Richard Holden (economist)

Holden was born in Sydney, Australia and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the university medal in economics. He received an A.M and Ph.D from Harvard University.

Holden is currently editor of the Journal of Law and Economics and is formerly an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. He is a fellow of the Econometric Society and a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. Holden's research, which mainly is centralized around topics including organizational, political, and law economics have garnered attention from prominent newspapers including: The New York Times, The Economist, and others. He has over 25 publications and 15 working papers/papers under review. Prior to his heavy involvement in the world of academia, Holden worked as an associate and senior consultant at Bain & Company (1997–1998) followed by time as an analyst, then as Vice President for Pacific Equity Partners (1998–2001).[2]

Upon its launch in mid-2020, Holden was appointed to the Strategic Council of the Blueprint Institute, an online think thank associated with moderate members of the Liberal Party.[3]

The Blueprint Institute provides no transparency with respect to the identity of its financial backers. However, given that the Blueprint Institute was co-founded by Ian Hancock, the managing director of lobbying firms PremierNational and PremierState, and Lachlan Crombie, the Director of Government Relations at both firms, there has been speculation the organization is funded by the lobbyists as a front for the financial interests of their clients, particularly those in the renewable industry sector.[4] Michael Photios, chairman, founder and owner of PremierNational and PremierState, sits on the Strategic Council of the Blueprint Institute alongside Holden.[5]