Paul Johnson

British Economist, Provost of The Queen’s College Oxford, Former Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies & Columnist for The Times

Paul Johnson’s Biography:

Paul Johnson CBE is one of the UK’s most respected economists and public policy experts. Best known for serving as Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), Paul has shaped national debate on taxation, public finances, pensions and public policy through independent economic analysis. In 2025, he was appointed Provost of The Queen’s College, Oxford, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s leading voices on economics and governance. As a bestselling author, columnist for The Times and frequent broadcaster, he translates complex economic issues into engaging, accessible insights, making him an outstanding keynote speaker on economic growth, inequality, education, climate policy and the future of public services.

Paul studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Keble College, Oxford, before completing an MSc in Economics at Birkbeck, University of London. He began his professional career at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, spending a decade building expertise in taxation, pensions and public spending before becoming Deputy Director. He later advised government on pensions and welfare reform and held senior economic positions across the public sector, including Head of Economics of Financial Regulation at the Financial Services Authority, Chief Economist and Director of Analytical Services at the Department for Education, Director of Public Services and Chief Micro-Economist at HM Treasury, Deputy Head of the Government Economic Service and Senior Associate at Frontier Economics. In 2011, he returned to lead the IFS during a period of significant economic and political change.

Alongside his leadership roles, Paul has served as a Visiting Professor at University College London, a member of the Climate Change Committee and a regular contributor across national television, radio and print media. In 2018, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to economics and the social sciences and was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. His bestselling 2023 book, ‘Follow the Money: How Much Does Britain Cost?’, further established his reputation for explaining public finances to a broad audience, while multiple honorary doctorates recognise his lasting contribution to economics and public policy.

Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of government, academia and independent research, Paul delivers balanced, evidence-based perspectives on the economic challenges facing businesses, policymakers and society. His ability to combine rigorous analysis with clear communication enables audiences to better understand fiscal policy, taxation, public spending and long-term economic trends. Whether addressing corporate leaders, policymakers or academic audiences, he offers practical insights grounded in real-world experience and an unparalleled understanding of Britain’s economic landscape.

Why Hire Paul Johnson?

Paul Johnson is a highly regarded keynote speaker who combines decades of experience in government, academia and independent economic research with an engaging, accessible speaking style. Having led the Institute for Fiscal Studies through some of the UK’s most significant economic events, he provides authoritative analysis of fiscal policy, taxation, public spending and economic growth. A regular media commentator and bestselling author, Paul equips audiences with clear, impartial insights into today’s most pressing economic challenges, helping organisations make sense of an increasingly complex policy and financial environment.

Paul Johnson‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Paul Johnson’s remarkable career:

• 2025 – Appointed Provost of The Queen’s College, Oxford, taking on responsibility for the strategic leadership of one of the University of Oxford’s historic colleges and overseeing its academic community.
• 2023 – Published the bestselling book ‘Follow the Money: How Much Does Britain Cost?’, explaining how Britain’s public finances operate and making complex economic issues accessible to a wide audience.
• 2018 – Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his outstanding services to economics and the social sciences.
• 2018 – Elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) in recognition of his significant contribution to economic research and public policy.
• 2013 – Appointed Visiting Professor of Economics at University College London, contributing to academic research, teaching and public engagement in economics.
• 2012 – Joined the Climate Change Committee, providing independent economic expertise to support the UK’s climate policy and carbon reduction strategy.
• 2011 – Returned to the Institute for Fiscal Studies as Director, leading the organisation through the aftermath of the financial crisis, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic while strengthening its influence on national policy debates.
• 2007 – Became Senior Associate at Frontier Economics, advising public and private sector organisations on economic policy, regulation and market analysis.
• 2004 – Appointed Director of Public Services and Chief Micro-Economist at HM Treasury, helping to shape government policy on public service reform, public spending and economic strategy.