Damian Burns 2024 Speaker

Director of Economic Development

Saint Helena Government

Biography

Damian joined Saint Helena Government (SHG) in May 2021 as the then Head of Sustainable Development in the Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Portfolio (TI&SD). In January 2024, he was appointed to lead the newly formed Economic Development Portfolio. Damian and his team are responsible for ensuring the growth of the island’s tourism industry; enabling regular scheduled sea and air transport links; facilitating trade and investment; developing and disposing of crown land and buildings; financial services and company registry development; and growing the digital economy. He is responsible for drafting and delivering the island’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy.

Damian is an economist, holding an MSc. in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. He previously worked as an analyst at the UK National Audit Office (NAO) in London.