Alumni

Peter Middlebrook

Career Path: Chief Executive Officer - Geopolicity Inc. and Dignity Desogned & Delivered Inc.
Location: UAE - USA - Greece

A former World Bank (Vice President's Office), UK Government and EU economist and investment advisor, I have traveled more than 100 countries and worked in more than 60; between South East and Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and in Europe. I was the lead economist of the US Government US$ 28 billion New Silk Road, led the economic work on the proposed Arab Stabilization Plan (ASP) presented to G7 and G20 and led national Agenda 2030 / SDG sustainable financing strategies for Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Botswana, Zanzibar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan Republic and Albania. I have participated at IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, US Council on Foreign Relations, UN High Level Political Forums and my work through Geopolicity Inc. has been covered by BBC, Al Jazeera, Time Magazine, Newsweek etc. I currently lead economic restructuring and environment and climate adaptation work, including around the Paris Agreement and I head up the EU Support for European Development Policy (SEDP) Facility in Brussels. I have been an advisor to various heads of state, was a board member of the Elephant Protection Initiative and Chair the Advisory Board of the Universal Peace Sanctuary in Lumbini, Nepal; the birthplace of Lord Buddha. My company Dignity Designed and Delivered, has produced the first fully engineered refugee and internally displaced intermediate shelter solution for Africa, the Middle East and to support the growing problem of homelessness in the west. As a former musician, I have an album (Violet Symphony under the pseudonym Jamie Brooke) on Apple Music, MTC etc. I have a PhD on public policy and economics from the University of Durham. In 2024 I was as 100 of the Voices of the Future World. I founded the Great Ethiopia Run, supported by Brendon Foster, the largest road race in Africa, with legendary Ethiopia athlete Haile Gebrselassie.

What would a typical day include for you?

I travel 20-30 countries a year and a typical day involves getting up at 5 AM, 30 minute of pushups and a coffee, following by chairing meetings and calls with the United Nations, EU, multi-lateral development banks and our clients. I normally wind down by midnight and hit the sack at 1 AM. I have home offices in my property in the UAE, Europe and the United States, allowing me to work from home whenever possible.

How did Northumbria help you get to where you are today?

Brilliant course, committed and inspirational professors with solid hands on experience in the real world; allowed me to gain real life skills and hit the ground running following graduation. With roots from the Midlands and London, I loved the grounded nature of the North East and the campus provided all the learning material necessary to shape my imagination.

What is your best memory from your time at Northumbria University?

As a mature student the professors were more like colleagues and friends, with a relationship fed by a truly professional exchange of ideas and knowledge. I was originally on track for a 2:1, but with support and encouragement eventually passed with a 1st Class Honours (cum laude). Northumbria University was there for me when I needed to get ahead.

What advice would you give to yourself as a first year student at Northumbria?

Focus on the basics. Learn your subject until its etched into your skin. Dream big, think long; while taking nothing for granted. Don’t drink and study!

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Studying in the North East of England offers rich cultural heritage, vibrant city life, and stunning natural landscapes, all within close proximity. Go for it; study in a town in which you can breath.