Tom Standage

Tom Standage is a distinguished journalist, author and keynote speaker, best known for his role as Deputy Editor of The Economist and Editor of its annual publication, The World Ahead. A leading voice on global trends, future forecasting and the intersection of history and technology, Tom delivers captivating and thought-provoking speeches grounded in deep research and sharp analysis. His most significant professional achievement lies in shaping The Economist’s digital strategy, including the creation of the Espresso daily news app, and positioning its editorial voice at the forefront of technological innovation.

Tom's career foundations were built on a robust academic path and early industry experience. He studied engineering and computer science at the University of Oxford, a combination that laid the groundwork for his lifelong interest in how technological change influences society. He began his journalism career writing for The Guardian and later became Deputy Editor of the technology section at The Daily Telegraph. These formative roles allowed him to merge analytical rigour with editorial storytelling, honing a unique skill set that would later define his thought leadership at The Economist.

Throughout his career, Tom has held several prestigious editorial positions. After joining The Economist in 1998 as Science Correspondent, he advanced to Technology Editor, Business Editor, Digital Editor, and eventually Deputy Editor. He has authoredseven acclaimed history books, including ‘The Victorian Internet’, ‘A History of the World in 6 Glasses’, and ‘An Edible History of Humanity’, both of which became New York Times bestsellers. His most recent title, ‘A Brief History of Motion’, was selected as a New York Times Editors’ Choice. 

Tom Standage is a compelling choice for any organisation seeking insights into the past, present and future of innovation. He speaks expertly on technology, global trends, digital transformation, historical context and the future of society. These topics are not only timely but essential to navigating the complex challenges of the modern world. With his rare ability to connect historical events with future developments, Tom provides audiences with a powerful lens through which to understand change. His talks inspire forward thinking and strategic clarity - making him a keynote speaker of exceptional relevance and value.