The Team

Chief Executive Officer

Ian spent the majority of his career as a civil servant spending time as a policy official in the UK trade department including 3 spells covering 9 years running the private offices of cabinet ministers in both the Conservative and Labour governments. He then spent approximately 20 years working overseas for the UK Diplomatic Service in New York, New Delhi, Dubai and Ho Ch Minh City. And it was there that Ian served as British Consul General from 2016-2020. On returning to the UK in September 2020, he was appointed CEO of the UK-ASEAN Business Council.

Ian has been a volunteer and trustee of Slideway, a charity for bereaved children since November 2021 and since February 2026 a trustee of Saigon Children a UK registered charity based in Ho Chi Minh City providing education to disadvantaged children and young adults.

 Ian was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his work in New York City during and in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Manhattan.

Ian was awarded an OBE in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to British exporters and consular efforts overseas.

Chief Operating Officer

Ben was appointed COO of the UK-ASEAN Business Council in October 2023. He joined UKABC following a 23-year career with the Department for Business and Trade. This period included roles as Regional Director for Exports and Investment in the South East of England, overseas postings as Deputy Director for Trade & Investment in Thailand and Deputy Head of China Financial Services based in Shanghai, as well as export promotion and export policy roles in the UK.

Director - ASEAN & Corporate Affairs

Based in Brunei, Allen drives the UKABC’s engagement with the region. He also curates the council’s corporate programmes, both in the UK and in Southeast Asia.

Allen has almost 20 years of experience working on geopolitical trade-related platforms in Asia. Before joining UKABC, he was involved in the planning, development, and execution of the APEC CEO Summit, Asia Pacific’s largest business event.

Director of Policy

Harry joined the UK-ASEAN Business Council as Director of Policy in September 2026, following eight years working in public affairs across consultancies and trade associations.

Before joining UKABC, Harry spent three years in Beijing leading the policy and advocacy work of the British Chamber of Commerce in China. In this role, he led the Chamber’s engagement with the UK and Chinese governments and the development of its major policy publications on the business and regulatory environment in China.

Prior to moving to China, Harry worked in London and Brussels, advising multinational companies on UK and EU trade and regulatory policy.

Associate Director for ASEAN

Clarissa is UKABC's Associate Director for ASEAN. Appointed in June 2026 after joining the Council in 2024, she is based in Asia while retaining her London responsibilities — leading UKABC's flagship programmes, including the UK-ASEAN Business Forum, and the Council's partner engagement across London and Southeast Asia.

She engages senior business executives, ASEAN government officials and ministers, the UK Mission to ASEAN, and British Embassies and High Commissions across the region — including around the ASEAN Economic Ministers' meetings.

Born in Indonesia, she graduated from Newcastle University and previously worked with the Indonesian Embassy in London.

Manager - Marketing

Daniel is a marketing professional with a background in international marketing and economics, and a particular interest in the fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia. He is especially interested in the digital transformation of industries across ASEAN markets and how businesses can harness emerging technologies to support growth and engagement.

Daniel brings hands-on experience in planning and delivering digital marketing campaigns across a range of sectors, gained through both agency and in-house roles. His work combines strategic thinking with practical execution, helping organisations strengthen their brand presence and connect more effectively with their audiences.