UK Government Appoints John Van Reenen as Productivity Advisor

Strategic Insights -

The UK Government has announced the appointment of John Van Reenen, a renowned London School of Economics Professor, as a productivity expert to advise the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, as part of the Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards. Van Reenen will bring his extensive experience in academia, focusing on productivity, company performance, and innovation, to the role. He will report directly to the Chancellor and work one day a week without pay for 12 months, with the option to extend the appointment.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Van Reenen, a Professor at the London School of Economics, has been appointed as a productivity expert to advise the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, under the Plan for Change mission.
  • Van Reenen will bring his expertise in productivity, company performance, and innovation to the role, having previously worked as Chair of the Chancellor's Council of Economic Advisers.
  • He will report directly to the Chancellor and work one day a week without pay for 12 months, with the option to extend the appointment.
  • Van Reenen's appointment is part of the UK Government's mission to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards across the country.
  • The Chancellor praised Van Reenen's continued commitment to the government's growth mission and his ability to drive forward productivity, investment, and growth in the UK.
  • Van Reenen expressed his delight at continuing to work with the Chancellor, utilizing his research and experience to help drive forward the UK's economic growth.

Statistics:

  • 12 months: duration of the part-time unpaid appointment
  • 1 day a week: frequency of Van Reenen's work commitment
  • No pay: nature of Van Reenen's appointment
  • 1 September 2025: start date of Van Reenen's appointment
  • G7: ranking of the UK's economic growth second only to Germany
  • 3 major trade deals: number of agreements secured by the UK Government
  • 1: ratio of Van Reenen's work commitment to paid hours

Sources:

  • UK Government: "John Van Reenen to advise Chancellor as productivity expert"