In a recent conversation, Francis Finlay, Co-Chairman of EWI’s board, described how he first encountered EWI on a trip to post-Cold War Eastern Europe in 1992 with a group of institutional investors organized by George Russell.

“The first evening in Prague, John Mroz, President and co-founder of the EastWest Institute, was the opening speaker,” Finlay recalls. “John gave an informative, stimulating and comprehensive overview of current political and economic developments in the region. Over the years he gave consistently excellent presentations on many of the group’s annual trips.”

Indeed, according to Finlay, “one of the continuously valuable aspects of being involved with EWI is the unique perspective on geopolitical developments provided by Mroz and the institute’s staff and fellows.” He adds: “Given the contagion effect in emerging markets, in-depth understanding of local social, political and economic conditions provides a significant edge at times of high volatility to investors.”

Finlay subsequently joined the board, and in 2008 was elected Co-Chairman with George Russell, becoming Chairman in 2009. “I was extremely honored to succeed George Russell,” says Finlay. Currently he and Ross Perot, Jr. are Co-Chairmen.

EWI has been fortunate to have such a seasoned leader. Following sale of the international investment firm Clay Finlay Inc that he co-founded in 1982 and his decision to step down from a leadership position, Finlay has focused on “a portfolio of enthusiasms.” These include investment directorships across a range of investment disciplines as well as membership of several investment committees, including those of Oxford University and the British Museum, where he is also a Trustee. His not-for profit directorships outside the field of international affairs focus on education and the arts.

Despite his many commitments, Finlay is an enthusiastic participant in EWI activities, taking a leading role in high-level meetings in China, Russia, the Middle East and Europe. He has taken a particular interest in EWI’s work on sub-sea cable security, attending the initial seminar in Dubai and several subsequent C40 meetings

In 2010, Finlay chaired a conference for EWI at the European Parliament on Strengthening the Role of Afghan Women Parliamentarians.  He was impressed by the clear outcome of the conference. “Everyone who attended left for home with the urgent mission of making sure that their local parliamentarians were aware of the risks these exceptional women face in the event of serious domestic reconciliation negotiations.”

In Finlay’s view, one of the EWI’s distinguishing attributes is the senior staff’s flexibility and willingness to take on new security challenges, with cybersecurity  serving as the most recent example.  Reflecting on what differentiates EWI from other organizations, Finlay concludes, “This is not an institute that exists to publish, it exists to make a difference.”

At EWI, we thank Francis Finlay, along with our other generous donors and committed directors for their support, which allows us to make that difference.

 To watch Finlay and others describe his experiences at EWI, we invite you to watch the following video: