Will HuttonDistinguished Economist and Former Editor in Chief of The Observer

Will Hutton is a pre-eminent British economist and journalist who currently serves as the co-chair of the Purposeful Company and president-designate of the Academy of Social Sciences. Renowned for his analytical depth, he previously led the Work Foundation as Chief Executive for eight years and served as the Principal of Hertford College, University of Oxford, from 2011 to 2020. His career spans high-level finance as an investment analyst, ten years at the BBC, and a senior role as the editor in chief of The Observer, where he remains a prominent weekly columnist. A prolific and celebrated author, he has penned several influential books on the global economy, including the best-selling titles The State We're In and The Writing on the Wall. His expertise is frequently sought by international governing bodies, evidenced by his role as a rapporteur for the European Commission's Lisbon strategy review. He also chairs the advisory board for the UK National Youth Corps and continues to support academic excellence as a Governor of the London School of Economics and a visiting professor at multiple leading universities. With a career defined by shaping national discourse on work and employment, he is booked by modern audiences for his unique ability to connect complex geopolitical trends with the practical realities of today's economic landscape. On stage, Will Hutton is best known for talks on Emerging Markets, Economics & the Economy and Politics & Geopolitics. 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. Will Hutton is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Presenter & Awards Host, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. 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 Will Hutton would approach your audience.