Leveraging an integrated team of experienced executives and officials from industry and institutional leadership, Hayes International Advisors provides in-country expertise to craft custom-tailored strategies for our clients.
As Chair of Hayes International Advisors, LLC, Ambassador Rita Hayes counsels industry and institutional leaders on a diverse range of international and domestic economic, political and regulatory matters.
Ambassador Hayes served as United States Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and United States Ambassador to and Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva. Prior to these positions, she served as U.S. Chief Textile Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative with rank of Ambassador, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Apparel, and Consumer Goods for the U.S. Department of Commerce, and as Chief of Staff for two members of U.S. Congress.
Drawing upon her deep understanding of how government and business intersect, Ambassador Hayes has advised CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, regulatory bodies and institutions, assisting clients in negotiating complex, high-profile agreements and building business strategies for growth in global markets.
Ambassador Hayes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia and honorary Doctorate degrees for her commitment to public service from the University of South Carolina and College of Charleston, respectively.
Matthew Nick is a member of Hayes International Advisors where he advises clients from emerging and developed markets on investment, trade and intellectual property matters. He represents a diverse clientele of start-up companies, private equity investors, Fortune 500 companies and institutions.
Specializing in alternative assets, Mr. Nick has significant experience executing investments in the information technology, energy, agriculture, entertainment, health care, and commercial real estate industries.
Mr. Nick assists global businesses and institutions by performing economic assessments, enforcing clients’ trade rights and implementing market access strategies. He counsels foreign clients investing in U.S. facilities on trade zone status, tax incentives and commercial real estate acquisitions.
Previously, Mr. Nick was based in Geneva, Switzerland and Washington, D.C. as an international trade analyst for a leading international law firm. Prior to this position, he held roles in venture capital, commercial real estate, and served as a clerk working for the Secretariat of the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva.
Mr. Nick holds a Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and English from the University of Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa.
