Paul Craven

Behavioural Science Expert, Founder of Paul Craven Partners & Certified Professional Trainer of the Cialdini Institute

Paul Craven’s Biography:

Paul Craven is a leading behavioural science expert working at the intersection of ethical influence, decision-making and the psychology of perception. With three decades of experience at the heart of London’s financial and professional services sector, Paul is recognised for translating complex behavioural economics into practical tools that improve judgement, communication and performance. His work sits firmly within ethical persuasion, championing evidence-based approaches that help organisations influence responsibly while achieving measurable results. This combination of academic rigour, real-world credibility and engaging delivery underpins his reputation as a sought-after international speaker.

Paul’s career began in institutional sales and business development within global asset management. He held senior leadership roles at Schroders, PIMCO and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he ultimately became Head of European Institutional Business. These roles placed him at the forefront of high-stakes decision-making, client influence and market psychology. In 2014, he founded Paul Craven Partners, shifting his focus to advisory, training and speaking, helping organisations apply behavioural science to leadership, sales and strategy. Alongside this, he has served on the £2bn Akzo Nobel pension scheme investment committee, bringing behavioural insight to long-term governance.

Paul’s professional standing is reinforced by his affiliations and contributions to the field. He is a founding member of the Cialdini Institute and a Certified Professional Trainer, promoting the seven principles of ethical persuasion globally. He is also an accredited member of the Magic Circle, reflecting his deep understanding of attention, perception and influence. His forthcoming book, Chameleon Thinking, explores adaptive thinking in complex environments, further cementing his thought leadership.

Beyond titles and credentials, Paul is known for his ability to connect behavioural theory to everyday business challenges. Drawing on psychology, economics and lived executive experience, he equips leaders and teams to make better decisions, communicate with clarity and influence with integrity in an increasingly complex world.

Why Hire Paul Craven?

Paul is hired by organisations seeking practical behavioural science, not theory alone. His sessions are engaging, evidence-led and immediately applicable, helping audiences sharpen judgement, reduce bias and influence ethically. He brings credibility from decades at a senior level in global finance, combined with the rare ability to explain how people really think and decide under pressure.  He delivered his TEDx talk ‘Minds and Markets’ to great acclaim, offering practical advice on how institutions can use behavioural economics to create a competitive advantage. Clients value his clarity, intellectual depth and commercially grounded insights, which consistently translate into improved leadership effectiveness, decision quality and ethical performance.

Paul Craven’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Paul Craven’s inspirational career in behavioural science and economics:

• 2025 – Announced his forthcoming book, ‘Chameleon Thinking’, exploring adaptive decision-making and ethical influence.
• 2024 – Appointed Keynote Speaker and Certified Professional Trainer at the Cialdini Institute, delivering behavioural science programmes globally.
• 2014 – Founder of Paul Craven Partners, advising organisations on ethical influence, decision-making and behavioural change.
• 2014 – Appointed to the £2bn Akzo Nobel pension scheme investment committee, applying behavioural insight to long-term governance.
• 2009 – Head of European Institutional Business at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, leading major client relationships across Europe.
• 2007 – Head of UK Institutional Business at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, driving strategic growth and client engagement.
• 2003 – Head of UK Business Development at PIMCO, expanding institutional client partnerships.
• 1990s – Senior institutional roles across London’s asset management sector, specialising in client psychology and decision dynamics.
• 1986 – Head of UK Institutional Sales at Schroder Investment Management, beginning a 30-year career in financial markets.
• 1986 – Entered the London investment industry, laying the foundations for a career at the forefront of behavioural economics.