Principal area of expertise is in the international trade of soft commodities predominantly with Third World countries, with particular knowledge of West Africa. His experience encompasses all aspects of trading from buying and selling, dealing with banking lines and documentary credit problems, to insurance and shipping. His early career as a Merchant Navy officer and shipbroker being of particular benefit in this latter regard.

During the last ten years he has acted both as arbitrator and claims consultant in both commodity and maritime disputes. He has acted as expert witness in both London arbitration's and American Court proceedings.

Born in 1952 he sailed with the Cunard group of shipping companies from 1969 to 1974, serving on the Queen Elizabeth 2 and various cargo vessels. His last seagoing appointment was as 2nd Navigation Officer.

Having decided to "swallow the anchor", he became a shipbroker with the Jardine Matheson Group in London worked on the Baltic Exchange.

Since 1978 he has been involved in commodity trading dealing mainly with foodstuffs such as vegetable oils, sugar and rice. He has travelled extensively in Africa and has lived for short periods of time in Lagos, Nigeria.

Appointments
Arbitrator, Refined Sugar Association of London
Trade & Maritime Arbitrator, Grain & Feed Trade Association of London
Supporting Member, London Maritime Arbitrators Association
Arbitrator and Appeal Board Member, Federation of Oils Seeds and Fats Association

Professional Membership
Fellow Institute Chartered Shipbrokers
Member Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Associate Member of the Nautical Institute

Other Professional Organisations
West Africa Business Association
The London Shipping Law Centre
The Royal African Society
Honorary Secretary, The Arbitration Club, Commodity Branch
Freeman Worshipful Company of Arbitrators
Institute of Export
BIMCO