Anthony Gardner

Anthony Gardner

Former US Ambassador to the European Union & Authority on Transatlantic Geopolitics

Core Intelligence Domain: Geopolitics & International Relations
Location: London, United Kingdom / Brussels, Belgium | Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Anthony Gardner served as the United States Ambassador to the European Union from 2014 to 2017, dedicating his tenure to strengthening transatlantic ties during a period of profound geopolitical and economic shifts. An internationally recognised authority on US-EU relations, global trade, and regulatory diplomacy, Ambassador Gardner brings unparalleled C-suite and diplomatic insight to the intersection of international policy and corporate strategy. With over three decades of experience navigating complex global markets, he provides boards and senior executives with the strategic foresight required to operate successfully amidst shifting international paradigms and volatile regulatory environments.

A Legacy of Diplomatic and Corporate Leadership

Throughout his distinguished career, Anthony Gardner has held pivotal roles at the highest echelons of both government and the private sector. Appointed by President Barack Obama, his ambassadorship was marked by his instrumental involvement in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations and the formulation of the US-EU Privacy Shield agreement, a landmark framework governing transatlantic data flows. Prior to and following his diplomatic service, he has cultivated deep expertise in European affairs and transatlantic commerce.

Currently, Ambassador Gardner holds prominent advisory and board positions, serving as Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP and holding directorships across major multinational organisations, including Iberdrola. His previous experience spans managing directorships at top-tier private equity firms, including Palamon Capital Partners, and vital roles at the Treuhandanstalt (German Privatisation Agency), the Commission of the European Communities, and leading global law firms in London, Paris, and Brussels.

Key Achievements and Strategic Impact

• Diplomatic Excellence: Successfully championed US economic and geopolitical interests as the US Ambassador to the EU, deeply engaging with the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament.
• Author and Thought Leader: Author of the highly acclaimed book “Stars with Stripes: The Essential Partnership between the European Union and the United States”, offering a robust defence of the transatlantic alliance and actionable insights into international diplomacy.
• Digital Economy & Data Privacy: Played a critical role in the establishment of the US-EU Privacy Shield, ensuring the continuity of billions of dollars in cross-border digital commerce.
• Transatlantic Trade Leadership: A driving force behind US-EU trade negotiations, advocating for aligned regulatory standards to foster global economic resilience and counter competitive threats.
• Corporate Governance: Advises global C-suite executives and boards on navigating complex ESG mandates, European regulatory frameworks, and enterprise-level geopolitical risk management.

Primary Speaking Themes

• The Future of US-EU Relations: Analysing the trajectory of the transatlantic partnership amidst rising protectionism, shifting political landscapes, and evolving global alliances.
• Geopolitics and Corporate Strategy: How multinational corporations can build resilience and navigate political volatility, economic sanctions, and international trade disputes.
• Navigating European Regulation: Strategic foresight on the European Union’s regulatory pipeline, focusing on data privacy, digital markets, and progressive environmental policies.
• The Global Energy Transition: Understanding the geopolitical implications of the shift towards renewable energy, decarbonisation, and energy security in Europe and beyond.
• Digital Trade and Tech Governance: Critical insights into the transatlantic technology race, artificial intelligence regulation, and the future of secure cross-border data flows.

Key Takeaways

• Actionable Geopolitical Intelligence: Gain unparalleled insights from a former top US diplomat on how macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts directly impact global supply chains and market access.
• Regulatory Foresight: Equip your organisation with the intelligence to anticipate and adapt to stringent European regulatory frameworks before they impact commercial operations and the bottom line.
• Strategic Transatlantic Positioning: Learn how to leverage the nuances and complexities of the US-EU economic relationship to unlock sustainable cross-border trade opportunities.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop robust frameworks for corporate resilience and agile decision-making in an era characterised by geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty.