Paul Johnson is a distinguished British economist and civil servant whose wealth of experience and expertise make him a sought-after motivational speaker. As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) since 2011, Paul has led the UK's most influential economic research institute, driving critical insights into public policy and fiscal responsibility. His leadership has earned the IFS numerous accolades, including being recognised as 'Economic and Financial Think Tank of the Year' for four consecutive years. With a career spanning both government and academia, Paul’s thought leadership and engaging communication style inspire audiences to think critically about economics, policy, and the future.
Paul’s career is marked by a series of impactful roles. He began at the IFS in 1988, quickly rising to Deputy Director before moving into government advisory roles. In 1998, he became an adviser on pensions and welfare reform in the Cabinet Office. His career trajectory continued upward as Head of Economies of Financial Regulation at the Financial Services Authority, followed by serving as Chief Economist and Director of Analytical Services at the Department for Education and Employment. Paul’s experience at HM Treasury as Director of Public Services and Chief Micro-Economist, alongside his position as Deputy Head of the Government Economic Service, underscores his influence over national economic strategies.
In addition to his leadership roles, Paul is a celebrated author and communicator. His 2023 book, 'Follow the Money: How Much Does Britain Cost?', became a Sunday Times bestseller, praised as "gripping and horrifying... witty and brilliant" by The Times. He also writes as a regular columnist for The Times, bringing his insights into public finances and economic policies to a broad audience. His ability to demystify complex economic concepts and present them with clarity and wit makes him an engaging and effective speaker. His work as an Honorary Professor at the UCL Policy Lab and frequent contributions to broadcast media further highlight his talent for translating economic theory into practical, real-world understanding.
Paul’s achievements have been recognised with numerous honours, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018 for his services to social sciences and economics. He has held esteemed positions such as board member of the Climate Change Committee, where he contributed to discussions on the economic impacts of environmental policy. His leadership in reviews on pension auto-enrolment, inflation measurement for the UK Statistics Authority, and tax devolution for the Northern Ireland Executive demonstrate his versatility and commitment to public service. With honorary doctorates from the universities of Exeter, York, Sussex, and University College London, and as an Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford, Paul’s academic and professional achievements are widely recognised.
