Peter Sutherland is Chairman of Goldman Sachs International (1995 - current). He is Chairman of the London School of Economics and is currently UN Special Representative for Migration and Development. Recently appointed Co-chair of a trade experts group to provide analysis and recommendations in support of trade liberalisation and revitalisation. Of Irish nationality, he was born on 25 April 1946 and was educated at Gonzaga College, University College Dublin and the King’s Inns. Mr. Sutherland graduated in Civil Law. He was also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
From 1969 to 1981 he practised at the Bar. He is a Bencher of the Middle Temple, London and is an Honorary Bencher of the King’s Inns. In addition to his Chairmanships listed above he also serves on the Board of Directors of Allianz, Koc Holding A.S. and BW Group Limited and is a member of the Advisory Board of Eli Lilly. He is also associated with the following organisations: World Economic Forum, Foundation Board Member The Federal Trust, President European Policy Centre Advisory Council, President The Royal Irish Academy, Member Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Consultor for the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See Trilateral Commission Honorary Chairman (2010- ).
Mr Sutherland has previously served as: Attorney General of Ireland (1981-1984) EC Commissioner responsible for Competition Policy (1985-1989) Chairman of Allied Irish Banks (1989-1993) Director General of The World Trade Organisation, formerly GATT (1993-1995) Chairman of BP p.l.c. (1997 - 2009) Vice-Chairman of the European Round Table of Industrialists (1997-2009) Trilateral Commission (Europe) Chairman (2001-2010).
His awards include an honorary Knighthood (UK 2004), the Gold Medal of the European Parliament (1988), the First European Law Prize (Paris 1988), The David Rockefeller International Leadership Award (1998), the Grand Cross of Civil Merit (Spain 1989), the Grand Cross of King Leopold II (Belgium 1989), the New Zealand Commemorative Medal (1990), Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (France 1993) Commandeur du Wissam (Morocco 1994) the Order of Rio Branco (Brazil 1996) and the Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique (Portugal 1998). He was also presented with the Robert Schuman Medal for his work for European Integration.
Furthermore, he received the European Person of the Year Award (1988), the Irish People of the Year Award (1989), the Consumer for World Trade Annual Award (1994) for distinguished service, and the Dean’s Medal (1996) from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He has received fifteen honorary doctorates from universities in Europe and America. He was awarded an honorary fellowship of the London Business School and the Oxford University Institute of Economics. His publications include the book Premier Janvier 1993 ce qui va changer en Europe (1989) and numerous articles in law journals. He Chaired the Committee that reported to the EEC Commission on the functioning of the Internal Market after 1992 (The Sutherland Report). Mr Sutherland is married and has three children. His leisure interests include reading and sport.
