Hon Dr Peter Watson

Hon Dr Peter Watson ONZM is the President and CEO of Dwight Group, a Washington D.C. based investment bank. An expert in international business and trade policy, he has held top posts in the White House during the Bill, including Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council.

An influential figure in the US, Dr. Watson has been engaged in numerous organisations supporting the New Zealand-US relationship. In particular, he is a former Executive Director of the US-NZ Council, on the Board of Visitors of the University of Auckland (US), and Co-Founder and Chairman of the US-NZ Connection/Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles. The latter led to his role as the Chairman of the 1984 Los Angeles New Zealand Olympic fundraising committee supporting our national team. In addition, he has advised the New Zealand Consulate General in Los Angeles, as well as companies such as Air New Zealand and ANZ, among others.

Peter was appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 and Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand –US relations in 2012.