Paul Webley — British educator and economic psychologist

Career and institutional leadership

Webley served as Director and Principal of SOAS, University of London, from 2006 until 2015. In that role he oversaw academic programmes, strategic planning and international engagement at a specialist institution focused on Asia, Africa and the Middle East. From 2010 until his death in 2016 he also held the post of Deputy Vice‑Chancellor of the University of London, participating in university‑wide governance and collaboration across constituent colleges. For further institutional context see the SOAS profile: SOAS biography and a broader University of London entry: University of London information.

Research, professional roles and interests

Trained as a social scientist, Webley was active in economic psychology, a field that examines psychological aspects of economic behaviour such as attitudes to money, taxation and financial socialisation. He served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Economic Psychology and was elected President of the International Association for Research in Economic Psychology (IAREP), roles that reflect his standing in the research community and his interest in fostering international networks among scholars.

Honours and public recognition

In recognition of his contributions to higher education, Paul Webley was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours. Colleagues and institutions paid tribute to his commitment to teaching, research and the international profile of British area studies. His work combined academic scholarship with practical leadership, strengthening institutional links and supporting student opportunities across diverse regions.

Death and legacy

Webley died in London on 2 March 2016 after a period of illness; reports and tributes were published following his passing. His death was noted by academic communities and the institutions he served: see a local notice London obituary and an institutional statement colleague tribute. He is remembered for promoting interdisciplinary study, for mentoring younger scholars, and for combining scholarship with administrative responsibility.

Notable facts and further reading

• Director and Principal of SOAS (2006–2015) and Deputy Vice‑Chancellor, University of London (2010–2016).
• Active in economic psychology: editorial board member and past president of IAREP.
• Appointed CBE in 2015 for services to higher education.
• Announcements and memorials may be found through institutional pages and professional associations: memorial notice.

For readers seeking deeper background on his published work and specific research contributions, consult academic databases and the Journal of Economic Psychology, or visit the institutional pages linked above for archived statements and commemorations.