About Us

About me

Steven Pope

Founder, SIEG Trade Solutions

Welcome to SIEG Trade Solutions. I am Steven Pope, a globally recognised trade development expert and former diplomat, with over 40 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors. My career has spanned operational and ministerial roles in the UK, as well as work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

After starting my career on the operational frontline, I progressed to supporting Ministers and developing national strategies and policies in my field of expertise. In 2011, I relocated to Germany with my family, embracing a new direction both personally and professionally.

Key Achievements

DHL Express: As European Head of Customs & Regulatory Affairs, I built our lobbying capacity in Brussels, established a Customs Brokerage Office in Cologne, and developed a large Trade Compliance Office in Prague. Over eight years, I grew the Department from three to over 150 professionals across three countries, making it an industry leader recognised by regulators in Europe and the US, as well as major clients.

GoTrade Initiative: In 2020, I was invited by the Group CEO to establish the first dedicated trade facilitation team at our Corporate HQ. The GoTrade team quickly gained a reputation for supporting trade facilitation in developing economies, earning an award from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 2022.

Global Programmes: Within five years, we developed a global SME training curriculum, a mentoring programme pairing MBA students with SMEs, and launched the GoTrade Summit, bringing together stakeholders from public and private sectors in global trade.

Current Focus

In April this year, I founded SIEG Trade Solutions to further advance trade facilitation and advocacy, building on my extensive experience. I work with governments, donors, investors, and businesses to develop and implement operational strategies and policies that support export-driven growth.

My Approach

My career has been defined by driving strategies and reforms at both national and international levels, always with a practical understanding of their real-world impact. I am committed to engaging with and learning from experts worldwide

Engaging my services means access to a unique blend of expertise, a global network, and hands-on experience. I offer the value of several consultants in one.

Leadership and Recognition

I have a strong reputation for delivering trade programmes with tangible economic impact. My previous senior roles include:

Chair UK's VAT anti-fraud working group.
Member of Commonwealth Commission on Trade Facilitation.
Chairing the ICC’s Trade & Investment Commission
Co-Chairing the Africa Committee at the OECD’s Emerging Markets Network

I am currently:

Senior Fellow at the High-Level Group in Brussels, an independent think tank supporting European trade policy.
Senior Advisor to the Nextrade Group in the US
Partner at BOC Consult, a boutique consultancy with industry-leading partners

Let’s connect to discuss how SIEG Trade Solutions can support your organisation’s trade development goals.

Contact

Email: stevenpope@siegtradesolutions.com

Website: www.siegtradesolutions.com