Kirk Samson

Kirk Samson is a seasoned global business consultant with over two decades of experience in international trade, political risk assessment, and strategic planning. A former U.S. diplomat and military officer, Kirk has a deep understanding of the complexities of global business and the intricacies of cross-cultural communication. Throughout his career, Kirk has been a trusted advisor to Fortune 100 companies, medium and small enterprises, and government agencies, providing expert guidance on global trade trends, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.

Kirk most recently served as a Senior Director for a global consulting firm, where he led a 150-member team in delivering business process improvement and AI/technology transformation solutions. Kirk also co-founded Samson Worldwide LLC, a market research and political risk advisory firm, where they helped businesses navigate the complexities of international markets. Kirk previously held significant roles at Northwestern University, where he facilitated high-stakes research programs across the globe, and with the U.S. military commands in Europe, where he advised on international law and spearheaded strategic initiatives in Europe and Africa. As a diplomat, he was posted in the Czech Republic, Norway, and Tunisia.

Kirk holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA with honors from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He serves as a Director at the International Trade Association of Chicago, as a member of the Illinois Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and as a Vice Chair of the International Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. He has been published in Global Trade Magazine, European Business Magazine, The Global Investor, and other international business and foreign affairs platforms.