Senior Director of International Trade
World Trade Center Los Angeles
William Powles is the Senior Director of International Trade at the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA), the international arm of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). He is responsible for directing programs to attract foreign investment and businesses to the Los Angeles area, promoting international trade and partnerships in the region.
Originally from the United Kingdom, William has extensive experience in international trade and diplomacy, having held various senior positions in the British Government. Prior to joining WTCLA, he served as First Secretary in the British Consulate General Los Angeles, responsible for leading the UK’s economic relationships with the Southwestern United States. In London, he served as Chief of Staff to the UK’s first Chief Trade Negotiator, shaping and implementing the UK’s first independent trade policy in 40 years.
A lifelong advocate of inclusive economic growth, William has worked throughout his career to expand underrepresented groups' access to economic policymaking. He holds a B.A. in international politics with courses from both King’s College London and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.