José Barroso has played a key role in shaping trade in Europe and is a powerful advocate for a coordinated global response to international relations. He was prime minister of Portugal from 2002 to 2004 and the European Commission’s President between 2004 and 2014. His presidency spanned two terms and represented some 500 million people across the 27 nations of the EU.

His career began in academia before he entered the political realm. Most recently, he has been acting as chairman and senior adviser to the international arm of the US investment banking powerhouse, Goldman Sachs. Based in London, his role encompasses advising the bank on navigating the UK’s negotiations with the European Union.