Gerard Patrick Lyons is a distinguished British economist whose career spans several prestigious roles in both the financial and public sectors. He began his professional journey at Chase Manhattan Bank, where he served as an economist from 1985 to 1986. His expertise quickly led him to become the Chief UK Economist at Swiss Bank Corporation from 1986 to 1989, where he provided critical insights into the UK economy. Lyons further solidified his reputation as a leading economist during his tenure at Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank from 1989 to 1999, where he held the position of Chief Economist and Executive Director, guiding the bank through significant economic changes.
From 1999 to 2012, Lyons excelled as the Chief Economist and Group Head of Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank. Under his leadership, the research division flourished, boasting a team of approximately 180 staff members. His foresight and analytical skills were recognized globally, as his team was ranked the top forecasting team by Bloomberg in 2010 and 2011. Notably, Lyons accurately predicted the 2008 recession, showcasing his ability to anticipate economic trends and challenges.
In addition to his financial sector achievements, Lyons has made significant contributions to public policy. He served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, from 2013 to 2016, where he championed initiatives such as the London living wage and played a pivotal role in shaping economic strategies for the city. His advisory roles have extended to various councils, including the World Economic Forum, reflecting his influence in global economic discussions.
Lyons is also a prolific author, having penned works such as “The Consolations of Economics” and “Clean Brexit: How to Make a Success of Leaving the European Union.” His advocacy for economic reforms and his role in co-founding Economists for Brexit highlight his commitment to shaping the economic landscape. With a career marked by significant achievements and contributions, Gerard Lyons continues to be a prominent figure in the field of economics.
