Russell Jones

Former Chief Economist for Asia at Lehman Brothers, Macroeconomic Advisor, Global Financial Crisis Analyst & Author of ‘ A Modern Economic History of Japan‘

Russell Jones’ Biography:

Russell Jones is a leading economist, author and former chief economist whose career spans more than four decades at the forefront of global financial markets. Having held senior leadership positions at some of the world’s most influential investment banks and financial institutions, Russell is widely recognised for his expertise in macroeconomics, foreign exchange markets and global economic trends. As a Partner at Llewellyn Consulting, he advised hedge funds, multinational corporations, governments and major asset managers on economic strategy and risk. A regular commentator on international affairs, he frequently appears on BBC, CNBC, CNN and NHK, making him a highly sought-after speaker on economics, geopolitics and financial markets.

Russell began his career in economics before rising to prominence through a succession of senior roles in global banking and investment management. He spent almost a decade at Lehman Brothers, where he served as Chief Economist Asia, Chief Economist for Asia, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Research and later Chief International Economist. He subsequently became Chief Economist at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Russell then held the position of Global Head of Fixed Income and Foreign Exchange Strategy at RBC before joining Westpac as Global Head of Fixed Income Strategy. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for combining rigorous economic analysis with practical insights into market behaviour and policy developments.

Alongside his distinguished corporate career, Russell is an accomplished author and respected economic historian. His publications include The Itinerant Economist: Memoirs of a Dismal Scientist (2014), The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline (2023) and A Modern Economic History of Japan: Shō Ga Nai – It Is What It Is (2025). He is particularly renowned for his expertise on the Great Depression of the 1930s and its relevance to modern economic challenges. His analysis is regularly featured in major publications, including the Financial Times and The Economist.

Russell’s ability to connect historical events with contemporary economic developments makes him a compelling and insightful speaker. Drawing on experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia, he offers audiences a truly global perspective on economic change, financial markets and public policy. His engaging style, combined with decades of boardroom and advisory experience, enables him to explain complex issues in a clear, accessible and thought-provoking manner. Whether addressing investors, business leaders or policymakers, Russell provides valuable insights into the forces shaping the global economy and the implications for organisations navigating an increasingly uncertain world.

Why Hire Russell Jones?

Russell Jones is hired as a speaker for his rare combination of frontline market experience, historical expertise and global economic insight. Having advised governments, sovereign wealth funds, multinational corporations and leading investors, he delivers informed perspectives on macroeconomics, financial markets and geopolitical risk. Russell is particularly valued for his ability to explain complex economic issues in an engaging and accessible way. Drawing on decades of international experience and extensive media appearances, he helps audiences understand emerging trends, identify future risks and make sense of the economic forces shaping business and society.

Russell Jones‘ Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Russell Jones’ remarkable career:

• 2025 – Published ‘A Modern Economic History of Japan: Shō Ga Nai – It Is What It Is’, examining Japan’s economic development and policy evolution.
• 2023 – Published ‘The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline’, analysing Britain’s long-term economic challenges.
• 2014 – Published ‘The Itinerant Economist: Memoirs of a Dismal Scientist’, reflecting on his extensive international economics career.
• 2013 – Joined Llewellyn Consulting as a Partner, advising hedge funds, governments, multinational corporations and major asset managers.
• 2010 – Appointed Global Head of Fixed Income Strategy at Westpac, overseeing macroeconomic and fixed income market analysis.
• 2007 – Became Global Head of Fixed Income and Foreign Exchange Strategy at RBC, leading global market strategy research.
• 2005 – Appointed Chief Economist of the Treasury Department at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
• 2000 – Promoted to senior global economic leadership roles at Lehman Brothers following success as Chief Economist Asia.
• 1995 – Joined Lehman Brothers as Chief Economist Asia, establishing himself as one of the leading economic analysts covering Asian markets.