BIOGRAPHY
George Magnus is a world renowned economist, academic, and author known for his insightful and often prescient commentary on global economic events. Currently a Research Associate at Oxford University’s China Centre, as well as the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, George has many years of experience on the front line of economic change.
As Chief Economist, and later Senior Economic Advisor at UBS Investment Bank from 1995-2012, George had a managerial role throughout several periods of boom and bust, both in advanced economies and emerging markets. This includes the financial crash of 2008, which George anticipated two years earlier in a series of research papers. George also served UBS as the Chair of the Investment Committee of the Pension and Life Assurance fund, and was an external senior advisor to clients of the bank for four years after departing UBS.
George has previously worked as Chief Economist at SG Warburg, in a senior capacity at Laurie Milbank/Chase Securities, as well as positions at the Bank of America in both London and San Francisco.
A regular contributor to publications and broadcasters such as the Financial Times, Prospect, BBC, and Bloomberg, George speaks on a number of issues, including Brexit, the US economy, and especially on China, a topic which formed the basis for his latest book, Red Flags: Why Xi’s China is in Jeopardy (2018). George’s other works include The Age of Aging (2008) and the controversial Uprising: Will Emerging Markets Shape or Shake the World Economy? (2011)
For more information on George Magnus’ keynote speaking topics, availability and fees, contact VBQ Speakers founding agent Leo von Bülow-Quirk at leo@vbqspeakers.com.
GEORGE MAGNUS: SPEAKER
George has witnessed economic ups and downs from the closest possible vantage point. His thoughts, often prescient, on issues as diverse as China, Brexit, and emerging economies, offer invaluable insights earned from years of experience and academic rigour. He is the essential keynote speaker for businesses looking for forward-thinking, original, and daring economic advice.
“China’s rise is the greatest story of our age. But will it continue? In this characteristically clear and compelling book, George Magnus explains the many challenges Xi Jinping’s China must overcome, if it is to do so, and the many challenges it will pose to the rest of the world, if it does so.” -— Martin Wolf, Financial Times
”Compelling, ominous and thought-provoking … essential reading.” Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads
”For insight into the dilemmas and decisions China’s leaders, notably Xi Jinping, will face in the next decades, it would be hard to beat Red Flags.” — Diane Coyle, author of GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History
“An excellent, tightly argued and fluently written analysis of the challenges that lie behind the China Dream.” — Jonathan Fenby, author of Will China Dominate the 21st Century?
“An immensely important and powerful book from one of our premier commentators on economics.” — Rana Mitter, author of China’s War with Japan, 1937-1945
”A nuanced, historically informed and highly readable account of why we should never be complacent about the People’s Republic.” -— Kerry Brown, author of CEO, China