Ambassador Thomas Reilly Joins Covington as Head of UK Public Policy

Ambassador Thomas Reilly Joins Covington as Head of UK Public Policy

November 3, 2020

LONDON–Ambassador Thomas Reilly has joined Covington’s Global Public Policy Practice in London as the head of the firm’s UK Public Policy team.

Ambassador Reilly most recently served as the British Ambassador to Morocco between 2017 and 2020, building deeper political and economic ties between the two countries. During his time as ambassador, he led the successful negotiation of the UK Morocco post-Brexit Association Agreement, as well delivering a number of other important bilateral agreements.  

Previously, Ambassador Reilly served as Senior Advisor in charge of International Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs and Head of Government Relations at Royal Dutch Shell between 2012 and 2017. His prior roles with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office included Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Egypt (2010-2012), Deputy Head of the Climate Change & Energy Department (2007-2009), and Deputy Head of the Counter Terrorism Department (2005-2007).

“With two decades of diplomatic and commercial experience, Thomas will provide UK and other multinational clients with unique insight into commercial, trade, and economic issues around the world, but particularly in the UK, the Middle East and Africa,” said Sebastian Vos, chair of Covington’s Global Public Policy Practice. “His knowledge of the political and business environment will enable clients to navigate their most complex problems at the intersection of law and policy and will further deepen the firm’s Global Problem Solving practice.”

At Covington, Ambassador Reilly will play an integral role on the firm’s Brexit Task Force and will work closely with members of the Global Problem Solving practice, a  team of lawyers and other professionals, including more than 100 former diplomats and senior government officials, with a significant depth of experience in dealing with the types of complex problems that involve both legal and governmental institutions.

“Multinational corporations face great uncertainty in the months ahead as a result of the pandemic, significant economic headwinds, and the final outcome of the complex Brexit negotiations.  Companies will require sophisticated advice to navigate this turbulent business and regulatory environment,” said Ambassador Reilly. “I am excited about bringing my international and government experience to Covington to help continue to build the firm’s commercial diplomacy practice in a meaningful and significant way that will assist and support clients across the UK, Africa and the Middle East.”

Ambassador Reilly is a graduate of the London School of Economics.