My travels have taken me to investment destinations large and small, developed and undeveloped, urban and rural, industrial and post-industrial – and one thing I have learned is every place has its own unique story. But often that story is overlooked or unknown, or the narrative is out of date. 

I have also seen first-hand the positive impact FDI can have on both people and places, beginning in my own home state of Alabama, USA, where a single automotive factory in the 1990s changed forever the entire economy of the state. 

I believe that not only does every city, country or region deserve the opportunity to develop its economy through inward investment but also that every place is worthy of respect. My professional passion is to help bridge the gap between investor expectations and economic-development goals.

I can do that through my years of experience as an editor, writer and FDI thought leader. I have had editorial leadership roles at both established and challenger media brands, and worked in Washington, DC, and London as a journalist. I have covered business stories in all major regions of the world and have been on assignment to more than 80 countries in my career. I have deep knowledge of investment dynamics and extensive experience working with C-suite executives, investors, economic developers and investment promotion authorities worldwide.

I spent 15 years with the Financial Times where I was head of content for the group’s FDI division. I am now a contributor to Forbes.com, writing a regular column on FDI; and a contributing editor for Real Asset Media, which provides market insight, thought leadership, strategy and research with a global audience of senior leaders in the real estate and real asset markets. Among other roles, I serve as a senior advisor for the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies. 

An in-demand event moderator and professional speaker on matters of global business and investment, I have participated in hundreds of events worldwide and now advise event organisers on content and assist with promotion. I have appeared on television and radio in dozens of countries as a commentator on international investment and have twice been called to give evidence to the UK Parliament about inward investment.