about me

Dr. Connor P. Spreng

Executive Director of the Swiss Academy for Development, passionate about our mission: supporting vulnerable children and young adults in their and their communities’ development through Sport & Play.

Manager, economist, strategy advisor, author.

my experience

Over 25 years experience in international development, including over 10 years at the World Bank, leading complex programs and diverse teams, advising governments and private organizations across the globe. Select examples are outlined on the consulting page.

Passionate about the transformative potential of sport & play in individual and collective development. In past years, rowed for the Seeclub Zürich, Harvard University, and the Swiss National Team. Co-founder of the Eglisau Dragonboat Club. Open ocean sailing.

PhD and MA from the Pardee RAND Graduate School in Applied Economics (Policy Analysis), MA from Stanford University in International Policy Studies, BA in Economics from Harvard University.

my values

I feel strongly about ideas – to investigate, to articulate and discuss. Asking questions, also when the truthful answer is unpleasant or costly.

It is the most vulnerable who get hurt most often by bad ideas – by poorly thought through ‘good intentions’, for example, or by misplaced ideologies and outdated thinking.

I find joy and energy in working with dynamic teams and diverse stakeholders – with individuals who are similarly driven by a deeper ambition to make the work count and by a curiosity in what actually matters.