Dr Stuart Mackintosh has built an international career in economics, public policy, and global governance. As a graduate of both Newcastle University and the University of Edinburgh, he recently stepped down after nearly twenty years as Executive Director of the Group of Thirty. Now, as a Visiting Fellow at Newcastle, he reflects on his academic journey, global economic work, and offers advice for the next generation of economists.
Mackintosh describes Newcastle as his "real academic home." During his undergraduate years, he formed close relationships with professors that have lasted throughout his career. One mentor in particular remained a consistent point of contact, discussing developments in country risk, the US economic outlook, and his experience running a global think tank. These connections eventually led him back to Newcastle to complete a PhD remotely around ten years ago.
"Newcastle gave me an industrial town perspective," he explains. "I’ve always been worried about how policymakers’ choices affect ordinary working people—who gets left behind and what we can do to improve lives."
His experiences in the city shaped his economic perspective. Growing up and studying in a post-industrial environment made him deeply concerned about how economic policy affects working communities. "Newcastle gave me an industrial town perspective," he explains. "I’ve always been worried about how policymakers’ choices affect ordinary working people—who gets left behind and what we can do to improve lives." Although the region faced significant economic disruption during the decline of heavy industry in the 1970s and 1980s, Mackintosh believes Newcastle has successfully reinvented itself as a centre of education and innovation.
Before his long tenure at the Group of Thirty, Mackintosh worked in European institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. He supported members of parliament and the leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. During this time, he earned a master's degree in European policy and law at the University of Edinburgh, which deepened his engagement with European integration and governance.
One of his earliest and most significant projects involved working with former US Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker after the Global Financial Crisis.
At the Group of Thirty, Mackintosh collaborated with some of the world’s most influential economic policymakers. One of his earliest and most significant projects involved working with former US Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker after the Global Financial Crisis. Volcker had promised then-presidential candidate Barack Obama a set of recommendations for reforming the global financial system. The report was prepared over the Christmas period and released shortly after Obama’s inauguration. It helped shape major regulatory reforms, including the Volcker Rule.
More recently, Mackintosh worked with figures such as Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, and Janet Yellen to develop policy recommendations to address climate change and the transition to net-zero economies. These projects examined how corporations, governments, and financial systems need to adjust to prevent what he describes as a potential “planetary crisis.”
After nearly twenty years as Executive Director, Mackintosh felt it was time for a change. Carney’s departure from chairing the Group of Thirty to become Canada’s Prime Minister created a natural transition point. Returning to the UK has allowed him to reconnect with Newcastle University, where he works with students and faculty in politics and business to explore global policy challenges.
As president of the National Association for Business Economics, he helped develop programs to improve economists’ communication skills.
Beyond research, Mackintosh stresses the importance of communication in economics. As president of the National Association for Business Economics, he helped develop programs to improve economists’ communication skills. "You can be a brilliant analyst," he says, "but if you can’t communicate your ideas clearly, they won’t have any impact.” Effective writing, clear recommendations, and strong presentation skills are essential for influencing policymakers and organisations.
He also highlights the value of a professional community. Early-career economists should actively engage with networks and participate in face-to-face discussions rather than relying solely on digital communication. "When you show up, volunteer, and engage with your community, you eventually become part of it—and sometimes even lead it."
Mackintosh believes climate economics will be one of the defining challenges of this generation.
Looking ahead, Mackintosh believes climate economics will be one of the defining challenges of this generation. Although the scale of the problem can feel overwhelming, he encourages students to focus on practical action at a local level while continuing to push for broader policy change. "There is no Planet B,” he says. “But every local action, every policy improvement, and every committed researcher brings us closer to a sustainable future."