Zanny Minton-Beddoes

Zanny Minton-Beddoes is a globally respected economic expert, celebrated for her role as Editor-in-Chief of The Economist and her insights as a keynote speaker on international finance, economic trends, and emerging markets. She became the first woman to lead the 180-year-old publication, marking a major achievement in the field of financial journalism and making her a sought-after voice for industry and academic audiences alike.

Zanny’s journey into economics began with a strong academic foundation, studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University before earning a Kennedy Scholarship to Harvard University, where she completed a master’s degree. Her career started in 1992 when she became an advisor to Poland’s Ministry of Finance under renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, contributing to pivotal economic reforms. Following this role, she joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where she worked on macroeconomic adjustment programmes, focusing on Africa and the transitional economies of Eastern Europe.

In 1994, Zanny joined The Economist as an emerging markets correspondent and quickly rose through its ranks. By 1996, she was promoted to Economics Editor, managing global economics coverage from Washington, D.C., and eventually took on the role of Business Affairs Editor, overseeing business, finance, and science reporting. Her reporting expertise and editorial insight earned her Gerald Loeb Awards for Commentary in 2012 and for Breaking News in 2017, cementing her reputation as a leading journalist.

In 2015, Zanny became Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, where she has driven the publication’s digital transformation, overseeing a 20% increase in digital subscriptions within a single year. Her influence extends beyond journalism; she is a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a member of the Research Advisory Board for the Committee for Economic Development. She has also been named one of Forbes’ Top 100 Powerful Women in recognition of her impact on gender equality in economics and journalism.

Zanny Minton-Beddoes’s unique experiences make her an invaluable keynote speaker. Her insights into global finance, the future of emerging markets, and digital media transformation provide audiences with a comprehensive view of modern economic challenges and opportunities. Companies and organisations interested in gaining a cutting-edge understanding of these trends should consider her for their events.