Christopher Pissarides Speaker Biography

2010 Winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics

Christopher Pissarides is a Nobel Prize-winning economist keynote speaker whose insights have transformed how we understand labor markets and unemployment. He currently holds the prestigious Regius Professorship of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) and also the Norman Sosnow Chair. Widely respected for his groundbreaking research on labor-market dynamics, he helped reshape policy discussions across Europe and beyond. Notably, his theories explore the structural forces behind employment, job matching, and economic growth. In addition, his work now touches on automation and long-term productivity. His acclaimed book Equilibrium Unemployment Theory, now in its second edition, remains a touchstone for labor economists globally. Moreover, Pissarides served as Vice President, then President of the European Economic Association, further cementing his influence in academic and policy circles. As a Nobel Prize-winning economist keynote speaker, he bridges academic rigor with real-world relevance—making him an essential voice for audiences seeking clarity in uncertain times.

Economics

A master of macroeconomic frameworks, Pissarides formerly led the Economics Department at LSE, guiding the institution through a critical era. His election as a Fellow of elite organizations—including the British Academy, the Econometric Society, and the Society of Labor Economists—speaks volumes about his stature. He also maintains research fellowships with the Centre for Economic Policy Research and Germany’s IZA Institute. These affiliations highlight his ongoing influence in both scholarly and applied economic circles. Additionally, Pissarides serves on the Council of the European Economic Association and previously contributed to the Royal Economic Society. Currently, he chairs the editorial board of Economica and advises numerous academic journals. Importantly, he played a key role in shaping LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance, where he once led the Macroeconomics Research Programme. With deep expertise in global labor trends and economic strategy, he remains one of the most in-demand speakers on the future of work and economic transformation.

Awards

Christopher Pissarides has received multiple awards that recognize the depth and societal impact of his economic research. From 2000 to 2007, he advised the Central Bank of Cyprus through its Monetary Policy Committee. In 2003, he joined the European Employment Task Force, providing guidance during pivotal economic reforms. His clients have included the World Bank, OECD, European Commission, and Bank of England. For his pioneering research on unemployment, he received the 2005 IZA Prize in Labor Economics, which he shared with economist Dale Mortensen. Three years later, the Republic of Cyprus honored him with the “Aristeion” award for his contributions to the arts and sciences. In 2010, he received the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on search frictions in labor markets—a breakthrough that redefined macroeconomic modeling. As a Nobel Prize-winning economist keynote speaker, Pissarides translates such complex theory into pragmatic insights for governments, corporations, and thought leaders worldwide.

Honors

Throughout his career, Christopher Pissarides has been recognized by some of the world’s most respected academic institutions. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Academy of Athens, and Academia Europaea. These honors underscore his status as a transnational authority on economic thought. Notably, he is a Lifetime Honorary Member of the American Economic Association—an elite recognition reserved for the most influential economists. In 2011, while serving as President of the European Economic Association, he also received the Grand Cross of the Republic of Cyprus, the nation’s highest civilian distinction. In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him for his services to economics, officially bestowing the title of “Sir” Christopher Pissarides. Despite his many accolades, he remains actively engaged in public discourse, addressing key challenges such as inequality, digital disruption, and labor automation. As a Nobel Prize-winning economist keynote speaker, Pissarides continues to shape the economic conversation on a truly global scale.