Ian Houston was today announced as the latest Ambassador to be appointed by Scottish Business Network (SBN) in the United States. Ian is based in Washington DC.
Ian’s career has seen him at the center of advocating for diplomacy and the United States Foreign Service as the former Executive Director and Legislative Director of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) for 11 years. AFSA represents over 16,000 U.S. professional diplomats both active-duty and retired.
He has also worked in the U.S Congress and with international development & relief organisations for many years.
Ian’s father and generations back hail from Glasgow and his passion for Scotland shines through his love of Burns, however in this role his focus will be on assisting Scottish companies identify new opportunities in the US and raise the profile of SBN in Washington.
Mr McKee, Minister for Trade and Investment said: "Ian has worked closely with the Scottish Government's Washington DC office for many years and I welcome this appointment.”
Mr McKee added “The US is our top export destination and our trade and investment links there are important for Scotland's economy. With the current uncertainty due to Coronavirus, it is even more important than ever to reassure the world that Scotland is an open and welcoming country and an attractive place to invest in, visit and live. We are actively thinking about the preparations for when current restrictions can safely be eased and getting Scotland open for business once again, when the time is right.
“Our Washington DC office look forward to working with Ian in his new role and spreading this message.”
SBN Chair Russell Dalgleish stated “Over the next few years we believe that the US will become an ever more important market for Scottish companies as we build new trading relations post Coronavirus. Having a representative of Ian’s abilities in Washington will be of enormous value to all Scottish companies and we are honoured that he has agreed to join us”.
Ian Houston said of his appointment, “It is a pleasure and privilege to assume this role in Washington and work with Russell, the SBN team and membership, the Scottish Office in Washington, SDI, and so many other stakeholders. I am passionate about placing a spotlight on Scottish commerce and innovation, and forging partnerships between Scottish and U.S. companies and organisations across multiple sectors. SBN will play a vital role for positive trade growth.”
Over the coming months SBN plan to announce the appointment of more support for Scottish businesses across the world.