Our team

Emma is Interim Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom, providing executive leadership across the organisation's strategy, governance, programme and operations. In this role she retains full responsibility for the organisation's operational remit, ensuring continuity and stability during the period of transition.

Emma has been at the centre of ICC United Kingdom's leadership since 2022, working closely with the Secretary General and Board to shape organisational priorities and strengthen member engagement.

Emma leads ICC United Kingdom's governance framework, supports the Board and its Committees, and represents ICC United Kingdom in international ICC forums. She plays a central role in ICC United Kingdom's engagement across international ICC forums and drives the UK's contribution to the Regional Coordination Group, through which it advances its interests across the network.

Earlier in her career, Emma spent nearly a decade with FRHI Hotels & Resorts, where she supported the expansion of the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, supporting investor engagement, development strategy and financial oversight for the EMEA region. She subsequently founded Avenal Ausden, an independent advisory practice through which she worked with founders and senior leadership teams on commercial strategy, governance and organisational development, including operating in an interim executive capacity during periods of significant change.

Emma's earlier experience spans a range of sectors, including private banking, technology, and the charitable sector. At Change Live Grow, she worked directly with the Chief Executive on strategic planning, parliamentary engagement and organisational development.

She holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management (Leadership Practice) from the Open University. A passionate advocate for early years education and children's development, she brings her governance expertise to bear beyond her professional life through leadership roles on governing boards in the education sector.

Brendan Vickers is the Policy Director at ICC United Kingdom, where he works to position ICC as a leading convener and ‘go-to’ organisation for international trade and business priorities. He ensures that UK companies are effectively represented in ICC’s international rule-making and standard-setting activities, as well as in key multilateral forums.

Prior to joining ICC, Brendan was the Head of International Trade Policy at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, supporting the 56 member countries in advancing trade, investment and sustainable development initiatives. He also managed institutional partnerships and spearheaded joint projects with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.

Brendan’s career includes extensive experience in trade policy and multilateral engagements, having previously worked for South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry. He brings a wealth of UK and international networks, including roles on the Trade and Investment Advisory Group of the International Business and Diplomatic Exchange (IBDE) and the Geneva-based Forum on Trade, Environment and SDGs.

Robert Hayman is a communications, events and partnerships professional with experience delivering conferences, forums and stakeholder engagement programmes in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. At ICC United Kingdom, he supports the organisation’s events, communications and member engagement activities.

Prior to joining ICC, Robert spent more than a decade at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), where he managed international events, communications and partnership programmes across the Commonwealth, working with governments, regulators, industry representatives and international organisations. He has also held roles at the Nuclear Institute and the British Council for Offices, and brings over 20 years of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of national and international events.