RENOWNED economist and media commentator Professor Neil Gibson has joined ‘big four’ accountancy firm EY as chief economist for all of Ireland.
Most recently head of the Northern Ireland Centre for Economic Policy at Ulster University, Gibson - who has been economic adviser to EY for more than a decade - will provide economic analysis and insight to its clients on a range of issues arising from continued change within Ireland’s economic landscape.
Professor Gibson graduated from the then University of Ulster in 1999 with a BA Hons in Applied Economics.
He joined Oxford Economics in 2007 as a director after a merger with the Regional Forecasts consultancy, where he was founder and managing director.
He has led a wide range of international projects with a focus on economic forecasting and policy advice, as well as being involved in a number of key policy areas in Northern Ireland, including the corporation tax debate and the successful Derry City of Culture bid.
Most recently has worked with clients across the Ireland on scenario planning for current and future implications of Brexit.
Michael Hall, managing partner of EY in Belfast, said: “We welcome the appointment of Neil as chief economist to the firm, having served as economic adviser to EY for the past ten years.
"Ireland is at a critical economic cross-roads with Brexit, wider geopolitical and technological disruption. It’s essential we work in collaboration with business and government to ensure that the UK’s exit from the EU has limited impact on the free movement of labour and trade, not just between Northern Ireland and the Republic, but also with the mainland UK.
"Neil will bring unique perspectives to both the public and private sectors and I would personally like to welcome him to EY Ireland."
Professor Gibson said he was delighted to be joining EY at such a time of great change in the economy, adding: "I look forward to working with our clients, helping them to continue to succeed during what is set to be a period of unprecedented uncertainty.
"Tapping into the global EY economic team and working alongside our local EY teams, I am looking forward to enhancing our economic services in Ireland.”
