ELN Names New Director

The European Leadership Network (ELN) has appointed Sir Adam Thomson KCMG, the UK’s outgoing Permanent Representative to NATO, as its new director to replace Ian Kearns, who stepped down in July.

“I feel privileged and excited to be joining such a talented team. Europe’s security is eroding,” Sir Adam said. “Through its practical ideas and powerful networks, the European Leadership Network makes a positive difference in turning that around. I look forward tremendously to getting started as Director.”

Sir Adam joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1978 and served in Moscow, NATO, Washington and New Delhi. In 2002, he was named the UK’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and from 2010 to 2013, he served as British High Commissioner to Pakistan.

NTI Vice Chairman Des Browne, who also serves as chairman of the ELN, praised the appointment.

“Sir Adam’s experience in diplomacy and his record of public service equip him well to serve (the ELN) as we complete our founding phase and move into the next stage of our development,” Browne said. “As outgoing UK Ambassador to NATO, Sir Adam appreciates more than most the potential of the ELN’s valuable network of political, military and diplomatic leaders from across Europe. The fact that a figure of Sir Adam’s caliber has agreed to lead the ELN is a testimony to the progress of the organization.”

Sir Adam starts at the ELN in November.