Chair & CEO, Basilinna; Executive Director, Paulson Institute
Deborah Lehr offers a rare blend of senior government experience, global business leadership, and policy expertise, giving audiences a uniquely comprehensive view of geopolitics, trade, and sustainability. With deep insights into U.S.-China relations, global markets, and ESG trends, she translates complex international issues into clear, strategic guidance for organizations. Event planners value her ability to equip leaders with the context and foresight needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.
Can AI Help Secure Legal Rights for Whales?
Deborah Lehr on Freedom, Power, and the Politics of Global Trade
Deborah Lehr: There's Weakness in China's Local Banks
Deborah Lehr on U.S. Engagement With China
Deborah Lehr serves as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Basilinna. She is also the Executive Director of the Paulson Institute, founded by former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson. Deborah advises global firms and organizations on their operations in Asia, the Middle East, and the United States with a focus on finance, biodiversity and culture.
Previously, she served as CEO of Edelman Global Advisory, a business advisory firm she launched under Edelman Public Relations and doubled the revenue in less than three years. Deborah previously built and managed four successful consulting businesses representing diverse companies such as Sesame Workshop, Tory Burch, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Pfizer, Sony Music, Time Warner and Boeing.
In addition, she worked on Wall Street as a Senior Advisor to the CEO of Merrill Lynch and a Senior Managing Director at the New York Stock Exchange. Deborah was also a partner at Mayer Brown, a global top 10 law firm, where she helped build a successful trade practice.
In the U.S. Government, Deborah served as the Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China, a Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and was involved in export control and trade policy issues at the Department of Commerce.
Deborah is the founder and Chairman of the Antiquities Coalition, which fights against the illicit trade in antiquities. UNESCO listed Deborah as one of its accomplished global women. She received the prestigious Hadrian Award from the World Monument Fund for her work in fighting the illicit trade in antiquities.
Deborah is on the Board of the National Geographic, the World Monuments Fund, the Middle East Institute, and is Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the Meridian International Center. She serves Sesame Workshop and the Aliph Global Advisory Boards.
Deborah is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Her writings have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Caixin, SCMP and other publications as well as being interviewed on television on diverse topics including China’s economy, China-Middle East relations, biodiversity and culture.
Deborah … was advising me on a successful effort to get a domestic securities license. She understood China exceptionally well and had great instincts, so whenever she made a suggestion, I paid heed.
Hank Paulson, 74th United States Secretary of the Treasury, Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Paulson Institute
During Deborah’s time both as a trustee and, more recently, as the interim CEO, I have come to rely on her enthusiasm, steady hand, and insightful leadership. With both Deborah as our next chair and David as CEO, Meridian is on track for greater and greater impact.
Fred Hochberg, Chairman of Meridian International’s Board of Trustees
