The Cohen Group, a network and advisory forum created from top-level figures from government and other fields, has recruited a top diplomat in China to its ranks.

A prominent network of former top-level policymakers from the worlds of diplomacy, defence, security and business has appointed William Zarit, former minister for commercial affairs at the US Embassy in Beijing, as a senior counsellor at the firm. He will be based in the Chinese capital.

The Cohen Group’s range of coverage areas includes financial services and investment. Comprised of more than 60 professionals, and with offices in Washington, London, Beijing, Tianjin, New Delhi, and Dubai, it provides clients with insights and assistance to better understand and shape the business, political, legal, regulatory, and media environments in which they operate. It is affiliated to international law firm DLA Piper.

"During his years of experience in China and East Asia with the US government and in the private sector, Bill has earned the deep respect of government officials and business leaders alike, and we are honoured and delighted to welcome him to our team," William Cohen, who heads the eponymous group, and who served as secretary of defense under President Clinton, said.

While at the Embassy, Zarit managed the US government's trade promotion and policy activities across operations in China. Other overseas postings included senior commercial officer at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, deputy senior commercial officer at the Embassy in Beijing, and deputy senior commercial officer at the American Institute in Taiwan.

Immediately prior to his Beijing posting, Zarit served as deputy assistant secretary for international operations in the US Commercial Service.