Biography

Jim O’Neill is renowned economist, policy adviser, author, and keynote speaker on the global economy. He was the Chairman of Chatham House until July 2021. Jim O’Neill is a keynote speaker at events around the world and speaks to audiences interested in global finance, economics and emerging markets.

He stepped down from Government, having been Commercial Secretary to the Treasury from May 2015 until September 2016. During that time, and since Spring 2014, Lord O’Neill had chaired a formal Review into AMR (antimicrobial resistance) reporting its final recommendations in May 2016, and contributed to high level agreement at the UN in September. Until October 2014, Jim chaired the Cities Growth Commission in the UK, when it provided its final recommendations, which formed the impetus for the government’s policy on devolution as well as the concept of the Northern Powerhouse.

Jim is the creator of the well known acronym “BRIC” and has conducted much research about these and other emerging economies. He has published various books on the topic, and in early 2014 made a documentary series for the BBC entitled MINT:The Next Economic Giants. He is well-regarded writer and is often invited to speak on these and many other international economic and financial topics for leading international media. There are very few, if any, people who can speak with such authority on Emerging Markets.

He is one of the founding trustees of the UK educational charity, SHINE, and following his move into government, he became their lifetime President.

Jim has served on many educational foundation boards, as well as having served on the boards of a number of international organisations and think tanks. Jim served as a non-executive director of Manchester United before it returned to private ownership in 2005. He is the Honorary Chair of Economics at Manchester University.

In August 2020, he became a member of the WHO’s Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development: Rethinking Policy Priorities in the light of Pandemics.

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Videos

Jim O'Neill: 2021 could be better than many people think

Jim O'Neill: India's Growth Could Pass China

11th Roberts Lecture - Lord Jim O'Neill

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

The Growth Map: Economic Opportunity in the BRICs and Beyond

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Opportunities for investors in Emerging Markets;

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ESG Investing

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Booksby Jim O’Neill

Super-Bugs: An Arms Race Against Bacteria

The BRIC Road to Growth

The Growth Map: Economic Opportunity in the BRICs and Beyond

Blog Posts

How to Turn Adversity Into Stepping Stones for Success with Magie Cook

Keynote speaker Magie Cook shares how shifting your mindset transforms adversity into power and turns setbacks into stepping stones for success.

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Planning a bank, fintech, insurance, or wealth management event? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences shows you what works now: selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and direct links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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Mindfulness Practices That Cut Event Planning Stress in Half (Science-Backed)

Mindfulness isn't mellow—it's a performance system. Discover practices, top apps, and keynote speakers that turn well-being into results.

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Best Leadership Speakers for Healthcare Conferences (2025 Guide): Shortlist, Fees, Topics & How to Book

Looking for the Best Leadership Speakers for Healthcare Conferences? You’re in the right place. This 2025 guide is written for hospital and health-system leaders, payer/provider teams, life sciences and medtech planners who need keynote speakers...

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How Creativity Is Most Valuable Business Asset In the AI Age

AI creativity is reshaping business success—discover why creative thinking matters more than technical skills in today's automated workplace.

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Turning Adversity Into Team Growth with John O’Leary

Learn how adversity keynote speaker John O'Leary transforms pain into purpose through resilience, choice, and community-driven growth mindset.

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