2024 marks a significant milestone for Adrian Cooper, who celebrates his 30th anniversary at Oxford Economics. The firm, founded in 1981 with a small team in Oxford, has grown remarkably over the decades, now employing over 680 people across 22 offices worldwide. Cooper joined the firm on October 31, 1994, after initially turning down an offer, and has since played a pivotal role in its expansion and success [d5eb22c6].
In its early days, Oxford Economics focused on providing a Global Economic Model that covered 17 countries, with one of its first major projects estimating beer demand for the British Beer and Pub Association. This foundational work set the stage for the firm's reputation as a leader in economic forecasting [d5eb22c6].
Cooper emphasizes the importance of hiring top talent and maintaining a client-centric approach in the firm's operations. He believes that AI serves as a valuable tool to augment human capabilities in economic forecasting, highlighting the evolving nature of the industry [d5eb22c6].
Throughout his career, Cooper has traveled to nearly 80 countries, gaining insights that inform his leadership style, which is grounded in hard work, integrity, and continuous learning. Under his guidance, Oxford Economics has expanded its services and expertise, including strategic acquisitions such as Tourism Economics in 2005 and Oxford Economics Africa in 2015 [d5eb22c6].
In 2021, the firm launched an online portal for its Global Economic Model, further enhancing accessibility to its economic insights. Looking ahead, Cooper is set to present at the Global Economic Outlook Conference on February 5, 2025, where he will share his vision for the future of economic forecasting and the role of technology in shaping it [d5eb22c6].