Renowned Economist Lord Jim O'Neill Joins the Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is thrilled to announce the appointment of The Right Honourable Lord Jim O’Neill as Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on the Global Economy. O’Neill, a renowned economist and member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, will join the Council’s roster of esteemed experts in contributing to the Council’s thought leadership, convening and research efforts.
"It is a huge honor for me to be invited to this position at such a prestigious body, especially given its close links to such talented and accomplished thinkers from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and many other great minds across Chicago and the Midwest,” O’Neill said. “I look forward to trying to contribute.”
One of the world’s preeminent experts on developing markets, O’Neill is perhaps best known for coining the acronym BRICs to describe the growing global economic significance of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2015 and, as the UK's commercial secretary to the Treasury under former Prime Minister David Cameron, led efforts to rebuild the North of the UK and strengthen the UK’s trade relationship with China. He was chair of the Council (Board of Trustees) of Chatham House from 2018 to 2021.
“As the United States assumes leadership of the G20, and as emerging powers—and especially China—become even more significant players in the global economy, the Council has a critical window of opportunity during which we can develop proposals for managing international economic competition and contributing positive solutions to the greatest challenges of our time,” said Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri. “Lord O’Neill’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking, combined with his deep experience and expertise, will be invaluable in shaping our research and convenings in this pivotal moment."
Prior to his time in Parliament, O’Neill worked in the private sector for several prominent global financial institutions, including Bank of America, Swiss Bank Corporation and Goldman Sachs, where he became the chair of the Asset Management division after serving as the firm’s chief economist for many years.
“Lord O'Neill is a respected and influential voice among economists here in Chicago and around the world,” said Michael Moskow, vice chair of the Council's board of directors and former president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. “We are delighted to welcome him to the Council's community of global experts and leaders.”
About the Council
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Council was founded in 1922 and is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.