Our People

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John assists the President& CEO in supervising Global Directors and partners. He also leads the firm's government relations and partnerships practice across Canada and the United States. With over 20 years of experience in public administration and policy advocacy, he has built a reputation for helping organizations navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments with clarity and purpose.

A graduate of Columbia University (B.A., Political Science) and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A.), John combines academic rigor with practical expertise. His background includes senior advisory roles with a U.S. Senate committee and strategic consulting for NGOs and multinational firms in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa.

At L&C, John provides clients with results-driven strategies that strengthen relationships with policymakers and advance organizational goals. 

Leila leads the firm’s regional government relations, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships. Based in Dubai, she brings over 18 years of experience in public affairs, international development, and cross-border advocacy, helping organizations build constructive relationships with policymakers across diverse political and cultural landscapes.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. 

Her career spans senior advisory roles with regional governments, multilateral organizations, and private-sector clients, where she has successfully advanced policy initiatives in trade, energy, and social development.

Anna Keller leads the firm’s government relations and public policy initiatives across the European Union and the United Kingdom. Based in Berlin, Anna brings over 15 years of experience in European governance, regulatory strategy, and international advocacy, helping organizations engage effectively with EU institutions and national governments.

Anna holds a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in European Public Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE). 

Before joining L&C, she worked with the European Commission and several global consulting firms, advising on policy development in trade, sustainability, and digital regulation. Her expertise lies in bridging policy frameworks across multiple jurisdictions and aligning corporate or nonprofit objectives with evolving European standards.

James Whitaker oversees the firm’s government relations, public policy, and advocacy initiatives across the African continent. Based in Johannesburg, James brings more than 20 years of experience in international diplomacy, trade policy, and public affairs, having worked with a top law firm in South-Africa where he helped organizations build strategic partnerships with African governments, regional institutions, and development agencies.

He holds a Master’s in International Development from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Cape Town. 

Throughout his career, James has advised multinational companies, and intergovernmental organizations on government engagement across sectors including leading advocacy efforts that have strengthened collaboration between public and private stakeholders.