I am an experienced Customs and Trade expert with over 40 years experience in both the Public and Private Sectors, working with stakeholders at all levels from Practitioners and Policy Officials to CEO's, Ministers and Heads of State. 

I have both practical and policy experience in areas as diverse as Customs and Border Management, Criminal Investigation, Customs, VAT and Trade Compliance, Trade Facilitation, Due Diligence, Sustainable Supply Chain Development and Capacity Building. 

I started my career in the Public Sector as a Customs Officer, before taking more senior roles in the UK’s Foreign Office, HM Treasury and internationally with the IMF. 

The progression throughout my career in the Public Sector enabled me to build on my early practical experience and shaped my approach to leadership, policy and strategy. Having that personal experience of the impact that my decisions would make on the ground, together with the relationships that I have developed over the years has helped me to deliver policies and strategies that had greater impact. That experience I have carried through to my role in the private sector.

In 2011, I joined DHL Express in Germany as Vice President for Customs & Regulatory Affairs in Europe creating three departments;  Customs & Trade Advocacy,  Supply Chain & Trade Compliance and Trade Facilitation. 

The Trade Compliance department has become a centre of excellence for DHL's Customers and our Rgeulatory Partners worldwide. 

In 2020, I moved to the Group HQ to take  our Trade Facilitation activities  to the next level, creating the award winning GoTrade program which has supported thousands of SME’s in emerging markets across the world.

My experience has taught me that successful trade facilitation must focus on two areas; the policy and regulatory environment, and the practical requirements needed for businesses to succeed.  

I can speak to Governments with a professional understanding of their priorities whilst at the same time understanding the demands for Businesses. This experience led to my previous appointment as Chair of the Trade & Investment Commission at the International Chamber of Commerce as well as a number of other Trade Bodies and Think Tanks. 

My goal is to leverage my expertise and network to deliver trade facilitation reforms and SME growth that makes a real difference. Focusing on developing countries globally, I recently set up SIEG Trade Solutions to broaden the reach of my work. I am also continuing my engagement with thought leaders in the field of international trade development as a Senior Advisor to the Nextrade Group in the US and a Senior Fellow at High Level Groups in the EU.

Ultimately I am driven by the people on the ground whose lives we can improve through trade. If we dont make a difference, there is no point in us being there.

The SIEG in SIEG Trade Solutions stands for Sustainbale & Inclusive Economic Growth. That is what I am about.