About

Simon has spent much of his career working in the Gulf, initially in the private sector before taking on the role of the UK’s Trade Commissioner to the Middle East.
Simon was a senior banker for over twenty years, becoming the regional CEO of Royal Bank of Scotland before joining the UAE’s First Gulf Bank as the CEO of its corporate and investment bank. Simon moved into the UK public sector as the first HM Trade Commissioner in 2018, a role he undertook through to 2023 before returning to the private sector.

As HM Trade Commissioner, Simon worked with ministers and officials from all six Gulf countries to expand trade and investment ties. Recognising the UK’s commercial success was linked to the strength of the diplomatic relationships, Simon built deep commercial and political relationships at the highest levels.
Simon initiated the UK-Gulf (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, created the UK’s first Sovereign Investment Partnerships with the UAE and Qatar (that will see over £25bn+ invested into UK industry), and oversaw 30% growth in bilateral trade. Simon promoted the UK to Gulf sovereign wealth funds with a focus on attracting investment into priority sectors as well as supporting Gulf countries increase their exports to the UK.

Simon brings invaluable insights at the intersection of diplomacy and commerce and remains passionate about championing bilateral trade and investment with the GCC.

Simon was recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for his work supporting UK Middle East commercial relations.