The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), founded by former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, is undergoing a significant restructuring that includes leadership changes and staff layoffs as it seeks a more sustainable financial model following a year of mounting losses.
Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Refocus
In an internal email to staff, Blair announced that TBI was entering a “new stage of its journey,” involving a realignment of operations and management. The changes include appointing a new finance chief and chief operating officer, and creating a regional managing director role for Europe.
The institute will now focus on four global functions, emphasizing artificial intelligence and innovation. As part of the shift, Benedict Macon-Cooney, a former Treasury official and long-time Blair adviser, has been appointed as Chief AI and Innovation Officer.
TBI said in a statement:
“This is a genuine restructuring. We’re evolving, particularly as we focus on governing in the age of AI and the technology revolution.”
Financial Pressure Despite Growth
While revenue rose 11% to $161 million in 2024, TBI reported a $4.3 million loss, according to recently released accounts. The shortfall stemmed from rising staff costs and expansion efforts as the organisation grew its presence to eight new countries.
The institute recruited several high-profile figures, including former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and former UK Chief of Defence Staff Sir Nick Carter. Staff numbers increased from 719 to 786, and redundancy costs tripled to $2.2 million.
Despite the losses, TBI said it was intentionally running a “small deficit” to fund expansion, citing strong reserves exceeding $33 million at year-end 2024.
Rethinking Funding Sources
To reduce reliance on a few large donors, TBI is expanding its commercial consulting operations. One of its biggest benefactors is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, who covered over one-third of TBI’s operating costs in 2023 and has pledged nearly $350 million since 2021.
Other institutional supporters include the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and the World Bank. TBI says income from non-donor sources has increased steadily over the past three years:
“TBI income this year has grown again and will do so again next year.”
Global Reach and Criticism
Since leaving office in 2007, Blair has built TBI into a global advisory network serving almost 50 governments, providing guidance on governance, technology, health, and economic reform.
Blair, who serves as executive chair, takes no salary, but filings show that TBI’s four other directors earned $2.1 million collectively, with the highest-paid director receiving $1.3 million.
TBI has also drawn scrutiny for advising controversial governments, including Saudi Arabia, and for involvement in the so-called “Trump Riviera” redevelopment plan for Gaza alongside Boston Consulting Group.
Outlook
Despite fiscal strain and public criticism, the institute continues to broaden its influence. Blair is also expected to serve on a supervisory board overseeing postwar Gaza, underscoring his continued diplomatic role.
The restructuring represents a turning point for the Tony Blair Institute, as it attempts to balance its ambitious global mission with the demands of financial discipline and accountability in an era defined by technological change.
