Former deputy US trade representative Robert Holleyman is joining Crowell & Moring as a partner in the firm’s international trade group. He also joins C&M International, the international policy and regulatory affairs affiliate of Crowell & Moring, as president and CEO.

Holleyman has spent more than two decades in business and government, expanding market access for companies from the technology, manufacturing and services sectors that face unfair trade barriers.

Holleyman served as deputy US trade representative from 2014 to 2017. He led US trade and investment relations with Asia and global trade policy for services, investment, intellectual property, and innovation.

Before this, he was president and CEO of BSA/The Software Alliance for 23 years, and also founded Cloud4Growth, a consultancy focused on cloud architecture.

While still in the private sector, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as a member of the US advisory committee on trade policy and negotiations. He previously served as a member of the industry trade advisory committee on services for the US department of commerce and the office of the United States trade representative (USTR).

He also served as a board member of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (Opic).

At C&M International and Crowell & Moring, Holleyman’s responsibilities will include addressing the international trade and investment challenges confronting companies, and developing strategies to tackle traditional trade barriers and obstacles to digital trade and the deployment of new technology. He will provide counsel on trade and investment policy, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), the future trade architecture of the Asia Pacific and business opportunities in that region, and the legal and market implications of pending Brexit negotiations and European Union matters.

“Robert’s proven bipartisan leadership on international trade policy and the digital economy makes him the ideal person to drive C&M International into the future,” says Kate Clemans, outgoing president of C&M International. “His work on trade policy – particularly in the areas of technology, IP, services, investment, and e-commerce – well positions CMI to serve corporations and associations confronting the complex trade and investment challenges in the digital age.”

Clemans is retiring to join the C&M International board with special oversight for sovereign clients.

“Robert’s tech-oriented trade experience and global background are the perfect complement to our deep bench of international trade practitioners,” says John Brew, chair of Crowell & Moring’s international trade group. “The insights and experience he has gained from serving as deputy USTR and as president of a leading technology industry association will further expand our platform to address emerging client needs.”