John Kay

John Kay is the Head of Programmes and Strategic Partnerships at the CELIS Institute, where he leads initiatives to foster informed dialogue on economic security policy and foreign investment regulation. He brings extensive experience in transatlantic commercial relations, economic policy, and institutional development.

Before joining CELIS, John served as Program Director for Eastern Europe and Transatlantic Initiatives at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). In this role, he led CIPE’s regional team supporting over 200 European business associations and economic think tanks, helping them strengthen institutional capacity, improve policy advocacy, and navigate economic governance challenges at the regional, national, and EU levels. His work across Eastern Europe has supported policy dialogue that has led to the development of new investment screening mechanisms.

Prior to CIPE, John held roles with the U.S. Department of State, where he contributed to economic development and governance initiatives in Europe.