EY Scottish ITEM Club appoints new chief economic advisor

The EY Scottish ITEM Club has appointed Dr. Howard Archer as its new chief economic advisor.

Dr Archer is taking over from Dougie Adams, who has held the position for 14 years and will retire from his position this summer.

Dr Archer will also assume the role of chief economic advisor to the UK EY ITEM Club, replacing Peter Spencer who is also due to retire after more than 19 years.

However, Mr Spencer will continue as the Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of York.

Dr Archer has more than 30 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting.

He joins the EY ITEM Club from IHS Markit, where he was chief European and UK economist for nearly 17 years and was previously chief European economist of Standard & Poor’s DRI.

Prior to joining DRI, Dr Archer was a senior economist and manager in NatWest Group’s market intelligence department, which he joined in 1987.

He said: “I am proud to be joining the EY Scottish ITEM Club and EY ITEM Club at what is a pivotal time for the Scottish, UK and global economy. The EY ITEM Club forecasts and analyses have seen them become an established commentator of economic trends and I look forward to continuing to build on its already impressive reputation further. In particular, the EY Scottish ITEM Club reports offer valuable, independent insight into Scotland’s evolving economic landscape.”

Mark Gregory, EY’s chief economist, said: “Dougie Adams and Peter Spencer have taken the EY ITEM Club and EY Scottish ITEM Club from strength to strength. The forecasts have successfully navigated and analysed the impact of several changes in government and a global financial crisis during their time as economic advisors. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their dedicated service. Howard brings deep knowledge of the UK and global economy that I am sure will benefit both the EY ITEM Club and EY Scottish ITEM Club immensely. I’d like to welcome him to the team and I look forward to working with him.”