Sir Stephen Brown KCVO (Co-Chairman)

 
Sir Stephen Brown KCVO (Co-Chairman)

Former British Ambassador
Republic of Korea; Singapore

Languages
French

Area/Thematic Expertise
Asia (China, Korea, Singapore), Australia, Cyprus, France; international political and commercial problems, especially trade and investment related; cross-cultural issues and relations; international negotiation; alternative dispute resolution, mediation, foreign policy, diplomacy, corporate diplomacy, government relations

Career Overview

Following 12 years with the British Army, Sir Stephen’s 30 year diplomatic career focused in the later stages on Asia including working with the private sector to grow trade and investment between the UK and some of its major trading partners, especially China, Korea and Singapore. Sir Stephen’s early career brought him into close contact with the political realities of divided countries, like Cyprus and war ravaged ones, like Nicaragua and El Salvador. Following his term as Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, he was part of the team that negotiated diplomatic relations with North Korea.

Sir Stephen demonstrated significant support for the private sector during his diplomatic career, including:

  • lobbying foreign governments to open their national airlines to UK suppliers
  • advising and assisting a major UK bank on the potential purchase of a Korean bank
  • advising Tesco on the purchase of its (now highly successful) retail chain in Korea
  • advising UK defence companies bidding for multi-million £ defence contracts in Korea, Singapore and Australia
  • lobbying the Chinese government successfully on behalf of a major UK investor to secure a tax rebate following a change in regulations (this involved persuading a reluctant British Chancellor of the Exchequer to take the unconventional step of arguing personally for the rebate)

During his term as Chief Executive of the UK government’s worldwide trade and investment body (UKTI), he focused particularly on emerging markets. In a post graded at Permanent Secretary level he was involved in significant inter-departmental negotiation, especially on funding issues.

Following retirement from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Sir Stephen's career in corporate diplomacy has included:

  • advising and assisting Vermillion Partners (lead adviser) over 15 months to secure a landmark transaction for Diageo to obtain indirect control of a Chinese listed entity
  • drawing up a strategy for a leading Chinese investor in the UK to become integrated into the UK's economic and business life and build effective relationships in political, governmental, corporate and civil constituencies
  • advising a major UK facilities management company bidding for government outsourcing contracts
  • advising a large UK manufacturer on how to buy out their well established Korean agent, who was reluctant to sell; advising a specialist FDI data analysis company on bidding for UK and European business
  • advising and assisting London based business development group, The D Group, on growing its membership and improving its international offering

Sir Stephen is Co-Chairman and a member of the Management Committee of ADRg Ambassadors. He is an accredited Mediator through ADR Group, a sister company to ADRg Ambassadors.

Recent Career History

  • Group Chief Executive, UK Trade & Investment (2002-05)
  • British High Commissioner to Singapore (2000-02)
  • British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (1997-2000)

Professional Qualifications

  • Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst
  • BA (History), University of Sussex
  • Qualified Mediator (ADR Group)

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