Sanjana Kumbhani
Contributing Writer
An economist, investment manager and an author. No, I am not talking about three different people but one person who holds all three titles. This person is, in fact, going to be the James R. Wilson Series speaker this year. The series, sponsored by the business economics department aims to bring business and financial leaders to campus and connect them with students on campus. This year’s speaker, Milton Ezrati, currently serves as the chief economist for Vested, a financial services communications agency. He has served as the chief economist for Lord Abbet Funds, one of the oldest investment firms in the U.S., headquartered in Jersey City, N.J.. He is also the author of the book, Thirty Tomorrows: The Next Three Decades of Globalization, Demographics, and How We Will Live.
In his book, Ezrati discusses the differences in demographics in places like America, Europe and Japan that are struggling with aging populations compared to countries like Brazil, India and China, which are enjoying large and youthful workforces. He sheds light on how these demographics will shape the economic and financial world for the next three decades. Ezrati is optimistic in his approach and beliefs and talks about the benefits of increasing the role of women in the workforce, increasing life expectancies and changes in production in countries like America.
Ezrati’s lecture on campus is titled, “Thirty Tomorrows: Demographics, Globalization and How We Live.” He will share his insight on careers, family and economic sustainability. “His lecture will be particularly interesting because of his two sided career, one with the Investment Fund and the other as an author. Given the current political climate in the U.S., his talk about demographics and trade will be especially relevant,” said John W. Sell, professor of business economics.
With respect to his academic background, Ezrati received a BA in economics from the State University of New York followed by an MSS in mathematical economics from the University of Birmingham in England. Prior to his tenure at Lord Abbet, Ezrati spent six years at Manufactures Hanover Investment Group as director of research and then joined Nomura Asset Management as senior vice president and head of investing followed by the position of chief investment officer at Nomura Capital. He has also been prominent in financial media, having written articles in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Barron and Financial Times, while also appearing on financial television like CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Fox Business providing market commentary.
The lecture, which is a collaboration between the College and the local Wells Fargo branch, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 5 in the Wilson Governance Room in the lower level of the Scot Center at 7:30. p.m..