Xavier Sala-i-Martin

Xavier Sala-i-Martin is Professor of Economics at Columbia University in New York and the Chief Economic Advisor to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

A widely recognized economist, Sala-i-Martin also serves as a consultant to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, is a member of the Counseling Board of Telefonica Catalunya, and an associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He has held positions as a professor at Yale and was a research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Research (CEPR) in London. His educational journey began in Spain and culminated with a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His contributions to economics have earned him several accolades, including the award for Best Economist in Spain and Latin America by the Bank of Spain, and best Health Economist in the World by the International Health Economics Organization.

Sala-i-Martin's career spans both academia and practical economic advisory, placing him in a unique position to provide decision-makers with critical insights for navigating global markets. As the chief economic advisor to the World Economic Forum, he created and annually updates the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), a vital resource published in the Global Competitiveness Report. This index, which assesses and ranks the competitiveness of nations worldwide, is a key tool for government and business leaders planning their economic strategies.

From 2003 to 2010, Sala-i-Martin was instrumental in the economic management of FC Barcelona as a member of the board and president of the economics commission. During his tenure, FC Barcelona achieved unprecedented success, winning all six championships it entered in 2009—a record in football history. His ability to distill complex economic theories into accessible knowledge makes him a popular figure. His engaging style and informative presentations make him a sought-after speaker at major financial conferences globally.