WestExec Advisors appoints former US diplomats Marc Knapper and Brandon Possin
WestExec Advisors, an international government affairs and policy advisory firm, has strengthened its Asia practice with the addition of former US diplomats Marc Knapper and Brandon Possin.
Appointed as a Principal, Knapper brings more than three decades of diplomatic experience across East and Southeast Asia. He served as US ambassador to Vietnam from 2022 to 2026, a period marked by significant advancement in US – Vietnam relations, including the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea and Japan, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission in Seoul, and in senior roles focused on India, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and the broader Indo-Pacific.
Appointed as a Senior Advisor, Possin joins WestExec Advisors in Tokyo, where he supports clients with growth, investment, and policy opportunities in Japan and across Asia. A former diplomat with a 17-year career across six US missions globally, Possin brings deep experience in economic diplomacy, technology, investment, sanctions, and regional commercial engagement, including prior service at the US Consulate in Fukuoka.
During his diplomatic tour in Japan, Possin worked on the US Navy’s Japan-based ship repair initiative and worked closely with Japan’s Mogami-class frigate program.
Sergio Aguirre, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors, said: “Marc and Brandon bring extraordinary diplomatic experience, regional fluency, and deep trusted networks that will strengthen our ability to help clients operating in, investing in, or partnering across Asia to navigate complexity, anticipate policy shifts, and seize opportunities.”
Part of global management consulting firm Teneo since 2021, WestExec Advisors offers a portfolio of services such as geopolitical risk advisory, strategic communications, financial advisory, and management consulting to help its clients navigate complex operating environments.
“Asia is no longer a regional strategy question for our clients – it is central to supply chains, technology, capital allocation, resilience, and growth,” said Aguirre.
