Philip H. de Leon  

Philip H. de Leon

Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Global Alliance on Sustainability & AI Inc. (GASAI)  

President, Trade Connections International

Philip H. de Leon holds dual roles as the Vice President of Global Government Affairs at the Global Alliance on Sustainability & AI Inc. (GASAI) and as the President of Trade Connections International. In these positions, he leverages his extensive experience in international relations and public policy to foster strategic partnerships and advocate for sustainable practices in global governance.

As President of Trade Connections International, Philip consults with a diverse array of clients, engaging with U.S. and foreign governments, embassies, trade organizations, corporations, and NGOs to identify and develop business collaboration opportunities. His previous role at the U.S. Department of Commerce saw him leading an office dedicated to promoting U.S. exports and investments in Eurasia, further solidifying his expertise in international trade and government affairs.

Philip has also served as the head of the Washington, D.C. office for Fortune 300 AGCO Corporation, where he represented the company on the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) and held an executive board position with the Corporate Council on Africa. His leadership in the founding of the U.S.-Kyrgyzstan Business Council and the U.S.-Tajikistan Business Council underscores his commitment to fostering U.S. trade relationships in Central Asia.

A notable achievement in his career includes playing a pivotal role in building a coalition of private sector companies to draft the International Protocol concerning Mining, Agricultural, and Construction Equipment, which was signed by the United States in 2020 to enhance financing conditions for equipment sellers.

Educated in France, Philip holds a Master’s degree from Sorbonne University in Paris, a Master’s degree in Russian Language and Studies from the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, and an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is based in Washington, D.C., and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, engaging with numerous heads of state and government.

At GASAI, Philip is dedicated to advancing global collaboration and sustainability initiatives by building effective government affairs relationships and strategic partnerships.