Dr. Andrew Staples

Senior Advisor

Dr. Andrew Staples, Senior Advisor at EMIR, is a geopolitical economist and Asia specialist with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of international business, macroeconomics, and strategic advisory. With deep expertise in geopolitical risk, global economic shifts, and regional strategy, he advises clients on how to anticipate disruption, align to local realities, and build resilience in uncertain and complex environments across Asia and beyond.

Andrew previously held senior leadership roles at The Economist Group, including Editorial Director and Head of Policy & Insights (APAC) at Economist Impact, where he led regional research and represented the firm at global forums. He also served as Global Editorial Director of The Economist Corporate Network, advising multinational CEOs and chairing executive briefings across key Asian markets. In 2024, Andrew founded GeoPol Asia, a boutique advisory firm focused on geopolitics, business, and strategy. Based between Singapore and Japan, he continues to work closely with regional and global decision-makers across business, government, and academia.

A sought-after speaker, moderator, and advisor, Andrew is known for his clarity on complex global issues and his ability to communicate strategic implications with precision. He frequently appears in leading international media, including BBC, CNN, CNBC, and Channel News Asia. He holds a PhD in International Political Economy and an MSc in East Asian Business from the University of Sheffield. 

Earlier in his career, Andrew held academic posts at universities in Japan and the UK, authored multiple publications on Asian business and trade, and served as Senior Editor of the peer-reviewed journal Asian Business and Management. He is currently CEO for IMA Asia in Singapore, Chair of its Asia Management Forum, an Associate Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), and a board advisor to the Hinrich Foundation.