James Keith is a Managing Director at the business consulting firm McLarty Associates. He manages the firm’s client work throughout Asia, including an extensive network of senior advisors, associates, and board Members.

During his 31-year career as a US diplomat he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, National Security Council Director for China, Consul General in Hong Kong, and as a Political Officer in multiple Embassies in Asia. From 2007 to 2010 he was the US Ambassador to Malaysia. He was previously posted in Seoul and Jakarta, as well as serving as NSC Director for Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Keith grew up across East Asia, living in Tokyo, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Taipei. He joined the US Foreign Service in 1980 after graduating with a BA degree in English from the College of William and Mary. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is Co-chair of the Malaysia-America Foundation.