Richard Burn

Richard leads the Department for International Trade (DIT) in China.

With over thirty years’ experience in government, China investment consultancy, Asia Pacific Corporate Relations and more recently responsibility for the global management of public policy at Diageo, Richard has in depth knowledge of the trade, tax and regulatory issues affecting highly regulated businesses in China.

From 1989-2004, he managed the China investment consultancy he co-founded (and later sold) to help companies in a range of industries, including services, invest over US$1 billion in China. At Diageo, he built the Corporate Relations capability in 17 markets across Asia Pacific and negotiated Diageo’s £200m acquisition of a Chinese White Spirits business in Chengdu.

From 1985-1989, Richard was Political Secretary to Sir Edward Heath, the former British Prime Minister.

From 1981-1985, he was an Administrative Officer in the Hong Kong Government.

Richard was educated at Oxford University, where he was awarded a First in Greats (Literae Humaniores).