Key facts
- Rory Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy, has been appointed a senior fellow at the Adam Smith Institute.
- Sutherland will leverage his expertise in behavioral science to advise the Institute on policy communication.
- The appointment formalizes a long-standing relationship between Sutherland and the free-market think tank.
- Sutherland is known for his work in behavioral economics, authoring the book 'Alchemy' and writing for The Spectator.
Advertising executive Rory Sutherland has been appointed a senior fellow at the free-market think tank the Adam Smith Institute. The move aims to strengthen the organization's efforts in promoting behavioral economics and free-market policy, particularly as the UK faces sluggish economic growth.
Sutherland, who also serves as vice chairman of advertising giant Ogilvy, will provide guidance to the Institute on how it communicates its research and policy proposals, drawing upon his extensive work in behavioral science. This appointment formalizes a pre-existing relationship between Sutherland and the Adam Smith Institute, where he has previously spoken at events and advocated for the application of behavioral economics in policy-making.
"The best solutions to society’s problems come from human ingenuity, not bureaucracy," Sutherland stated. "I’m delighted to join the Adam Smith Institute to help apply behavioural science to public policy and show why economic freedom works."
Recognized as a leading voice in behavioral economics in the UK, Sutherland founded Ogilvy’s behavioral science practice in 2012. He is also the author of the bestselling book 'Alchemy' and a regular columnist for The Spectator. The Adam Smith Institute highlighted that Sutherland's expertise is particularly relevant as behavioral science gains prominence in both public policy and business strategy.
James Lawson, chairman of the Adam Smith Institute, praised Sutherland as "an undisputed master of communication" and credited him with exceptional work in demonstrating the benefits of free markets and capitalism's role in fostering creativity. Maxwell Marlow, the Institute’s director of public affairs, emphasized the need for "fresh thinking" in Britain to address weak economic growth and welcomed Sutherland to the Institute's team of policy experts.