Brunswick expands tariff, international trade, and government affairs expertise with hire of former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade
February 18th, 2025 – Brunswick Group, a strategic advisory firm focused on critical issues and critical stakeholders, today announced that Chris Padilla has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor based in Washington D.C.
Padilla brings senior experience from decades spent in government policy and corporate roles, and practical perspective from his time as a supply chain practitioner. He has championed advocacy efforts on trade, tariffs, and tax policy at the highest levels of government worldwide.
Previously, Padilla led global government and regulatory affairs for IBM Corporation for 15 years. He oversaw a team of advocacy professionals in 36 countries, and trade and sanctions compliance for IBM’s global operations.
Before IBM, Padilla held senior roles in the Commerce Department. The President twice appointed him to Senate-confirmed positions, as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. He also held roles as an Assistant United States Trade Representative, a Senior Advisor at the Department of State, and as a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.
Earlier, he spent 15 years in marketing, business development, and international trade relations roles at AT&T and Eastman Kodak Company.
Henry Timms, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Responding to the rapidly evolving international trade landscape is one of the toughest challenges facing our clients today. Chris brings insight from working in government together with experience of helping major corporations adapt to a changing policy environment.”
Chris Padilla said: “Brunswick’s clients include the largest and most complex organizations on the planet, and it is the perfect place to apply the full breadth of my experience. As part of our formidable D.C. team, I look forward to helping clients navigate tariff policy, ensure their voices are heard in policy conversations, and feel confident in engaging during a time of dramatic political change.”
About Brunswick Group
Brunswick is a strategic advisory firm focused on critical issues and critical stakeholders. Our purpose is to help our clients play their role in the world successfully. We advise on critical issues and critical stakeholders at the center of business, politics and society, and help our clients – the leaders of large, complex organizations – understand and navigate these interconnected worlds. Brunswick is one firm globally, operating as a single profit center. This allows us to respond seamlessly and effectively to clients’ needs wherever they are in the world.
For more information, visit: www.brunswickgroup.com
Contact
Cerith Evans, [email protected]