This discussion highlighted public diplomacy in global affairs and why their countries are strengthening relationships with the state of Texas to promote democracy. A reception will follow.

About the speakers:

Richard Hyde is His Majesty’s Consul General in Houston and has been in this role since June 2019. As Consul General, he has overall responsibility for leading the UK’s engagement in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. His business priorities and responsibilities include developing political ties between the UK and the consular district; enhancing trade and investment partnerships; promoting science and innovation links and supporting the delivery of consular services to the many British nationals who have made this region their home.

As a career diplomat, Richard has served in a range of diplomatic and commercial positions around the world, including as Director, Caribbean and Central America at the Department for International Trade, based in Caracas, Venezuela and later San Jose, Costa Rica; Head, Advanced Manufacturing Investment team at UK Trade and Investment in London; British Deputy High Commissioner (Consul General) Hyderabad, India; and British Deputy High Commissioner (Consul General) Bangalore, India.

Pablo Marentes González has served as Consul General for Mexico in Austin since 2019. Formerly he was a Professor in the Political and Social Sciences Department at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and former consul general in New York and San Francisco.

Adriana Cruz serves as the Executive Director of the Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) division within the Office of the Governor. Cruz joined EDT with a robust background in economic development and business, having most recently served as the President of the Greater San Marcos Partnership.