Simon Nixon Keynote Speaker

Simon Nixon is a leading commentator on European political economy and geoeconomics and the publisher of the influential Wealth of Nations newsletter on Substack. As Chief European Commentator at The Wall Street Journal (2008–2018) and later Chief Leader Writer and columnist at The Times (2018–2023), he shaped the global conversation around the euro-zone crisis, Brexit and Europe’s post-pandemic reset. His analysis now reaches decision-makers worldwide through regular columns for Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Guardian and Prospect, as well as a steady stream of high-profile podcast appearances.

Over the past two decades Nixon has reported from the front lines of every major challenge confronting Europe: the global financial crash, euro-zone debt turmoil, migration emergencies, the Ukraine war and, most recently, the “Trump shock.” His work explores the collision of politics, markets and geopolitics, with a particular eye on the climate crisis and the technology revolution reshaping industry and security. Twice shortlisted for European Press Prize Commentator of the Year, he draws on an unrivalled network of policymakers, CEOs and thought leaders across the continent to deliver insights that are incisive, timely and agenda-setting.

Earlier in his career Nixon edited WSJ’s influential Heard on the Street column, served as executive editor at Reuters Breakingviews and co-founded MoneyWeek, following five years as a technology analyst in investment banking. A first-class history graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, he combines historical perspective with market know-how to anticipate policy inflection points before they reach the headlines. On stage he blends data-driven clarity with vivid storytelling, leaving boards, investors and civic leaders equipped to navigate regulatory shocks, geo-economic realignment and the green-tech transition.