Anna Leach

Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors & Former Committee Specialist for The House of Commons

Anna Leach’s Biography:

Anna Leach is a highly respected economist and an engaging public speaker, renowned for her clarity, insight, and composed delivery. As a speaker, Anna has a unique ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences. Her communication style is analytical yet approachable, combining rigorous data-driven thinking with real-world application. Audiences value her calm authority and measured tone, which inspire confidence and encourage informed discussion. Whether presenting to senior executives or contributing to policy panels, Anna’s talks are noted for their clarity, depth, and strategic focus.

Anna’s early career began within the UK civil service, where she built a strong foundation in economic policy and fiscal analysis. In 2000, she joined the Department for Education and Employment as an Assistant Economist, gaining experience in labour market trends and education policy. Over the following years, she advanced through several advisory roles in key government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury. Her work spanned macroeconomic analysis, welfare reform, and fiscal planning, and she became known for her analytical precision and ability to communicate complex information effectively to policymakers.

Currently, Anna serves as the Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors (IoD), a position she assumed in 2024. Before this, she spent over a decade with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), progressing through senior roles such as Deputy Chief Economist and Head of Economic Intelligence. At the CBI, she played a leading role in guiding businesses through significant challenges, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, offering valuable insights into productivity, growth, and market confidence.

Among her main achievements, Anna has helped shape economic understanding across both public and private sectors. Her analyses have informed business strategy and government policy alike, while her commentary is frequently featured in leading media outlets. Through her leadership and expertise, Anna has become a trusted voice on UK economic issues, known for her balanced perspective, strategic thinking, and commitment to evidence-based insight.

Why Hire Anna Leach?

Anna is a captivating and trusted voice on the economy, offering audiences a rare blend of technical expertise and engaging communication. With more than two decades of experience across government and business, she brings a uniquely informed perspective on how economic policy, market forces, and business behaviour intersect. She has delivered keynote speeches and panel discussions at major economic conferences, leadership summits, and business forums across the UK. Her delivery is measured, insightful, and forward-looking, ensuring that every audience leaves with a clearer understanding of both challenges and opportunities in the evolving economic landscape.

Organisations book Anna because she transforms complex data into meaningful, actionable insight. Her presentations are not only informative but also tailored to the practical concerns of business leaders, policymakers, and investors. Whether discussing inflation trends, productivity, or the global market outlook, Anna consistently provides clarity and perspective. Her ability to translate macroeconomic movements into tangible business implications helps audiences make strategic decisions with confidence. With her calm authority and analytical depth, Anna offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience for any event seeking to deepen understanding of today’s economy.

Anna Leach’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Anna Leach’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Appointed as a keynote speaker at the “Connect Conference 2025” organised by the Bathroom Manufacturers’ Association, where she delivered an economic outlook presentation to industry leaders.
• 2024 – Appointed Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, leading economic strategy and providing analysis to support business growth and policy influence.
• 2023 – Promoted to Deputy Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry, shaping economic insight and policy responses for UK businesses.
• 2017 – Became Head of Economic Intelligence at the CBI, overseeing research on business confidence and market performance.
• 2016 – Served as Head of Economic Analysis & Surveys at the CBI, managing key business surveys and economic reporting.
• 2012 – Promoted to Head of Economic Analysis at the CBI, developing evidence-based insights to guide corporate decision-making.
• 2008 – Worked as a Fiscal Economist at the CBI, analysing public finance policies and their implications for industry.
• 2007 – Held dual roles as Economic Adviser for the Department for Work & Pensions and Committee Specialist for the Treasury Select Committee, supporting economic scrutiny and policy development.
• 2006 – Acted as Economic Adviser for the Older People Strategy at the Department for Work and Pensions, contributing to long-term social and financial planning.
• 2004 – Led the Economic Briefing & Analysis Branch within HM Treasury’s Macroeconomic Analysis Team, delivering critical economic assessments to inform national policy.
• 2000 – Began career as Assistant Economist at the Department for Education and Employment, analysing labour market trends and supporting evidence-based education policy.