• Oliver Griffiths will lead the new independent UK body to
protect UK industries from unfair trade practices
• Amanda Brooks to take over as UK’s lead negotiator on the
US trade deal ahead of Joe Biden’s Presidency
• Appointments will strengthen our relationships as an
independent trading nation
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) will play a vital role
in ensuring a fair and level playing ground for British
industries, helping tackle unfair trading practices and
unforeseen surges in imports. It forms a key part of the
UK’s independent trade policy, and will operate as an
independent arm’s length body from January, subject to the
passing of the Trade Bill.
Oliver joins the TRA from his current role as UK Chief
Negotiator for the UK-US negotiations and will take over
from interim Chief Executive, Satjit Singh in the New Year.
He is replaced by Amanda Brooks CBE who has been appointed
as the new Chief Negotiator for US negotiations. Amanda
moves from her most recent position as interim
Director-General for Trade Relations and Implementation.
Chair Designate of the TRA, Simon Walker said:
“I could not be more pleased that Oliver is joining us and
look forward tremendously to working with him.
“I know he has a deep understanding of trade policy and
business drawn from his extensive time working in
government and the private sector. His talent, expertise
and experience mean he could not be a better qualified or
suitable appointment.”
As the UK comes to the end of the Transition Period and
work intensifies on several major international trade
negotiations, a number of other senior appointments have
been made within the Department for International Trade.
Graham Zebedee will be assuming a new role as Chief
Negotiator to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), moving from his
current role as Chief Negotiator on the UK-Japan Free Trade
Agreement now those negotiations have concluded.
Jo Crellin, HM Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the
Caribbean, will take up the role of Director-General for
Trade Relations and Implementation.
International Trade Secretary, , said:
“With these appointments, we are bringing top quality
expertise and experience to key roles as we strike new
trade deals and re-establish the UK as an independent
trading nation.
“They will build on the great progress we have made so far
and help create our new trade remedies regime as we take
back control of our trade policy from 1st January.
“They all have a proven track record of delivery and will
help us take our trade agenda to a new level in 2021.”
