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Richard O'Brien (born 19 November 1950, Banbury, Oxfordshire) is a British economist, futurist, author and co-founding partner of Outsights, an independent scenario planning consultancy based in London. Since 2009 he has developed a further career as a singer songwriter.
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Early life and work in the world of finance
After graduating from Oxford University (MA Hons. Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and Edinburgh University (Diploma in African Studies), O'Brien worked at Rothschild Intercontinental Bank and American Express Bank for 21 years. At American Express, he was Chief Economist and Executive Director and Editor of The Amex Bank Review where he pioneered much of the new work on country risk analysis in international finance. O'Brien founded and managed the international economics essay competition, The Amex Bank Review Awards, in memory of EU architect Robert Marjolin. During this time he also worked with the Group of Thirty (G30) on regulation and as a consultant for The World Bank. O'Brien also authored and edited several books on the global economy, in particular the provocative and "iconic text" "Global Financial Integration: the End of Geography", one of the most widely cited books on globalisation of its time.
Later career in future planning
In 1998 O'Brien set up Outsights, an independent scenario planning consultancy, with Tim Bolderson. Prior to this, both O'Brien and Tim headed the London office of the Global Business Network, where they completed large scale scenario planning projects such as The Future of Japan. O'Brien has led and developed scenarios for business and the UK Government in a wide range of sectors, including "The Future of the International Environment 2010-2020", and directing the Sigma Scan, an online database of future trends to 2050. His most recent work has been in support of FUNDS, the project driving for reform of the UN development system. His article "Drivers of change for the future of the UN" appeared in the recent Routledge book "Post-2015 UN Development" edited by Stephen Browne and Thomas G Weiss.
Current music career
Since 2009, under his full name Richard Rhys O'Brien, he has been writing and publishing his songs, with his first album I know a little place published in 2012, followed in quick succession by his second album, "Anguneau sunset" in 2014 and the third album "Sense in our brains" in 2015. His songs range from songs of love to songs of contemporary life. The latest album ranges from punchy songs on migration and on data privacy to a novel treatment of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. He is joined on all three albums by his musician friends Bruce Knapp, Richard Sadler, Tony Shepherd, Callie Howard and Christine Axelle: all albums produced by Brighton-based Matthew Knapp. He has also recently released a campaign song to support the drive for creating wider choice in the selection of the next UN Secretary General, due for appointment this year.
A member of the London jazz to classical choir Eclectic Voices, Richard is currently Chair of the new community music group, Highbury Opera Theatre, now in its third major season. The second season featured the première of Scott Stroman's "As you like it", a musical of the Shakespeare play.
Publications and songs
Associations
O'Brien serves and has served on a number of governing councils, and has chaired several international competitions: