COVER STORY BUSINESS IS A CONTACT SPORT A sit down with World Trade Center Dublin’s Executive Director, David Pierce With a vast portfolio of international business experience, it is without a doubt that the World Trade Center Dublin’s Executive Director, David Pierce, is a fierce driving force behind the work in helping Irish businesses grow beyond the borders of the Emerald Isle. From assisting young companies in strategizing their export plan, providing unique and tailored opportunities in the enormous China market, and connecting mature exporters to big-box retailers in the U.S., the WTC Dublin certainly has not lacked in activity throughout the pandemic.
projects with vital operational elements that have resulted in thriving commercial and residential buildings. Drew operates the second-largest building in the U.S., the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the hub of international activity in the capital of the U.S. The WTC Dublin provides trade services from its Today, we took a few minutes to get a location in Dublin’s Merrion Square. As a glimpse behind the minds of our operation result, these developments actively play a in hopes of sharing some inspiration on how part in the economic development of the our small business is growing alongside regions in their regions. Ireland’s expanding SME community. To start with some background, the WTC Dublin is an initiative that began just across the pond in Boston, Massachusetts, and amidst the global community of the World Trade Centers Association, which spans over 100 countries. The WTC Dublin is a family-owned real estate development company, the Drew Company. And yes, the family has deep roots in Ireland and has never strayed far from their origins. The Drew Company, best known for the development of Boston’s Seaport District with the WTC Boston and Seaport Complex, has always melded their building
Mr. Pierce, can you tell us a little about your journey as an international business executive? I started as a CPA out of college, which quickly led me into Corporate Banking at Ulster Bank, where I was in corporate lending. I then moved into asset-based lending and the international business world. Under the NatWest International umbrella for Ulster Bank, my role was to sell Ireland internationally but primarily into the U.S. Back then, the FDI coming into Ireland was industrial and manufacturing principally.
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