Warwick Economics Professor appointed as Chief Economist to UK Foreign Office

Warwick Economics Professor appointed as Chief Economist to UK Foreign Office

Professor Dennis Novy has been appointed as Chief Economist and Director of Analysis at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), one of the oldest and most prestigious Government departments.

Founded in 1782 as the Foreign Office, FCDO leads the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world.

In his new role Professor Novy becomes the lead economic adviser to the Foreign Secretary on all of the UK’s foreign and international development policy. He will offer analysis, advice and thought leadership to the whole Ministerial team on the issues before them. He will also provide leadership for the FCDO’s analysts, helping to ensure that policies are based on robust data, evidence and evaluation, and represent the UK to counterparts on foreign government and global institutions such as the World Bank.

In addition to his internationally respected academic work on the economics of international trade and macroeconomics, Professor Novy had previously served as the Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers at HM Treasury appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and as a member of the Economic Advisory Council of the British Chambers of Commerce. In January 2024 he gave evidence to Parliament’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, making recommendations on how to enhance the UK’s economic security.

Professor Novy has been a member of the Department since 2006 when he joined the faculty from the University of Cambridge, where he took his PhD. He is currently Impact Director of the ESRC Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE), based in the Department, and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR).

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick Professor Stuart Croft said:

“I was thrilled to hear the news that Professor Novy will be joining the Foreign Office to bring his expertise and insight to bear at the very highest levels of UK policy-making.

“It is a wonderful appointment for Dennis, who has an impressive track record in parliamentary and government engagement, and also fantastic news for Warwick.

“As a university we aim to contribute to society by applying our outstanding research to real-world problems. The appointment of Dennis as Chief Economist and Director of Analysis at the FCDO shows that we deliver on that ambition.”

Professor Novy said:

“I am delighted to join the FCDO in this exciting role. It is a huge privilege to serve the UK as part of this excellent institution.

“At this time of great change and uncertainty in the world, rigorous policy analysis and principled economic thinking are more vital than ever. The Economics Department at Warwick is at the forefront of that intellectual endeavour.

“On a personal note, I have been thrilled to discover a strong Warwick community among my new colleagues, many of whom studied at Warwick themselves, have children who are currently studying with us, or who are preparing their applications.”

Head of Department Jeremy Smith said:

“I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Professor Dennis Novy on his appointment as Chief Economist and Director of Analysis at the FCDO. This is a prestigious and impactful role, and Dennis’s selection is a testament to his outstanding scholarship and commitment to public service.

“Dennis joined the Department in 2006 and has contributed not only through his internationally recognised research in international trade and economic policy, but also through his leadership roles, including as Impact Director of the ESRC Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).

“The FCDO will benefit immensely from Dennis’s expertise. On behalf of the Department, I extend our warmest congratulations and wish him every success in this important new chapter.”