authors, Behavioural Economics, Economics & Finance, Leadership, Organisation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with David to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is David McWilliams available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book David McWilliams for events worldwide, subject to David's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does David McWilliams deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether David McWilliams is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by David McWilliams?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what David can accommodate.

Can David McWilliams tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief David McWilliams on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what David can offer.

What languages does David McWilliams present in?

David McWilliams delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes David McWilliams a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

David McWilliams's areas of expertise include Authors, Behavioural Economics, Economics & Finance, Leadership, Organisation. To get a clear sense of David's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can David McWilliams speak at?

David McWilliams can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Authors, Behavioural Economics, Economics & Finance, Leadership, Organisation is relevant. Details of David's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does David McWilliams offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what David McWilliams is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book David McWilliams?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with David McWilliams, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check David's current availability for your dates.