Executive Director

Stephen Jacobi took up the position of Executive Director of the New Zealand United States Council on 17 October 2005.

Mr Jacobi grew up in Auckland and was educated at Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University.  He has a First Class Honours degree in French and German and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in Paris as well as the Georgetown Leadership Seminar of Georgetown University in Washington DC.

He has broad experience in industry and trade development.  His most recent role was as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Industries Council, a national pan-industry body representing the forestry and wood processing sectors, the country’s third largest exporter.  Earlier he established and led the New Zealand Trade Liberalisation Network – a business organisation aimed at building broad public understanding and support for trade.  In both roles he has been a frequent media commentator on industry and trade issues.

Mr Jacobi also has extensive diplomatic, trade and government experience including posts as Deputy High Commissioner, Ottawa, Trade Commissioner in Paris and adviser on trade and diplomatic issues with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  He was formerly Private Secretary to the Minister for Trade Negotiations, Hon Jim Sutton, advising on trade policy, international affairs and government-to-government negotiations. 

As Principal of Jacobi Consulting Ltd, he advises corporate clients in New Zealand and overseas on international trade, government relations and industry development.  Concurrent with his role at the NZ US Council he serves as Executive Director of the NZ International Business Forum, a business group which promotes New Zealand’s international business engagement.

Mr Jacobi is an experienced director.  He is a government-appointed Board member of Fulbright New Zealand, which funds and promotes educational exchanges between New Zealand and the United States.  He is a trustee of the St John’s College Trust Board, one of the country’s largest private trusts supporting ministry education and development in the Anglican Church.   He is also an elected trustee of Napier Girls High School. He is a member of the Trade Minister’s Advisory Group on Trade Negotiations.

Mr Jacobi is married to the Dean of Napier Cathedral, the Very Reverend Helen Jacobi, and has two children.  He lives in Napier.