In the latest CMEC podcast, CMEC Director Charlotte Leslie talks to Simon Penney CMG, former UK Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. He was appointed in May 2018. He was also His Majesty's Consul (HMCG) to Dubai, appointed in January 2021.

Simon spent the majority of his career in the banking sector, with extensive experience leading corporate and financial institution groups and teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

In 2023, he returned to the private sector. He has lived in the UAE for 17 years. He is also the Hub-Chairman of the Middle East for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.