Geopolitics, Global Security and Investment: BritCham Chile Hosted Executive Breakfast with Richard Kouyoumdjian

Santiago, 23 June 2026. The Chilean-British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham Chile) brought together a select group of senior business leaders, investors and directors for an Executive Breakfast featuring Richard Kouyoumdjian, Executive Vice President of AthenaLab, at the British Residence in Santiago.

Designed as an exclusive forum for strategic dialogue, the meeting provided participants with an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical, economic and security trends that are reshaping the international landscape and redefining the operating environment for governments, businesses and investors. With attendance limited to just fourteen participants, the event encouraged an open and high-level discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Chile and the United Kingdom in an increasingly uncertain global context.

The breakfast was welcomed by Christopher Lyon, President of BritCham Chile, together with Ricardo Garib, Vice President of the Chamber, who highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for business leaders to engage directly with recognised experts on issues that increasingly influence investment decisions, international trade and corporate strategy.

During his presentation, Richard Kouyoumdjian examined the current geopolitical environment, characterised by heightened international tensions, regional conflicts, strategic competition among major powers and the growing fragmentation of global trade and supply chains.

He analysed how geopolitical risk has become a central consideration for governments and companies alike, influencing investment flows, business resilience and long-term strategic planning. In this context, he emphasised that organisations must increasingly integrate geopolitical analysis into their decision-making processes as international developments continue to have direct consequences for markets and economic stability.

The discussion also explored the implications of ongoing changes in global security, including the increasing importance of critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, maritime security and the resilience of international logistics networks.

Particular attention was given to the impact that geopolitical developments have on international commerce, supply chains and strategic industries, especially those linked to mining, energy, infrastructure and advanced technologies.

Participants also examined Chile’s strategic position within this evolving international environment. The country’s political stability, extensive trade network, abundance of critical minerals and strong institutional framework continue to represent significant competitive advantages, while also presenting new responsibilities in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The conversation highlighted the opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Chile and the United Kingdom across areas such as trade, investment, innovation, defence-related industries, energy transition and critical infrastructure resilience.

Given the long-standing bilateral relationship between both countries, participants discussed how closer collaboration could contribute to addressing shared challenges while fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing international competitiveness.

The exclusive format of the event encouraged an interactive exchange of ideas, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker on issues ranging from international conflicts and great power competition to the future of globalisation, strategic autonomy and the evolving role of the private sector in managing geopolitical risk.

Richard Kouyoumdjian also reflected on the importance of long-term strategic thinking in an era marked by rapid technological change, increasing geopolitical volatility and shifting global alliances. Drawing on his extensive experience across the military, financial services, automotive and corporate sectors, he shared practical insights into how organisations can strengthen resilience while identifying opportunities amid uncertainty.

Kouyoumdjian brings nearly four decades of professional experience, including twenty-five years in senior executive and board-level positions. His career spans service in the Chilean Navy, leadership roles at Citi, CorpBanca, Indumotora and Drake Enterprises, as well as extensive international experience throughout Latin America, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A naval officer and weapons engineer, he holds an MBA from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and a Master of Arts in War Studies from King’s College London. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and founding Vice President of AthenaLab, a leading Chilean think tank specialising in international relations, national security and defence. He is also a regular columnist on international affairs, public security and defence.

Among those attending the Executive Breakfast were Christopher Lyon, President of BritCham Chile; Ricardo Garib, Vice President of the Chamber; Elle Denton, Executive Director of BritCham Chile; Richard Kouyoumdjian, Executive Vice President of AthenaLab; Cristian Díaz, General Manager of Intertek Caleb Brett Chile; José Miguel Diez, Vice Chair of BritCham Chile’s Finance Committee; Laura Landeta, Chair of the Sustainability Committee; Héctor Salgado, Partner at BDO; Felipe Cousiño, Partner at Alessandri; and Claudia de la Huerta, Economics Advisor at the British Embassy.

Through initiatives such as this Executive Breakfast series, BritCham Chile continues to provide exclusive forums where business leaders can engage with distinguished speakers on the issues shaping today’s global economy. By fostering informed dialogue on geopolitics, international trade and strategic risk, the Chamber reinforces its commitment to supporting stronger commercial ties between Chile and the United Kingdom while helping its members navigate an increasingly dynamic international environment.