Global Head, Health & Society, Research & Analytics (Thought Leadership)

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses -The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

Global Head, Health & Society, Research & Analytics (Thought Leadership)

Role overview

This is a leadership role within the Economist Enterprise Research & Analytics team. You will shape the editorial strategy and execution of our custom and subscription products across Health & Society—spanning health systems, public health, healthcare innovation and the societal and economic factors that shape health outcomes.

A core part of the role is to help build and steward Economist Enterprise’s - and, where relevant, EIU’s - authoritative “house view” on the most consequential health and societal questions facing business leaders, policymakers and wider society. This includes translating complex health and social dynamics into clear, evidence-based insights on productivity, resilience, inclusion and long-term economic performance. In particular, you will help shape the development of our house view on demographic trends, especially ageing societies and longevity, and the implications for labour markets, public finances, care systems and the social contract.

This role is responsible not only for shaping Economist Enterprise’s intellectual and editorial leadership in Health & Society, but also for collaborating with commercial teams to translate that leadership into scalable market-facing platforms, premium propositions, strategic partnerships and enterprise growth opportunities. The role will sit at the intersection of editorial excellence, commercial strategy, product development and external engagement. 

You will serve as the senior-most subject matter expert representing Economist Enterprise publicly in this domain, and you will lead our flagship Health Dividend initiative—a multi-year, multi-sponsor programme with the mission to reimagine health as an investment, not a cost.

Key responsibilities

• Set and drive editorial strategy for Health & Society across Economist Enterprise research and content, ensuring consistent quality, rigour and alignment with our editorial and brand standards.

• Lead the Health Dividend initiative as a flagship, multi-year enterprise platform: shaping its intellectual direction, commercial proposition, programme pipeline, sponsor/partner ecosystem and external profile; ensuring it delivers sustained value for audiences, sponsors, partners and Economist Enterprise over multiple years.

• Help shape the development of our “house view” on demographic trends, particularly population ageing and longevity, working closely with the Chief Economist and EIU colleagues as appropriate; translate implications for workforce participation, productivity, migration, pensions, care systems, fiscal sustainability and inequality into decision-useful insights.

• Develop and steward our “house view” on health as an economic and societal investment, including implications for labour markets, productivity, workforce strategy, public finances and inequality; partner closely with EIU colleagues as appropriate.

• Lead and develop a senior team of Principals and Content Leads, providing direction, coaching and quality assurance across complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.

• Ensure sponsored, subscription and independent thought leadership is high-quality, brand-reinforcing, commercially sustainable and outcome-oriented, while upholding editorial independence and governance.

• Shape subscription-facing coverage and product development in health, including forecasting, benchmarking, datasets and other repeatable intelligence products where there is clear client demand; work with product and commercial colleagues to test, package and scale premium offerings.

• Shape flagship research agendas and propositions on the future of health and healthcare innovation—linking scientific and technological advances to social and economic outcomes (including the macro and societal impacts of breakthrough therapies and new care models).

• Act as the senior strategic partner to Sales on Health & Society growth opportunities, helping to identify whitespace, shape client-relevant propositions, support senior-level pitches and convert intellectual leadership into commercially viable programmes.

• Define go-to-market strategies for priority Health & Society platforms and propositions, working closely with Sales, Marketing, Events, EIU and product colleagues to identify target audiences, client needs, partnership opportunities and routes to market.

• Represent Economist Enterprise externally at high-profile events and forums, including moderating/MCing and media commentary as required.

• Build and steward strategic partnerships with selected organisations, associations, convening platforms, academic experts and senior market stakeholders that strengthen Economist Enterprise’s authority, extend audience reach and create opportunities for sustainable commercial growth.

• Collaborate closely with the Events team to shape programming for major flagship events and bespoke client events related to Health & Society.

Priority topic areas (indicative)

The Global Head will be expected to prioritise a focused set of themes where Economist Enterprise has the strongest opportunity to build distinctive intellectual leadership, scalable propositions and commercial momentum. Expected areas include:

Health as an economic and societal investment (Health Dividend core)

• The economic returns to health (productivity, participation, skills, social cohesion)

• Prevention and early intervention as investment; outcomes-based approaches

• Health equity and inclusivity; social determinants of health

Demographics, ageing and the longevity economy (house view focus)

• Ageing societies and the macroeconomic outlook (growth, productivity, labour supply)

• Workforce participation, skills, automation and migration as responses to demographic shifts

• Care systems, pensions and fiscal sustainability; evolving roles of state, employers and households

• Longevity, healthy ageing and inequalities in life expectancy and health outcomes

• Implications for consumer markets, housing, cities and business strategy

Population health challenges

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), obesity and metabolic health

• Mental health and wellbeing; workplace mental health

• Health inclusivity and access; health disparities and social cohesion

Health resilience and security

• Health security and preparedness (including system resilience and supply chains)

• Public trust, risk communication and societal resilience

Health, climate and environment

• Climate-related health risks (heat, air quality, infectious disease dynamics)

• Adaptation and resilience strategies for health systems and cities

Innovation and the economic impact of health breakthroughs

• Digital health, data and AI; the changing care model and productivity implications

• Safety, quality and governance in technology-enabled healthcare

• The economic and societal impact of major therapeutic innovations (e.g., GLP-1/obesity and metabolic therapies) on workforce health, participation, healthcare costs, insurers/employers and consumer behaviour

• Measurement, benchmarking and outcomes: what “good” looks like across systems

Safety and social wellbeing

• Community safety, social cohesion and wellbeing metrics

• Policy and organisational strategies that improve population wellbeing

(The emphasis can flex by market demand and strategic priorities, but the role should retain a clear anchor in Health Dividend themes, demographics/ageing, and the investment case for health.)

What we are looking for

• Senior leader with outstanding editorial judgement and deep subject-matter expertise in health and societal outcomes, including the economics of health, health systems, and the intersection of health with policy and business strategy.

• 15+ years’ experience working on health topics as a journalist, economist, researcher or consultant, with exceptional writing, commissioning and communication skills.

• Proven ability to translate complex clinical, scientific and policy issues into clear, decision-useful insights for senior business and policy audiences.

• Strong track record of leading senior teams and delivering high-quality programmes at pace, with attention to rigour, narrative and client value.

• Commercially sophisticated intellectual leader with demonstrable experience in product development, business development,lead generation or strategic partnerships; able to identify market whitespace, translate emerging health and societal trends into client-relevant propositions, and build platforms that create strategic value for audiences, sponsors, partners and the business.

• Deep networks across health policy, healthcare, life sciences, academia and civil society, leveraged ethically for strategic and commercial impact.

• Proven experience in public-facing leadership—moderating, presenting and providing commentary in high-profile settings with senior stakeholders (including C-suite leaders and world-leading experts).

Success in this role will be measured by the strength and distinctiveness of Economist Enterprise’s Health & Society positioning; the growth and sustainability of flagship platforms such as Health Dividend; contribution to qualified pipeline, strategic wins and renewal/upsell opportunities; development of premium propositions, datasets or benchmarks; audience and stakeholder engagement; and the quality, rigour and impact of research delivered across sponsored, subscription and independent formats.

#LI-Hybrid

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Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required. 

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

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What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.