Professor Ian Goldin is one of the world’s leading experts on globalisation, development, and systemic risk. He is Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford and a Professorial Fellow at Balliol College, and from 2006 to 2016 was the founding Director of the Oxford Martin School, which he... Read more
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Professor Ian Goldin is one of the world’s leading experts on globalisation, development, and systemic risk. He is Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford and a Professorial Fellow at Balliol College, and from 2006 to 2016 was the founding Director of the Oxford Martin School, which he built into the University’s leading centre for interdisciplinary research into the great challenges of the 21st century.
At Oxford, Ian currently directs research programmes on Technological and Economic Change, the Future of Work, and the Future of Development. His scholarship and thought leadership bridge economics, technology, geopolitics, and social change, making him a sought-after advisor to governments, businesses, and global institutions.
Ian’s distinguished international career has included serving as Vice President of the World Bank and the Group’s Director of Policy and Special Representative at the United Nations (2001–2006). He was previously Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, where he worked closely with President Nelson Mandela in the post-apartheid transformation of South Africa, leading the bank to become the largest investor in infrastructure and local government across 14 African countries. Earlier roles include Principal Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Director of Programmes at the OECD Development Centre, where he directed global work on trade, environment, and sustainable development.
Ian has authored more than 60 journal articles and 25 acclaimed books, including Age of the City: Why Our Future Will be Won or Lost Together, The Shortest History of Migration, Rescue: From Global Crisis to a Better World, Terra Incognita: 100 Maps to Survive the Next 100 Years, Age of Discovery, Is the Planet Full?, and The Butterfly Defect, in which he presciently warned of a devastating global pandemic. His most recent scholarly contribution on the causes of the productivity slowdown was published in the Journal of Economic Literature in 2024.
Beyond academia, Ian is a powerful voice in global media and public debate. He has presented three major BBC documentary series (After the Crash; Will AI Kill Development?; The Pandemic That Changed the World) and the BBC Radio 4 Analysis programme “The Death of Globalisation?”. He is a frequent contributor to leading outlets including The Guardian, Financial Times, and Foreign Affairs.
Recognised for his global leadership, Ian has been knighted by the French Government and named a World Economic Forum Global Leader of Tomorrow. He has provided advisory services to the IMF, UN, EU, OECD, and more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, and has served as a non-executive director of six publicly listed global firms, chairing multiple board committees. He is also a founding trustee of the Center for Future Generations and chairs CORE-Econ, the global initiative to transform the teaching of economics.
A charismatic and visionary speaker, Ian has addressed the World Economic Forum, TED, Google Zeitgeist, and countless other international platforms. His presentations challenge audiences to rethink the forces reshaping our economies and societies, offering fresh insights into how leaders, businesses, and citizens can navigate an increasingly turbulent world.
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You can book Ian Goldin through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Ian's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Ian Goldin'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 Ian tailored to your event.
Ian Goldin speaks on Africa, Brexit, Business & Management, Economics, Economics & Finance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Ian to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Ian Goldin for events worldwide, subject to Ian's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Ian Goldin is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
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 Ian can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Ian Goldin 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 Ian can offer.
Ian Goldin delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Ian Goldin's areas of expertise include Africa, Brexit, Business & Management, Economics, Economics & Finance. To get a clear sense of Ian'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.
Ian Goldin can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Africa, Brexit, Business & Management, Economics, Economics & Finance is relevant. Details of Ian'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.
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 Ian Goldin is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Ian Goldin, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Ian's current availability for your dates.