Peter Orszag is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the global financial firm Lazard. He has built a distinguished career spanning executive leadership, finance, public policy and government service, and academia, with roles that include serving as Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Obama and as Director of the Congressional Budget Office.

Recognized for his expertise at the intersection of global business, economic, and policy issues, Orszag has also contributed to public discourse through writing and frequent commentary in major media outlets, as well as work and research with respected think tanks. He is married to journalist Bianna Golodryga, a senior global affairs analyst and correspondent with CNN, and resides in New York City.

Affiliations and Board Service

Beyond his leadership at Lazard, Peter Orszag is actively involved in several prominent organizations that reflect his broad expertise in economics, healthcare, and education. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the Council on Foreign Relations, and he serves on the Board of Directors of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and as a Trustee of Mount Sinai Hospital.

In addition to these roles, Orszag’s contributions to other influential organizations underscore his commitment to advancing economic policy, public health, and education. These include the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, and ideas42, a behavioral science research group. He is Director Emeritus of New Visions Academy and continues to serve on the advisory council for The Hamilton Project, which he co-founded and previously directed.

Education

Peter Orszag graduated with high honors from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1987. He went on to earn an A.B. in economics from Princeton University in 1991, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. His senior thesis, Congressional Oversight of the Federal Reserve: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives, reflected his early interest in economic policy.

As a Marshall Scholar, Orszag pursued graduate studies at the London School of Economics, where he earned an M.Sc. in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 1997. His doctoral thesis, Dynamic Analysis of Regime Shifts Under Uncertainty: Applications to Hyperinflation and Privatization, explored complex questions of economic transition and fiscal stability.

Leadership at Lazard

Peter Orszag became CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of Lazard on October 1, 2023. His role was expanded to CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lazard effective January 1, 2025. Orszag oversees the firm’s global strategy and operations, with his vision for long-term growth outlined in Lazard 2030. His leadership is focused on strengthening Lazard’s position as a trusted adviser to corporations and governments, while expanding its global reach and capabilities, and delivering profitable growth for shareholders.

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Public Policy and Government Service

Before entering the private sector, Peter Orszag served in key roles in the U.S. government. Under President Barack Obama, he directed the Office of Management and Budget, managing the federal budget during the financial crisis and contributing to healthcare reform. Earlier, as Director of the Congressional Budget Office, he emphasized long-term fiscal challenges and healthcare spending. His public policy and government service career began under President Bill Clinton in the Council of Economic Advisers and as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

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Media Contributions

A recognized voice in global business, economic, and policy matters, Peter Orszag regularly contributes to leading outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs Magazine, and CNBC. Through op-eds, interviews, and expert commentary, he offers insights on fiscal policy, markets, and global economic issues.

View Peter Orszag’s media contributions

Across his career, Peter Orszag has combined leadership in finance with a record of public service and thought leadership in economic policy. His work continues to shape conversations in business, government, and media around the world.