Veteran U.S. diplomat strengthens McLarty Associates’ ability to help clients navigate the changing geopolitical, commercial, and security dynamics shaping Northeast Asia.
As organizations navigate changing U.S.-China relations, regional security dynamics, and increasingly complex cross-border business considerations, McLarty Associates, an Ankura company, is expanding its Northeast Asia capabilities with the addition of Scott C. Walker as Managing Director and head of its Northeast Asia Practice. Scott’s appointment further strengthens Ankura’s Global Strategic Advisory platform, which helps organizations advance critical priorities at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics. As part of that integrated platform, McLarty Associates combines its longstanding expertise in commercial diplomacy and geopolitical advisory with Ankura’s broader capabilities across public affairs, strategic communications, and economic advisory, helping clients make informed decisions in an increasingly interconnected operating environment.
Scott joins at a time when business leaders increasingly need guidance that bridges geopolitics, policy, and commercial strategy. He brings decades of experience in Asia, including more than 20 years as a U.S. diplomat focused on the region. Most recently, he served as U.S. Consul General in Shanghai, where he led an interagency team of 400 and engaged with government, business, academic, and media leaders during a consequential period in U.S.-China relations. He previously served as Director of the Office of Korean and Mongolian Affairs and held senior assignments focused on China and Korea, giving him firsthand experience with many of the issues shaping Northeast Asia today.
“Organizations operating across Northeast Asia are facing a period of significant change, and they need advisors who understand both the geopolitical landscape and its commercial implications,” said Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates, an Ankura company.
“Scott brings the experience, judgment, and regional perspective our clients value. His addition strengthens an already outstanding team and expands the strategic guidance we provide across Northeast Asia.”
“Across Northeast Asia, commercial objectives, government priorities, and security considerations are increasingly intertwined,” said Scott C. Walker. “Having worked at the intersection of those issues throughout my career, I look forward to helping clients better understand the environment around them, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and advance their priorities across the region.”
“Scott’s appointment further expands the integrated capabilities available to clients across Ankura’s Global Strategic Advisory business,” said Michael Shue, Head of Ankura’s Global Strategic Advisory business. Clients increasingly need support that combines geopolitical insight, stakeholder strategy, and commercial execution, and Scott’s experience further enhances our ability to deliver that through one connected platform.
“His experience complements our regional expertise and on-the-ground capabilities, enhancing our ability to help clients navigate complexity, expand market access, and advance strategic priorities across Northeast Asia.”
In 2022, McLarty Associates, an Ankura company, joined forces with Ankura, expanding its strategic advisory capabilities and strengthening its ability to help clients address policy, regulatory, government, and diplomatic matters around the world. Today, McLarty Associates operates as part of Ankura’s Global Strategic Advisory business that combines expertise in market access and geopolitics, public affairs and strategic communications, and sovereign and economic advisory to help clients advance critical priorities and achieve durable outcomes.
“We are pleased to welcome Scott to the firm,” added Michael Shue. “His leadership and regional experience will be a tremendous asset to our clients and colleagues.”
