Vicky Pryce: A Powerful Economist Who Redefined Public Policy and Faced Public Controversy
The inspiring and complex journey of Vicky Pryce — from Greece to becoming one of Britain’s most influential economists.
Introduction
Vicky Pryce is a Greek-born British economist who made remarkable contributions to public policy, government economics, and global economic thought. Known for her sharp analytical skills and fearless approach to complex financial issues, she has held prestigious roles in both the public and private sectors. However, her life also reflects how personal choices can impact even the most successful professional journeys.
Throughout her career, Vicky Pryce has inspired countless individuals in economics and business. From serving as Chief Economic Adviser to the UK government to authoring bestselling books, she has been a symbol of intelligence, resilience, and reform. Her story is a blend of achievement, challenge, and redemption — making her one of the most intriguing figures in modern British economic history.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vasiliki “Vicky” Pryce (née Kourmouzi) |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1952 |
| Birthplace | Athens, Greece |
| Nationality | Greek-born British |
| Profession | Economist, Policy Adviser, Author |
| Education | BSc & MSc in Economics, London School of Economics |
| Known For | Chief Economic Adviser at the UK Department for Trade and Industry |
| Books | Greekonomics, It’s the Economy, Stupid, Women vs Capitalism |
| Spouse | Formerly married to Chris Huhne |
| Children | Five |
| Current Role | Chief Economic Adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) |
Early Life and Education
Vicky Pryce was born in Athens, Greece, in 1952. From an early age, she displayed exceptional curiosity about numbers, society, and how economies shape people’s lives. Growing up as the middle child in her family, she learned the value of discipline and education early on.
At the age of seventeen, she moved to London to pursue higher studies. She attended the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her long and influential career in economic policy and consultancy.
Professional Beginnings
After completing her education, Vicky Pryce began her career in the banking sector. Her early roles included serving as Chief Economist at Williams & Glyn’s Bank, where she built a reputation for analytical precision and strategic foresight.
In the 1980s, she transitioned to the oil and energy industry, working as Corporate Economist for Exxon Europe. Her ability to interpret global market trends made her a respected voice among economists and business leaders.
Rise to Prominence in the UK Government
Vicky Pryce’s most recognized public service came when she joined the UK Government’s Department for Trade and Industry in 2002 as Chief Economic Adviser — becoming the first woman ever to hold that position. Her leadership marked a turning point in how the government approached economic forecasting and industrial strategy.
From 2004 to 2010, she also served as Deputy Head and later Joint Head of the Government Economic Service. During this period, Pryce was at the forefront of shaping economic policies related to trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Her influence reached across departments, making her one of the key figures behind several economic reforms.
Academic and Consulting Achievements
After leaving government service, Vicky Pryce joined FTI Consulting as Senior Managing Director, continuing her work in economic analysis and corporate strategy. She also became Chief Economic Adviser and Board Member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), where she advises on national and international economic issues.
Her academic involvement is equally impressive. Pryce has served as a visiting professor and fellow at leading institutions such as Imperial College London, King’s College London, and Nuffield College, Oxford. Her lectures and writings have shaped young economists, encouraging them to explore how policy, ethics, and economics intersect.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Vicky Pryce is not only a respected economist but also a prolific author. Her books reflect her deep understanding of global economics and social justice.
In Greekonomics, she examined the Eurozone crisis and offered insights into Greece’s economic struggles. Her later work, It’s the Economy, Stupid, co-authored with others, simplified economic ideas for the general public. Another significant publication, Women vs Capitalism, explored gender inequality in the economic system. Through these works, she became a leading voice advocating for fairer economic structures and gender balance in business.
Controversy and Personal Challenges
Despite her professional success, Vicky Pryce faced a major personal and legal challenge in 2013. She was convicted of perverting the course of justice for taking driving penalty points on behalf of her then-husband, politician Chris Huhne. The case attracted massive media attention and resulted in an eight-month prison sentence.
Pryce later reflected on this experience in her book Prisonomics, where she analyzed the economics of the UK prison system. This work not only offered an honest self-reflection but also contributed valuable insights into prison reform and rehabilitation economics.
Legacy and Influence
Vicky Pryce’s legacy goes far beyond her legal controversy. She is celebrated for breaking gender barriers in economics and serving as a role model for women in leadership. Her analytical mind, combined with her human approach to economics, has influenced policymakers, academics, and business leaders across Europe.
Today, she continues to comment on major economic issues, including inflation, productivity, and post-Brexit economic challenges. Her voice remains influential in shaping public debate and guiding economic understanding in modern Britain.
Conclusion
Vicky Pryce stands as a figure of both triumph and complexity — a woman whose expertise and determination changed the landscape of British economics. Her journey from Greece to the highest levels of the UK government is a testament to intelligence, ambition, and resilience.
While her life included personal challenges, her contribution to economic thought, gender equality, and public understanding remains undeniably strong. Vicky Pryce continues to inspire economists, writers, and leaders worldwide through her intellect, courage, and commitment to truth.
FAQs
1. Who is Vicky Pryce?
Vicky Pryce is a Greek-born British economist, author, and policy adviser known for her work in government and consultancy.
2. What is Vicky Pryce famous for?
She is known for serving as Chief Economic Adviser to the UK Department for Trade and Industry and for her influential economic books like Greekonomics and Women vs Capitalism.
3. What are some of her books?
Her notable works include Greekonomics, Prisonomics, It’s the Economy, Stupid, and Women vs Capitalism.
4. What controversy was Vicky Pryce involved in?
In 2013, she was convicted of perverting the course of justice, leading to an eight-month prison sentence.
5. What is her legacy?
Vicky Pryce is celebrated as one of the most accomplished female economists in the UK, known for her influence on policy, gender equality, and economic education.
