Washington, D.C. — Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG), the leading commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm, announced today that former U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez has joined as a Vice Chairman, bringing unparalleled international trade and investment expertise and management talents to the firm. Secretary Gutierrez joins ASG from Citi where he served as Vice Chairman of the Institutional Clients Group and a member of the Senior Strategic Advisory Group.

“What makes the Albright Stonebridge team so effective is our deep understanding of the different languages of business, government and civil society – and of diverse countries and cultures,” said Madeleine K. Albright, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group. ”Carlos not only understands this intersection, but he has had a remarkable career successfully leading major public and private sector entities. His expertise and global business insights will add enormous value to the work we do for our clients in every corner of the globe.”

“Carlos is a seasoned leader who has been engaged at the highest levels in some of the most significant commercial, diplomatic, and policy decision-making over the last decade,” said Samuel R. Berger, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group. “Carlos combines the finest qualities of a corporate and political statesman. His insights, international expertise, and integrity will serve our clients worldwide.”

Secretary Gutierrez said, “I am delighted to join ASG’s leading international commercial diplomacy practice during an exciting time in its global growth. I have admired the firm and its leadership for some time and I am enthusiastic to combine my global experience in the commercial and policy arenas to help ASG in its full range of local and geographic expertise and unparalleled client service.”

Born in Havana, Cuba, Mr. Gutierrez served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. He joined the Bush administration after spending nearly 30 years with Kellogg Company, starting as a sales representative in Mexico City and rising to President and Chief Executive Officer in 1999, becoming the youngest CEO in the company’s 100-year history. In April 2000, he was named Chairman of the Board of Kellogg Company. Mr. Gutierrez’s tenure as Chairman and CEO led to sustained growth at the company and value creation.

As the 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gutierrez was responsible for heading a Cabinet agency with almost 40,000 employees and a $6.5 billion budget focused on promoting American business at home and abroad. During his tenure as Secretary, he worked with foreign government and business leaders to advance economic relationships, enhance trade, and promote U.S. exports. Secretary Gutierrez also played a key role in the passage of landmark free trade agreements that strip away trade barriers, expand export opportunities and boost global investment.

Mr. Gutierrez recently became chairman of Republicans for Immigration Reform, the political action group that he co-founded late last year. He also serves as a National Trustee at the University of Miami, a visiting scholar at the Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies at the University of Miami. He is a trustee on the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, on the Board of Trustees of Meridian International Center, and a Member of the Board of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation.

About Albright Stonebridge Group

Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) is a leading commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and National Security Advisor Samuel R. Berger that has helped clients navigate the intersections of business, the public sector, and civil society in over 100 countries on six continents. The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with more than 100 seasoned professionals around the world. ASG works with chief executives and their corporations, businesses, associations, foundations, and non-profits to assess and manage risk, realize opportunities, position themselves for success, and solve commercial, political, and regulatory challenges. The firm’s global network includes team members in Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kampala, Madrid, Moscow, New Delhi, Stockholm, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai, Sydney, and elsewhere.

For more information visit: www.albrightstonebridge.com