Global Business Briefing with His Excellency Philippe Étienne, Ambassador of France to the U.S.

On January 19, 2023, the Meridian Corporate Council hosted a Global Business Briefing with His Excellency Philippe Étienne, Ambassador of France to the U.S. The discussion, moderated by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian covered key areas of The State of U.S.-France relations and 2023 Trade Priorities.  

Ambassador Etienne has previously held numerous posts within the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, notably including Ambassador of France to Romania (2002-2005), Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (2007-2009), Permanent Representative of France to the European Union (2009-2014), Ambassador of France to Germany (2014-2017) and most recently, Diplomatic Adviser to the President (2017-2019). Ambassador Etienne is an expert on the European Union and continental Europe. He has held posts in Moscow, Belgrade, Bucharest, Bonn, Berlin and Brussels. He has also served as an adviser in the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on several occasions. 

In one of the last engagements for Ambassador Étienne as Ambassador of the France to the U.S, he spoke with the Meridian Corporate Council on U.S. - France relations going forward in this pivotal time in the global landscape. With historical ties to economic cooperation, the nations have a long-standing relationship based on shared values and cultural exchanges. Amidst global shifts, they both aim to strengthen economic integration, emphasizing areas such as the digital economy, sustainability, defense, and trade diversification. By addressing these priorities strategically, both countries can foster growth, innovation, and stability, ensuring their alliance remains pivotal in addressing global challenges and advancing economic resilience.

Melissa Weber (Mars) and Marie Kissel (Abbott Laboratoires) in conversation ahead of the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Leila Afas (Toyota) and Chaitan Jain(United Airlines) in conversation ahead of the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Kathryn Neal (Microsoft) and Stephen Claeys (Pfizer) meet ahead of the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Puru Trivedi (Meridian) and Maura Jeffords (Pernod Ricard) share a laugh ahead of the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Matt Armstrong (Baker Hughes) asks a question to the Ambassador during the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Michael McSwain (Nike) and Lance Mangum (FedEx) catch up ahead of the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

The Meridian Corporate Council out in full force to listen to remarks from Ambassador Étienne during the Global Business Briefing with Ambassador Étienne on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Ambassador Étienne gives keynote remarks during the Global Business Briefing on January 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

A full table to bid farewell to Ambassador Étienne. Photo by Jess Latos.