Dr. Fred Olayele’s diverse career spans academia, government, finance, and international development. A distinguished economist and public policy leader, his expertise covers trade policy, innovation, FDI, urban policy, political economy, and inclusive development. He has published and shared best practices in these areas at numerous conferences and institutions around the world.

He has held academic positions and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in economics, strategy, and public policy across three Canadian universities. He has served as a visiting professor and guest speaker across universities and academic institutions abroad. He recently served as Chief Economist and Senior Vice President with the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Professor Olayele serves on various non-profit boards and supports many social causes. He is a member of the Academic Advisory Board, Cornell University Emerging Markets Institute in New York, and sits on the International Advisory Board of the International Economic Development Council in Washington, DC. He holds a PhD in Economics from Lancaster University, United Kingdom and an MA in Economics from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.