Chris Holden, OBE Strategic Advisor

Chris spent 28 years in HM Diplomatic Service in senior management positions dealing at high level with a variety of complex and sensitive political and security issues.  He specialised in the MENA region and East Africa and lived and worked in both regions for 18 years.

Since retiring from HM Diplomatic Service in the late 1990s, he has held a number of positions in the private sector: Business Development Consultant to a large German industrial and educational group; Middle East Adviser to one of the UK’s big four accountancy and business advisory practices; Director of a medical start-up in the Middle East; and Board Director of a London-based business consultancy providing bespoke business intelligence services.

His private work since the mid-2000s has included carrying out all types of due diligence and asset tracing investigations, mainly in the Middle East, Iran and Africa, for a number of regular British and foreign clients.

His extensive public and private sector experience, security expertise, and wide range of contacts enable him to give advice on policy, strategy and engagement at all levels to help facilitate business in overseas markets.