Graeme Leach

Understanding a defining decade

Graeme Leach is an economist, forecaster and international speaker focused on the economic and geopolitical forces reshaping the environment in which organisations operate. His work explores the global and UK economic outlook, economic policy and the structural developments influencing prosperity, markets and business.

He is writing a new book, The Defining Decade, which argues that the scale of economic and geopolitical change between 2026 and 2035 will make this period the defining decade of the 21st century. This perspective sits at the heart of Graeme’s work, examining how major forces interact and what their consequences could mean for economies, organisations and society.

As founder and chief economist of Global4cast, Graeme leads a macroeconomic and geopolitical advisory firm built on his extensive experience in economic forecasting. Global4cast helps clients look beyond short-term volatility to understand the developments that could shape the economic landscape ahead.

On stage, Graeme translates these complex issues into clear and relevant insights, helping audiences understand the bigger picture and its implications for the decisions being made today.

A career in economic forecasting

Graeme Leach began his career at the Henley Centre for Forecasting, where he served as chief UK economist and chief international economist. He also worked as economic adviser to the Scottish Provident Investment Group, developing experience at the intersection of economics, forecasting and investment.

He later became chief economist and director of policy at the Institute of Directors (IoD), where he was also a member of the Board. During his time at the IoD, Graeme represented the organisation in discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and 10 Downing Street, gaining close exposure to economic policymaking and the issues affecting UK businesses.

Graeme subsequently served as director of economics at the Legatum Institute, now the Prosperity Institute. His work there examined the sources of economic prosperity around the world and the conditions that enable countries and societies to thrive over the long term.

Together, these roles have given Graeme a perspective that spans economic forecasting, investment, public policy, business and global prosperity.

Economic insight in the public debate

Alongside his advisory and speaking work, Graeme has been a prominent contributor to economic discussion in the media. He is a member of the IEA Shadow Monetary Policy Committee and has been interviewed by BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and World at One.

For nearly a decade, he also wrote a column for City AM, providing commentary on economic developments and policy issues for a business audience.

Graeme’s academic work adds another dimension to his expertise. He is visiting professor of economic policy at the University of Lincoln and has lectured on the master’s degree programme at Cardiff Business School.

His experience across business, policy, media and academia enables him to approach economic questions from multiple perspectives and communicate their significance to audiences beyond the world of economics.

An experienced international speaker

Graeme Leach has delivered hundreds of speeches on economics and economic policy, speaking throughout the UK and in 30 countries around the world.

His engagements have ranged from major international conferences to intimate discussions with senior decision-makers, including:

• An audience of 2,000 delegates at the Royal Albert Hall
• 1,000 attendees at the Fixed Income Leaders Summit in Paris
• After-dinner speeches for business and professional audiences
• Smaller round-table discussions requiring a more interactive approach

This breadth of experience allows Graeme to adapt his presentations to the audience and setting, whether providing a high-level view of the global economy or exploring specific developments with a focused group of business leaders.

Book Graeme Leach for your event

Book Graeme Leach to help your audience understand the economic and geopolitical developments that could define the years ahead.

Drawing on decades of experience in forecasting, policy and economic analysis, Graeme provides context around the global and UK economic outlook, geopolitical change, prosperity and the structural forces transforming the business environment.

Through the lens of The Defining Decade, he challenges audiences to look beyond immediate headlines and consider how developments between 2026 and 2035 could influence economies, markets and organisations over the longer term.

For audiences navigating an increasingly complex economic environment, Graeme brings clarity, perspective and a thought-provoking view of what could come next.