Please join us on Wednesday, March 3rd when Ken Taylor, Canadian Ambassador to Iran from 1977 to 1980, will address how globalization, sophisticated technology and complex economics challenge Canada’s capacity to manage international relations.
Ken Taylor and his colleagues at the Canadian embassy in Tehran received world wide recognition for their involvement with the United States during the Iranian revolution.
Mr. Taylor will be taking questions from the audience following his presentation.
A graduate of the Victoria College of the University of Toronto (B.A.) and the University of California Berkeley (M.B.A.), Mr. Taylor served in the Canadian Foreign Service from 1959 to 1984. As a diplomat, Mr. Taylor’s career ranged from trade development responsibilities in Guatemala, Detroit and London; foreign aid related matters in Pakistan; crisis management in Iran and enhancement of Canada’s image in New York.
Since his resignation from the Foreign Service in 1984, his private sector experience included six years as a Senior Vice President of both Nabisco Brands/RJR Nabisco. His Primary worldwide responsibilities involved the formulation and implementation of policies to strengthen the $18 billion corporation’s international interests and relationships.
During the 90s, following his resignation due to a change of control of the corporation, he both independently and through partnership with the Ottawa consulting firm, Global Public Affairs and Taylor and Ryan Inc., New York, counseled clients on issues of political risk, international marketing and strategic accommodation with government. His board memberships include energy companies in Calgary, New York and Mexico City; financial service institutions in Toronto and consumer goods enterprises in California.
He was installed as Chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto in June 1998 and completed his term of office in spring of 2004.
In recognition of his role as Canadian Ambassador in Iran, he received the United States Congressional Gold Medal and the Order of Canada (Officer).
Copies of the book “Our Man in Tehran; Ken Taylor, The CIA and the Iran Hostage Crisis” will be available for sale at the door following the event. Professor Robert Wright, author of the book, will be out of the country at the time of the luncheon. Ken Taylor, one of many interviewed by Professor Wright for the book, will sign copies.
