Renowned economist made Honorary Professor

14 Jan 2014

Former Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jim O’Neill takes new post

The renowned economist Jim O’Neill has been appointed Honorary Professor of Economics.

The appointment will give economics staff and students an exciting opportunity to discuss issues within the subject with the former Goldman Sachs Chief Economist.

Brought up in Gatley and a life-long Manchester United fan, he worked for Goldman Sachs Group between 1995 and 2013.

He was Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management and the firm's Chief Economist from 2001 to 2011. Before joining Goldman Sachs, he was Head of Global Research at Swiss Bank Corp.

Professor O’Neill famously coined the term ‘BRIC’ economies in a 2001 paper, predicting that Brazil, Russia, India and China would become future powerhouses of the world economy. The acronym has been widely used to symbolise a shift in global economic power away from the G7 economies towards the developing world.

Professor O’Neill said: “I feel flattered and honoured, and hope I can give something of value to justify it."

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell said: “Jim O’Neill is a world renowned economist who, during his career, has done more than most to lead the research and policy agenda on foreign exchange and emerging markets. Staff and students alike will be energised by his position as Honorary Chair in Economics.”