Fred Olayele, PhD

Dr. Fred Olayele is a global economist and public policy leader, with expertise in trade policy, innovation, FDI, urban policy, political economy, and inclusive development. He has published widely and shared best practices on these subjects nationally and internationally. A senior strategic advisor to several regional, national, and global leaders in business, public policy, and international affairs, he previously served as Chief Economist and Senior Vice President with the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Prior to that, he advised the Canadian provincial governments of British Columbia and Saskatchewan across the FDI, economic development, and energy policy domains.

Professor Olayele writes and lectures internationally on global development and related topics. He has held academic positions and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in economics, strategic management, and public policy at the University of Regina and Carleton University. He has served as a visiting professor and guest speaker across universities and academic institutions abroad. He sits on various non-profit boards and supports many social causes. Among others, he is a member of the Academic Advisory Board of the Emerging Markets Institute at Cornell University in New York. He also sits on the International Advisory Board of the International Economic Development Council in Washington, D.C., and on the Board of the Canada-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa.

He has authored, edited, and co-edited three books, including Regional Economic Systems after COVID-19: Actionable Insights for an Equitable and Resilient Recovery (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023). For more information on his policy engagements and leadership initiatives, visit his personal website: www.fredolayele.com