Professor Ian Goldin

Oxford Professor, Former World Bank Vice President, Oxford Martin School Founding Director, Globalisation & Development Expert

Professor Ian Goldin’s Biography:

Professor Ian Goldin is a world-renowned keynote speaker, economist and academic, currently serving as Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, Professorial Fellow at Balliol College and Director of the Oxford Martin Programmes on Technological and Economic Change, the Future of Work and the Future of Development. Ian is widely recognised as one of the leading voices on global change, international development and future trends. As a speaker, he is known for combining academic rigour with real-world policy experience, making complex global issues accessible, relevant and highly engaging for audiences. One of Ian’s most notable distinctions is his role as former adviser to President Nelson Mandela, a position that reflects both his international influence and the depth of his expertise on economic transformation, development and leadership.

Ian’s journey began with an exceptional academic foundation that helped shape his future career. He gained a BA (Hons) and BSc from the University of Cape Town, followed by an MSc from the London School of Economics, before completing both an MA and Doctorate at the University of Oxford. These studies laid the groundwork for a career defined by intellectual depth and global perspective. Before rising to prominence at Oxford and on the international stage, Ian held important economic policy roles including Programme Director at the OECD Development Centre in Paris and Principal Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London. These early experiences gave him first-hand insight into trade, sustainable development, governance and global economics, all of which continue to shape the substance and authority of his keynote speeches today.

Over the course of his career, Ian has built an extraordinary record of leadership and achievement. He served as Chief Executive and Managing Director of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, where he played a major role in transforming the institution into a leading agent of development across Southern Africa. During this period, he also worked as Economic Adviser to President Nelson Mandela and served as Finance Director for South Africa’s Olympic Bid. Ian later joined the World Bank, first as Director of Development Policy and then as Vice President, helping to shape the organisation’s research, global partnerships and strategic agenda. At Oxford, he became the founding Director of the Oxford Martin School, leading the School from 2006 to 2016 and establishing 45 research programmes involving more than 500 academics from over 100 disciplines. His achievements have also been recognised internationally, including being knighted by the French Government, being named a World Economic Forum Global Leader of Tomorrow, publishing 25 books, and presenting major BBC documentary series including ‘After the Crash’, ‘Will AI Kill Development?’, ‘The Pandemic That Changed the World’ and ‘The Death of Globalisation’.

Why Hire Professor Ian Goldin?

Ian is hired as a keynote speaker because he offers audiences a rare mix of scholarly authority, policy experience and practical relevance. His speaking topics include world economics, globalisation, migration, development, governance, future trends, innovation, technology, education and politics, all of which are increasingly important for organisations trying to make sense of uncertainty and long-term change. Ian does more than explain global challenges, he helps audiences understand what those changes mean for business, leadership and society. Whether addressing senior executives, policymakers, academics or international conference delegates, he delivers thought-provoking insight with clarity and credibility. For event organisers looking for a keynote speaker who can bring intelligence, perspective and substance to the stage, Ian is an exceptional choice.

Professor Ian Goldin’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Professor Ian Goldin’s distinguished economics career:

• 2025 – Published “A Migration Bargain” in Intereconomics, Volume 60
• 2025 – Published “From Connectivity to Entanglement” in Globalization Studies
• 2024 – Published The Shortest History of Migration
• 2023 – Published Age of the City: Why Our Future Will Be Won or Lost Together
• 2006-2016 – Served as founding Director of the Oxford Martin School
• 2003-2006 – Served as Vice President of the World Bank
• 2001-2003 – Served as Director of Development Policy at the World Bank
• 1996-2001 – Served as Chief Executive and Managing Director of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, while advising President Nelson Mandela
• 2000 – Was knighted by the French Government for contributions to development and research