Robert Guest Keynote Speaker

The Economist's Deputy Editor, Providing Custom Global and Industry Insight

Robert Guest's Biography

Robert Guest is Deputy Editor of The Economist, one of the world’s most influential news magazines. He travels extensively and speaks regularly with CEOs and entrepreneurs across industries. A witty and engaging speaker, he simplifies complex subjects and brings his presentations to life with humor and first-hand anecdotes.

He is frequently invited to chair conferences and deliver keynote speeches. Few speakers offer such a vivid, up-to-date, and global perspective on business and politics. Mr. Guest has reported from more than 90 countries and lived in six, earning numerous awards for his work.

As Deputy Editor, Robert helps oversee The Economist’s coverage of current affairs, from geopolitics to global economics. His previous roles include Foreign Editor, United States Editor, and Business Editor.

Global Views of US Politics

As deputy editor of The Economist, this is one of the biggest questions Robert Guest is tackling this year. It is the question he asks CEOs and cabinet ministers in every country he visits, and their answers suggest they think it matters more than any recent election.

Robert understands that audiences are likely to include a wide range of political views, so every presentation is grounded in facts, delivered respectfully, and tailored to the audience’s interests, industry, and region.

Topics May Include:

How US politics looks from a multinational boardroom
Among the policies drawing global attention, Trump has proposed broad tariffs while Biden emphasized green industrial policy. Either approach would shape the US economy and global interdependence. Drawing on reporting from the US, India, China, Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, Robert explores how companies are reassessing investments and reshaping supply chains.
How US politics looks from Europe
Robert explores European perspectives on the Trump presidency and how changes to US military support for Ukraine could affect geopolitics and commodity markets. Drawing from reporting in Ukraine, London, and Brussels, he examines broader ripple effects across energy and food systems.
How US politics looks from Beijing
An exploration of why some of Xi Jinping’s advisers favored a Trump victory while others viewed it with concern—and what those perspectives reveal about China’s strategic outlook.
How US politics looks from Taiwan
Taiwan produces a significant share of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, making regional stability critical to the global economy. Robert examines how US leadership could influence tensions and supply chain resilience across the technology sector.
How US politics looks from the rest of Asia
India, Japan, Vietnam, and neighboring economies are responding differently to shifts in American politics. Robert explores how the region is adapting to uncertainty and changing geopolitical dynamics.
How US politics looks from the Middle East
With ongoing regional tensions and changing diplomatic priorities, Robert examines how governments and markets across the Middle East are responding to different approaches to US foreign policy.

This is just a sampling of the most popular questions Robert can cover. He works with clients in advance to understand their audience and customize each presentation.

Customized Speaking Topics

Robert Guest speaks on a variety of topics related to global business and politics.

As a senior editor at The Economist, he travels extensively to research and speak on themes including the rise of China, India, Latin America, and Africa; the relationship between politics and business in the US and Europe; and the role of talent and technology in shaping the global economy.

Comments & Testimonials

Robert provided a unique and insightful perspective. He was energizing and entertaining, and delivered a compelling message to our 500+ top leaders and executives.

Hikmet Ersek CEO Western Union

Robert Guest was an engaging and insightful speaker and one of the best we have had for the Executive Forum series. His answers to audience questions were thoughtful and well-informed.

William D. Underwood President Mercer University

I have been to 13 of these meetings so far, and can honestly say that Robert Guest was the finest speaker we have ever had.

Dennis Unkovic Chairman Meritas

With a great combination of facts and compelling real life stories, Robert Guest brings the world's connections to life.

Lenny Mendonca Director McKinsey & Co