Professor Ian Goldin

Professor Ian Goldin is a world-renowned authority on globalisation and international development, currently serving as Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford. A Fellow of Balliol College and the founding Director of the Oxford Martin School, his career spans the highest levels of global finance and governance. He previously held the position of Vice President of the World Bank, where he managed critical relationships with European governments and oversaw the institution's strategic research agenda as Director of Development Policy. His extensive leadership experience includes serving as the Chief Executive of the Development Bank of South Africa and acting as a pivotal advisor to Nelson Mandela. Professor Goldin's early career featured senior roles at the EBRD and the OECD, where he focused on sustainable development and international trade. Recognised by the French government for his contributions and named a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, he is also a prolific broadcaster, having authored and presented three major BBC series covering post-crash economics, artificial intelligence, and global pandemics. As the author of numerous influential books, including Age of the City and The Butterfly Defect, Professor Goldin provides essential context on how systemic risks and urban shifts define our era. He is frequently booked for his ability to synthesise complex economic data into clear, strategic perspectives on the future of emerging markets and the global economy. On stage, Professor Ian Goldin is best known for talks on Emerging Markets and Economics & The Economy. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Finance & Economics and Politics & Government, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. Professor Ian Goldin is regularly booked for Business Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Professor Ian Goldin travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Professor Ian Goldin would approach your audience.