Former CNN Business editor and anchor John Defterios, joined APCO Worldwide as a senior advisor. He Brings in a vast experience of more than 35 years in business developments with a special focus on trade, geopolitics and energy. The news was announced by APCO Worldwide’s CEO Brad Staples in a statement.

“John is highly appreciated person at high-level meetings, as both speaker and as a moderator, by global leaders looking for his insight and perspective on pressing issues, founded on decades of experience being on the frontline covering world-shaking events,” Staples said.

Based in London, but dedicating his time for both Europe and the MENA region, Defterios will support the development of branded content for global media platforms as APCO continues to burnish its expertise in a full range of digital client solutions.

“I have watched with great interest and respect APCO’s strategic expansion into the most relevant sectors and high-growth emerging markets over the past two decades,” said Defterios.  “The inroads it has made, especially on the Arabian Peninsula, have been impressive. This is an ideal match with a core group of like-minded leaders at APCO.” 

Until recently retiring from CNN, Defterios was based in the network’s Abu Dhabi bureau since 2011, with a global brief focusing on the top business stories from emerging markets. As an award-winning journalist, Defterios established a long-standing reputation for securing exclusive interviews with high-level figures during breaking news situations.

"John joining APCO Worldwide represents a unique addition to our MENA team, particularly in the Gulf countries, as he will strengthen an already deep bench that the company enjoys in terms of managing government relations with senior officials, developing advanced communication strategies for the most critical government projects, as well as actively contributing to a variety of regional and international programs,” Mamoon Sbeih, president of APCO in the MENA region, said.

With decades of experience covering the most critical global business issues at CNN, Reuters and PBS, Defterios has in-depth insight and unique perspectives on emerging markets strategies based on international and intergovernmental collaboration—with a particular focus on the Middle East, global energy issues and sustainability. He further augments APCO’s advisory and advocacy capabilities and expertise, joining other market-leading experts at APCO.