Peter Orszag is an American economist, business executive, and former government official known for his work in economic policy, finance, and public administration. Over several decades, he has built a career that connects academic research, government decision-making, and global financial leadership. He currently serves as CEO and Chairman of Lazard, a global financial advisory and asset management firm.
Before entering the private sector, Orszag held two major economic policy positions in the United States government. He served as Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and later became Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the administration of President Barack Obama. His career has also included research roles, advisory positions, and leadership responsibilities at institutions focused on economics, healthcare policy, and financial strategy.
Although Peter Orszag does not belong to the traditional entertainment category of celebrity, his public profile has grown because of his influence in economics, government, and international finance. His work has placed him among the most recognized economic policy figures of his generation.
Peter Orszag Personal Information Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Richard Orszag |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1968 |
| Age | 57 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Economist, Business Executive, Former Government Official |
| Current Role | CEO and Chairman of Lazard |
| Education | Princeton University; London School of Economics |
| Degree | A.B. in Economics; M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Economics |
| Years Active | 1990s–present |
| Known For | Leading Lazard, directing CBO and OMB, economic policy work |
| Spouse | Bianna Golodryga |
| Field of Expertise | Economics, public policy, finance, healthcare economics |
Early Life and Background of Peter Orszag
Peter Richard Orszag was born on December 16, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, in a family that valued education and intellectual achievement. His father, Steven Orszag, was a mathematician and professor, while his mother, Reba Karp Orszag, worked in education.
From an early age, Orszag showed strong interests in mathematics, economics, and analytical thinking. Those interests later shaped his academic path and professional choices. Instead of pursuing a career in a single field, he developed expertise across several connected areas, including economic research, government policy, and financial management.
Orszag attended Phillips Exeter Academy before continuing his studies at Princeton University. At Princeton, he focused on economics and graduated summa cum laude with an A.B. degree in economics in 1991. His academic performance earned recognition and helped open opportunities for advanced research.
After Princeton, he studied at the London School of Economics as a Marshall Scholar. He earned a master’s degree in economics in 1992 and completed his Ph.D. in economics in 1997. His doctoral research examined economic transitions and uncertainty, reflecting his long-standing interest in complex economic systems.
Education and Academic Foundation
Peter Orszag’s education became a major foundation for his later work in government and finance. His studies combined economic theory with practical policy analysis, allowing him to approach financial and public challenges through research-based methods.
At Princeton, Orszag developed an interest in economic policy and public institutions. His undergraduate work prepared him for a career that would eventually involve advising government leaders and analyzing national economic issues.
The London School of Economics further expanded his understanding of international economics and policy research. His doctoral training gave him experience in evaluating economic models, studying uncertainty, and examining how governments and markets respond to major changes.
This academic background later influenced his approach at organizations such as the Congressional Budget Office, where economists provide independent analysis of federal budget issues, and at Lazard, where leaders evaluate financial decisions involving companies and governments.
Beginning of Peter Orszag’s Career
Peter Orszag began his professional career in economic research and government service. During the 1990s, he worked in the Clinton administration, including roles at the Council of Economic Advisers and as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.
These early government roles introduced him to national economic decision-making. He worked on issues involving fiscal policy and economic analysis, gaining experience in how research influences government actions.
After his time in the Clinton administration, Orszag continued developing his expertise through research and policy organizations. He became associated with the Brookings Institution, where he worked on economic studies and helped lead The Hamilton Project, an initiative focused on economic policy ideas and research.
During this period, he became known among policymakers and economists for his focus on healthcare costs, retirement security, fiscal sustainability, and long-term economic challenges.
Leadership at the Congressional Budget Office
In 2007, Peter Orszag became Director of the Congressional Budget Office. The CBO provides economic and budget analysis to members of Congress, and the director plays an important role in presenting nonpartisan research on federal spending and policy proposals.
During his time at the CBO, Orszag focused heavily on issues related to healthcare spending, budget pressures, and long-term economic trends. His work attracted attention because healthcare costs and federal budget concerns were major topics in national policy discussions.
He served as CBO director until 2008. The position strengthened his reputation as an economist capable of explaining complicated financial issues to policymakers and the public.
Role as Director of the Office of Management and Budget
In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Peter Orszag as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The OMB oversees federal budget development and supports the president in evaluating government programs and spending priorities.
Orszag entered the role during a period of significant economic difficulty following the global financial crisis. His responsibilities included working on federal budget matters and analyzing the financial effects of major government initiatives.
Healthcare reform became one of the major policy areas connected to his work at OMB. He contributed economic analysis during discussions surrounding healthcare legislation, including efforts to evaluate long-term costs and budget effects.
He left the OMB position in 2010. After government service, Orszag moved into the private sector while continuing to participate in economic discussions and research.
Transition to Finance and Business Leadership
Following his government career, Peter Orszag moved into financial services. He joined Citigroup, where he worked in investment banking leadership roles and focused on financial strategy and advisory work.
In 2016, Orszag joined Lazard as Vice Chairman of Investment Banking. Lazard is a global firm that provides financial advisory and asset management services to corporations, governments, and institutions.
His responsibilities expanded over time. He became Head of North American Mergers and Acquisitions and later served as Global Co-Head of Healthcare. These positions allowed him to combine his economic background with financial expertise.
From 2019 to 2023, Orszag served as CEO of Lazard’s Financial Advisory business, leading advisory operations for companies and governments around the world.
Peter Orszag as CEO and Chairman of Lazard
In October 2023, Peter Orszag became CEO of Lazard. The appointment marked a major step in his transition from economic policymaker to corporate leader.
As CEO, he oversees the firm’s global operations and strategic direction. His background in government, economics, and finance provides a combination of experiences that is relatively uncommon among financial executives.
In January 2025, Lazard expanded his role to include Chairman responsibilities. This placed him at the center of the firm’s long-term leadership strategy.
His career at Lazard reflects a broader trend among modern financial leaders: many executives now combine experience from government, academia, consulting, and investment banking.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
Peter Orszag’s achievements come mainly from his work in economics, public policy, and finance. He has held leadership positions at major institutions and contributed to discussions about government budgets, healthcare economics, and financial markets.
His service as both CBO director and OMB director stands among the most notable parts of his public career. Only a small number of individuals have led both organizations, making these roles a significant part of his professional history.
Beyond government positions, Orszag has maintained connections with academic and policy organizations. He serves on boards and participates in economic discussions through organizations focused on research, education, and public policy.
He also belongs to professional organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Personal Life of Peter Orszag
Peter Orszag is married to journalist Bianna Golodryga, who works with CNN. His personal life generally receives less public attention than his professional activities, and he has maintained a relatively private profile outside his work.
Reliable public sources do not establish an exact figure for Peter Orszag’s net worth. While his executive career and senior financial positions indicate a high-level professional standing, publicly confirmed financial details vary and should not be assumed without verified reporting.
Similarly, information such as his exact height and other personal measurements does not have consistent reliable public confirmation and is not included here.
Books, Research, and Economic Interests
Throughout his career, Peter Orszag has contributed to discussions about economic policy through research, articles, and public commentary. His interests have included healthcare economics, retirement policy, fiscal challenges, and government budgeting.
His work reflects an approach that combines economic research with practical decision-making. Whether advising government officials or leading financial professionals, he has focused on using data and analysis to understand complex problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Orszag
Who is Peter Orszag?
Peter Orszag is an American economist and business executive who serves as CEO and Chairman of Lazard. He previously served as Director of the Congressional Budget Office and Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
How old is Peter Orszag?
Peter Orszag was born on December 16, 1968. He is 57 years old as of 2026.
Where did Peter Orszag study?
Peter Orszag studied economics at Princeton University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and later earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from the London School of Economics.
What is Peter Orszag known for?
Peter Orszag is known for his leadership roles at Lazard, his service as Director of the Congressional Budget Office and Office of Management and Budget, and his work in economic policy.
Is Peter Orszag a politician?
Peter Orszag is not an elected politician. He is an economist and business executive who has served in appointed government positions, including roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations.
Conclusion
Peter Orszag’s career represents a combination of academic achievement, government service, and financial leadership. From his early studies in economics to his work at the highest levels of U.S. economic policy and global finance, he has built a professional path centered on analysis and decision-making.
His leadership at the Congressional Budget Office and Office of Management and Budget established him as an important figure in economic policy discussions, while his later career at Lazard expanded his influence in the financial sector.
Today, Peter Orszag continues to work at the intersection of economics, business, and global finance. His journey from researcher to government adviser and corporate leader shows how economic expertise can shape both public institutions and private organizations.
