Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson CBE is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected economists, public policy experts and commentators. Currently serving as Provost of The Queen’s College, Oxford, Paul is widely recognised for his influential leadership as Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) from 2011 to 2025. During his tenure, he strengthened the IFS’s reputation as the country’s leading independent authority on economic research and public policy analysis. Alongside his academic and policy work, Paul is a bestselling author, columnist for The Times and a sought-after keynote speaker who is renowned for making complex economic issues accessible and engaging for audiences across the public and private sectors.

Paul’s journey into economics began at Keble College, Oxford, where he studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics, graduating with first-class honours. He later completed an MSc in Economics at Birkbeck, University of London. His professional career started at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, where he spent a decade developing expertise in taxation, pensions and public spending, eventually becoming Deputy Director. Seeking broader policy experience, Paul moved into government as an adviser on pensions and welfare reform before taking on senior positions including Head of Economics of Financial Regulation at the Financial Services Authority and Chief Economist and Director of Analytical Services at the Department for Education. These formative roles provided him with invaluable insight into the relationship between economic theory and practical policymaking.

Throughout his distinguished career, Paul has held some of the most influential economic positions in Britain. He served as Director of Public Services and Chief Micro-Economist at HM Treasury, as well as Deputy Head of the Government Economic Service, before becoming a Senior Associate at Frontier Economics. In 2011, he returned to the IFS as Director, leading the organisation through a period of unprecedented economic and political change. Beyond his executive roles, Paul has been a Visiting Professor at University College London, a member of the Climate Change Committee, and a regular contributor to national broadcast and print media. His achievements have been recognised through numerous honours, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018 for services to economics and the social sciences, election as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, and the publication of his bestselling book, ‘Follow the Money: How Much Does Britain Cost?’, in 2023. He has also been awarded multiple honorary doctorates in recognition of his contribution to economic thought and public policy.

As a keynote speaker, Paul brings together decades of experience spanning government, academia, consultancy and media. He speaks with authority on economic growth, taxation, public finances, pensions, inequality, education, climate policy and the future of public services, offering audiences a balanced and evidence-based perspective on the challenges facing modern society. Paul’s ability to explain complex economic issues in clear and practical terms makes him particularly valuable to business leaders, policymakers and conference audiences seeking meaningful insight into the forces shaping the economy. Paul delivers thought-provoking presentations that inform, challenge and inspire, making him an exceptional choice for conferences, leadership events and corporate engagements.

In January of 2021, we were lucky enough to sit down with Paul and discuss all things COVID, planning for the future in uncertain times and more. Read our exclusive interview with Paul Johnson, today.