Washington DC – The U.S.-South Africa Business Council is pleased to announce Robert L. Mallett as its new Chairman. Mr. Mallett is the Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Pfizer Inc. Prior to joining Pfizer, Mr. Mallett served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce under then-Commerce Secretary William Daley.
“I am delighted to welcome Robert Mallett to the Business Council; Robert will bring insight to the Council both through his business and previous Commerce experience, which I think is most valuable,” said outgoing Chairman Lewis Booth. “The U.S.-South Africa Business Council enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Robert Mallett in his capacity as Deputy Secretary of Commerce. His extensive experience in U.S.-South Africa bilateral government and business relations will serve our members well.”
“I always appreciated the work of the Council while I served in government, and I am sure that I will enjoy serving and working with all of the members of the Council as its new Chair. I consider it an honor to have been asked,” said Robert Mallett.
The U.S.-South Africa Business Council supports the entry and success of U.S. companies in the South African market and represents their interests to the United States and South African governments. The Business Council is working closely with the White House and other U.S. government agencies, especially with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office on plans for a free trade agreement between the United States and South Africa and the Southern Africa Customs Union. The Business Council is sponsored by the National Foreign Trade Council.
Mr. Mallett succeeds Mr. Lewis Booth as Chairman. Mr. Booth, formerly Ford Motor Company’s President for Asia-Pacific and Africa, recently became Senior Advisor in charge of Corporate Strategy for Mazda Motor Corporation.
Mr. Mallett graduated from Morehouse College in 1979 and received his law degree from Harvard University in 1982. He is based in New York City.
