Vijay Vaitheeswaran is the current Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor at The Economist. With a career spanning over three decades, Vijay is known for exploring critical topics like innovation, globalisation, and sustainability. He is an acclaimed author, with works like ‘Power to the People’ and ‘ZOOM’, and a recognised thought leader who has shaped conversations on energy and business worldwide. His achievements include being shortlisted for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year prize, underscoring his influence in his field.
Vijay's journey began with a robust academic foundation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His academic achievements included being named a Harry S. Truman Presidential Scholar by the U.S. Congress, showcasing his early potential. Joining The Economist in 1992, he rapidly rose through the ranks, making his mark by establishing the magazine’s first regional bureau in Mexico City. Later, he displayed his visionary leadership by opening The Economist’s Shanghai bureau in 2012.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vijay has garnered numerous accolades. As U.S. Business Editor from 2017 to 2021, he provided pivotal insights into the pre and post-pandemic economic landscape. Earlier, as Environment & Energy Correspondent, he became a key voice on sustainability and innovation. His books, including ‘Need, Speed, and Greed’, have received widespread praise. Beyond journalism, Vijay is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an esteemed public speaker, having addressed prestigious gatherings like the UN General Assembly, TED, and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Engaging Vijay Vaitheeswaran as a speaker offers unparalleled insights into the future of innovation, globalisation, and climate change. With award-winning expertise and a deep understanding of business and sustainability, Vijay equips audiences with the foresight to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving world.
Books
Need, Speed and Greed: How the New Rules of Innovation Can Transform Businesses, Propel Nations to Greatness, and Tame the World's Problems
Power to the People: How the Coming Energy Revolution Will Transform Our Lives, Turn the Energy Business Upside down, and Perhaps Even Save Our Planet
How to hire Vijay Vaitheeswaran
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Vijay Vaitheeswaran for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Vijay Vaitheeswaran's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Globalisation and Supply Chains
- Innovation
- Climate Change and Energy Transformation
- Sustainability and Business
- Global Economics
- 2022 – Present - Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor for The Economist
- 2017-2021 – U.S. Business Editor for The Economist
- 2012-2017 – China Business Editor, opened The Economist’s Shanghai bureau
- 2007 – Published ‘ZOOM: The Global Race to Fuel the Car of the Future’
- 2003 – Published ‘Power to the People’
- 1998-2006 – Served as Environment & Energy Correspondent for The Economist
