Washington D.C. – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today announced that it has appointed former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, as its new Board Chairman, effective immediately. As Chairman, he will oversee and guide the work of one of Washington’s leading industry associations on international trade, investment and tax issues.
“I am very excited that someone with the stature and experience of Secretary Gutierrez has agreed to head our Board,” said Rufus Yerxa, President of the NFTC. “He’s been a leader at the highest level in both government and business, and will be a huge asset. His Chairmanship comes at a critical moment, when questions are being raised about the very direction of U.S. trade policy and our economic leadership in the world. His business savvy and advocacy will help NFTC advance our vision for better trade and tax policies.”
Prior to his tenure as Chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, Secretary Gutierrez served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009. He previously spent almost three decades at the Kellogg Company, eventually becoming the company’s Chairman and CEO. He has also worked as Vice Chairman of the Institutional Clients Group at Citi, and Chairs the U.S.-Cuba Business Council at the Chamber of Commerce.
“NFTC is a great organization. Its membership encompasses most sectors of the U.S. economy and some of our largest exporters,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “Strengthening the global trading system and continuing to open access to foreign markets is vital to the U.S. economy, and I look forward to helping NFTC member companies succeed in the global marketplace.”
Secretary Gutierrez replaces Ambassador Alan Wolff, NFTC Chairman since 2011, who has taken a new position in Geneva as Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization.
To read Secretary Gutierrez’s bio, click here.
