Edward McMullen - Biography
Edward McMullen – Transatlantic economic strategist, investor, and former US ambassador
From November 2017 to January 2021, Edward McMullen served as US Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. During this time, he shaped bilateral relations like few before him – with measurable success: Switzerland rose from eighth to sixth place among the most important countries of origin for foreign direct investment in the US.
As ambassador, his focus was on promoting economic relations. Over 300 personal meetings with CEOs and executives in Switzerland and Liechtenstein testify to his commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment and strengthening transatlantic economic cooperation.
Edward McMullen is also a regular participant in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Following his diplomatic service, McMullen now serves as Senior Policy Advisor at the law firm Adams and Reese LLP, is a partner in a private equity firm in London, and is a board member of several companies and organizations in Europe and North America, including a Paris-based communications company and several Swiss firms. His focus remains on expanding sustainable economic relations between Europe and the United States.
Politics, economics, transatlantic visions
Prior to his time as ambassador, McMullen worked in Washington, D.C., as president of a national think tank and as a close associate of the founding president of the Heritage Foundation during the Reagan era. He later founded his own PR and public affairs agency in South Carolina, specializing in government relations, campaign management, advertising, data analysis, and opinion research.
He served clients in key industries such as aerospace, high tech, pharmaceuticals, finance, and biotechnology, including Fortune 25 companies.
McMullen was also a strategic advisor in several US presidential campaigns, including those of John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Donald Trump, and supported prominent members of Congress such as Senator Lindsey Graham with his expertise. He also took on responsibilities at the state level as a member of the Commission on Higher Education and as chairman of the South Carolina Endowed Chairs Research Center Board.
In addition, he was active in the South Carolina Competitiveness Council and in energy policy committees, for example in the field of nuclear energy.
McMullen is a board member of the Swiss American Foundation and a trustee of the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. For his outstanding services, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state of South Carolina.
In addition to his professional career, he is passionate about nature: Edward McMullen is an avid hunter, fly fisherman, and tennis player. He enjoys spending his free time with his family.