Henry Tricks

Chairman of Natural England, Former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, Special Advisor to the Prince of Wales & Author of ‘Spix’s Macaw’

Henry Tricks’ Biography:

Henry Tricks is a highly respected journalist, editor and commentator who has built a reputation for his expertise in energy, sustainability, global economics and the role of technology in shaping environmental progress. With more than three decades of experience in international journalism, Henry is best known for his work with The Economist, where he now serves as the US Technology Editor. Renowned for his ability to explain complex global trends in an accessible and engaging way, Henry is regularly hired as a speaker to discuss the future of technology, energy transition, ESG strategy, geopolitics and the evolving relationship between business and sustainability.

Henry began his career in financial and international journalism before joining The Economist in 2006 as Capital Markets Editor. Just a year later, he was promoted to Finance Editor, demonstrating his expertise in global financial systems and economic reporting. Over the following years, Henry held several major international leadership roles, including Tokyo Bureau Chief and Mexico City Bureau Chief, where he reported on political, economic and business developments across key global markets. Alongside his time at The Economist, he also completed a brief stint at the Financial Times as Bureau Chief in Mexico, further strengthening his reputation as an authoritative international correspondent.

In 2015, Henry became Energy and Commodities Editor at The Economist, expanding his focus to include energy geopolitics, environmental policy and the future of global resources. In 2019, he was appointed Schumpeter Columnist, providing influential analysis on business leadership, innovation and management. Throughout his career, Henry has authored numerous in-depth reports, including extensive 10,000-word analyses on ESG, e-commerce, new energy technologies and the future of oil, while also contributing regularly to leading podcasts.

Today, Henry continues to shape discussions around technology and sustainability as US Technology Editor for The Economist. His global perspective, analytical expertise and deep understanding of economic and environmental transformation make him an insightful and highly engaging keynote speaker for corporate audiences, conferences and leadership events worldwide.

Why Hire Henry Tricks?

Henry Tricks is hired as a speaker for his ability to translate complex issues surrounding technology, sustainability, energy and global economics into clear, commercially relevant insights. Drawing on decades of international reporting and editorial leadership, Henry delivers thought-provoking keynote speeches that help audiences understand the forces shaping the future of business and society. From ESG and energy transition to artificial intelligence and global markets, his presentations combine journalistic rigour with real-world analysis. Having reported from major international markets and contributed to influential Economist podcasts and reports, Henry offers audiences a truly global perspective.

Henry Tricks’ Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Henry Tricks’ remarkable career:

• 2019 – Appointed Chairman of Natural England by Environmental Secretary Michael Gove, overseeing England’s leading environmental advisory body.
• 2017 – Awarded a CBE for services to conservation and sustainability in recognition of his environmental leadership.
• 2010s – Served as a special advisor to the Prince of Wales, contributing to the Prince’s Rainforests Project and global conservation initiatives.
• 2010s – Worked as a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, advising organisations on sustainable development strategies.
• 2009 – Received the Rothschild Medal from The Wildlife Trusts for outstanding contributions to conservation.
• 2000s – Collaborated with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on The Big Ask campaign, helping secure support from over 130,000 people nationwide.
• 2006 – Led the campaign promoting the Climate Change Bill through Friends of the Earth, influencing landmark UK climate legislation.
• 2000s – Served as Vice-Chair of Friends of the Earth International, helping shape international environmental campaigns and policy discussions.
• 1990 – Joined Friends of the Earth and began building a distinguished career in environmental advocacy and sustainability campaigning.
• 1983 – Graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Psychology and Zoology before pursuing a Master’s degree in Conservation at University College London.