Klaus Buttner

Curriculum vitae

Klaus Büttner
56 Baltimore House
Juniper Drive
London, United Kingdom
SW18 1TS
+44 77 1406 1409
butkla500@gmail.com


Summary:

A true internationalist, who has worked and studied in seven countries and successfully generated and concluded business in both developed countries and emerging markets.

Over 25 years of increasingly senior leadership experience in both policy and operational roles in government and in the financial sector.

Leverages high level client and stakeholder relationships through communication skills and a partnership approach.

Recognised as an approachable team player and a good listener with the ability to think in many strategic dimensions, but also as an energetic leader with a strong focus on execution and results.

Having served on the boards of a number of business associations, I am now looking for opportunities to use my experience, skills and network in non-executive director positions with not-for-profit organisations in the UK.


Work experience:

Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), Alberta United Kingdom Office, Government of Alberta, London

September 2022 to present

The Alberta International Offices play a vital role in strengthening Alberta's presence around the world by developing global business relationships to promote and facilitate investment attraction and increased trade from key priority regions. Specifically, the Offices play a key role in delivering programming and services in support of Alberta's priorities in international markets, attracting investment to the province, bolstering market access for Alberta's products and services, and advocating for Alberta's interests internationally.

As the lead representative for Alberta's investment and trade interests in Europe, Middle East and Africa, the Managing Director of the Alberta United Kingdom Office provides leadership, strategic direction, and coordination to the Government of Alberta's activities. Specifically, the Managing Director develops and leads the implementation of key strategies to achieve the Government's business plan goals, by applying strategic thinking, leadership, effective resource management, and relationship building. In doing so, the Managing Director is concerned with building collaborative, cooperative partner relationships to create, enhance, and sustain approaches and initiatives to achieve desired results, guided by broad policy parameters and available resources.

The Managing Director is responsible for operations management of the Office, development of strategies and market intelligence, and delivery of programmes that advance Alberta's priorities in terms of market access, investment attraction and commercial engagement.


Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), Alberta United Kingdom Office, Invest Alberta Corporation, London

April 2021 to September 2022

The province of Alberta, Canada has created a new agency dedicated to investment promotion called the Invest Alberta Corporation, with a mandate to provide tailored support to investors and new investment projects. The Alberta United Kingdom Office has joined Invest Alberta and received a broadened mandate for investment attraction from across the EMEA region.

The Managing Director provides direction to the Office's and Invest Alberta's efforts to promote opportunities in Alberta; strives to be a leader in building relationships with target clients; ensures a coordinated approach to messaging and advocacy; provides market advice; and, develops collaborative networks with public and private sector partner organisations in Alberta and in market.


Managing Director, Alberta United Kingdom Office, Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, London

August 2019 to April 2021

As Alberta's lead representative within the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, the Managing Director of the Government of Alberta's United Kingdom Office advances the province's interests through the delivery of programmes and services that contribute to the growth and diversification of the provincial economy. Those services include, but are not limited to, the organisation of inbound and outbound trade missions.

The Managing Director provides leadership and strategic guidance to the Office, with a focus on the planning and delivery of international trade promotion, international investment attraction, and international relations functions.

The Managing Director develops and coordinates Alberta's relations with and the province's strategic approach to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Responsibilities include providing advice and recommendations to senior Government and Ministry officials with a view to advancing Alberta's economic interests and international strategy in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.


Managing Director, Alberta Mexico Office, Alberta Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Mexico City

November 2015 - August 2019

As Alberta's lead representative within the Canadian Embassy in Mexico, the Managing Director of the Government of Alberta's Mexico Office advances the province's interests through the delivery of programmes and services that contribute to the growth and diversification of the provincial economy. Those services include, but are not limited to, the organisation of inbound and outbound trade missions. The Managing Director provides leadership and strategic guidance to the Office, with a focus on the planning and delivery of international trade promotion, international investment attraction, and international relations functions.

The Managing Director develops and coordinates Alberta's relations with and the province's strategic approach to Mexico, which includes the preservation and development of complex, high level intergovernmental relationships at both the federal and state level. Responsibilities include providing advice and recommendations to senior Government and Ministry officials with a view to advancing Alberta's economic interests and international strategy in Mexico.

Led the expansion of the Alberta Mexico Office in terms of both number of employees and scope of geographic and sector coverage in the Mexican market. Ensured the Government of Alberta's Mexico strategy reflected interdepartmental and senior level support for the increased emphasis on business opportunities for Alberta companies in Mexico. Exceeded targets set for the origination, facilitation and conclusion of incremental trade and investment opportunities with Mexico. Was an active member of the Government of Alberta working group supporting the negotiations that led to the conclusion of a new United States - Mexico - Canada Trade Agreement.

Received a Deputy Minister's commendation "for supporting Alberta's engagement in the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations and in related advocacy efforts in the United States and Mexico".


Executive Director, Transportation, Infrastructure and Services, B.C. Ministry of International Trade, Vancouver

February 2015 - November 2015

The mandate of the newly created Transportation, Infrastructure and Services Branch of the B.C. Ministry of International Trade is to attract foreign direct investment into British Columbia, and accelerate export opportunities for B.C. companies, in the following industry sectors: aerospace, marine, ocean technology and defence; transportation infrastructure and logistics; construction infrastructure, engineering services and building materials; and, professional and financial services. Infrastructure and Services were not covered by proactive business development activities prior to the creation of the Branch.

Services provided to clients include customised support for prospective inbound investors and access to international procurement opportunities for B.C. exporters.

Introduced and applied key account management practices in the investment attraction strategy for the Branch.

Served as Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of the International Business Development Division on a number of occasions since 2014.

Served as Executive Director Co-Chair of the Ministry's Employee Advisory Committee from April 2014 through July 2015.

Served as Executive Director Project Lead for the development of the B.C. Government's market opening strategy for South East Asia from April through October 2015.

Received the Premier's Award Provincial Finalist 2015 designation in the category of Innovation for my part in implementing the "Global Trade and Investment Success: Seizing Economic Opportunities for British Columbia".


Executive Director, International Market Development, B.C. Ministry of International Trade, Vancouver

October 2012 – February 2015

Working in partnership with many stakeholders, industry and levels of government, the International Business Development Division of the B.C. Ministry of International Trade provides integrated trade and investment programmes to help B.C. increase exports, develop international partnerships, and attract investment into the Province.

The Division focuses on key target markets, particularly in Asia, and the eight priority sectors identified in the B.C. Jobs Plan, with a view to opening and expanding markets for B.C. goods and services and attracting investment to grow the B.C. economy.

As the Executive Director, International Market Development, held responsibility for Priority Markets, International Marketing, and Missions and Events. This included the management of B.C.'s existing international offices in Asia, the EU and the United States; the further expansion of the international presence in key markets; the implementation of targeted marketing campaigns; and support for inbound and outbound missions and events.

Executed the B.C. Government Jobs Plan priority of doubling the number of staff in international representations to over 60 individuals.


Minister-Counsellor (Economic and Commercial Affairs) and Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy, Moscow

August 2009 – August 2011

Member of the management team of the Canadian Embassy to the Russian Federation, leading the Embassy's Trade Section comprised of Canadian and Russian nationals working for the Canadian Government's Departments of International Trade and Agriculture.

Responsible for the development and in-market execution of the Canadian Government's International Business Plan for strengthening the Canada-Russia trade and investment relationship. Closely cooperated with Canadian business on the ground and a number of other Canadian and Russian public and private sector partners to promote awareness of Canadian commercial capabilities and defend Canadian business interests throughout the many regions of the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan and Armenia.

Held the position in Moscow as a secondee from EDC to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.


Regional Vice-President, International Business Development, Africa, Europe and Middle East, Export Development Canada, Ottawa

January 2003 – August 2009

Member of the management team of EDC's International Business Development Group, leading the Group's activities and managing EDC's Chief Representatives on the ground in the Africa, Europe and Middle East (AEME) regions. Export Development Canada is Canada's export credit agency, offering financial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business.

The mandate of the International Business Development Group is to initiate and coordinate the development of EDC's business development strategies in developing markets; originate transaction leads through relationship development and networking with foreign accounts; facilitate transactions as EDC's interface with counterparties in developing markets; provide enhanced market intelligence to help realise business opportunities; and, heighten EDC's profile relating to developing markets through representational activities.

Initiated and led the implementation of a strong expansion of the number of EDC representations across the Africa, Europe and Middle East regions (Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Düsseldorf). Worked closely with many internal and external stakeholders (including partners in government and business associations) to increase Canadian company interest and presence in those markets.

Led a number of initiatives to make EDC financing solutions more relevant in the specific local context. EDC business results substantially improved across all main markets in the AEME regions from 2003 to 2009.


Director, Policy, Government and International Relations, Export Development Canada, Ottawa

September 1997 – January 2003

Lead responsibility for managing international trade policy issues with a real or potential impact on EDC's ability to execute its public policy mandate as Canada's export credit agency. Closely cooperated with the Canadian Government's Departments of Finance and International Trade.

Responsibility included the initiation of changes in corporate policies to ensure compliance with new international trade rules.

Examples of files managed include negotiating roles representing Canada in OECD discussions on new rules for export credits in areas as varied as minimum credit risk premiums or requirements for environmental reviews of projects. Also served as a key member of Canada's team of representatives in the WTO dispute with Brazil on regional aircraft subsidies.


Financial Services Manager, Transportation Team, Export Development Canada, Ottawa

December 1995 – September 1997

Underwrote and structured financing as well as contract bonding transactions for EDC customers in the transportation sector.


Export and Project Finance Manager, Aerospace, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, Frankfurt

October 1993 – December 1995

Underwrote and structured financing transactions for KfW customers in the aerospace sector.


Customer Finance Administration Assistant Manager, Airbus Industrie, Toulouse

January 1993 – September 1993

Ensured that all financing conditions precedents were met prior to aircraft deliveries. Closely worked with banks, export credit agencies, airlines and internal stakeholders.


Board Memberships:

• Canada United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of Energy Forum, Member of the Audit Committee (August 2019 to present)
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (August 2016 to August 2019)
• International Society for Mexico Energy – ISME (May 2018 to August 2019)
• Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA), Vancouver Chapter (May 2013 to November 2015)
• Canada Turkish Business Council – CTBC (December 2014 to November 2015)
• Regional Transportation Committee, Vancouver Board of Trade (June 2015 to November 2015)
• Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA), Moscow Chapter (August 2009 to August 2011)


Languages:
• German (native)
• English (bilingual proficiency)
• French (bilingual proficiency)
• Spanish (bilingual proficiency)
• Russian (limited working proficiency)


Certifications:
• Certificate in ESG Investing – CFA Society United Kingdom (May 2021)
• Chartered Financial Analyst – CFA Charterholder (August 1999)


Education:

Monterey Institute of International Studies, Fisher Graduate School of International Business, California
MBA, International Management (1991-1992)

Reims Management School, France
Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Européennes de Management (1989-1991)

Fachhochschule Reutlingen, Germany
Diplom-Betriebswirt (FH), Europäisches Studienprogramm für Betriebswirtschaft/Management (1987-1989)