Simon Penney

Senior Advisor

Simon Penney, Senior Advisor at EMIR, brings over two decades of high-level experience across banking and government, with a specialised focus on the Gulf region. Having led major trade and investment portfolios and driven diplomatic engagement at the highest levels, Simon offers deep, first-hand insight into the dynamics of doing business successfully in the GCC. He advises clients on market entry, investment strategy, and risk navigation, helping them unlock opportunities and forge resilient commercial partnerships. His comprehensive understanding of both the political and business landscapes positions him uniquely to guide firms through the region’s complexities and ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

Simon’s distinguished career includes serving as the UK’s first HM Trade Commissioner to the Middle East from 2018 to 2023, where he worked with ministers and officials across all six GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties. He initiated the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement, established Sovereign Investment Partnerships with the UAE and Qatar, and facilitated over £25 billion in investments into UK industries. Simon also oversaw a 30% growth in bilateral trade and promoted UK investment opportunities to Gulf sovereign wealth funds. Earlier in his career, Simon was the regional CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland and the CEO of First Gulf Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking division.

Simon’s contributions to UK-Middle East commercial relations earned him recognition in the King’s New Year’s Honours list. He is passionate about championing bilateral trade and investment and continues to leverage his expertise at the intersection of diplomacy and commerce. 

Simon holds a deep understanding of the Gulf region, underpinned by decades of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, which he brings to his advisory role.