Valerie Picard is Head of Trade at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Based at ICC’s global headquarters in Paris, Ms. Picard leads the development of ICC’s public policy engagement on issues related to trade, customs, and trade finance. Previously Ms. Picard was Deputy Director of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, a public private partnership co-led by ICC that delivers targeted trade reforms to make trade simpler, faster and more cost-effective in developing economies. Prior to joining ICC, Ms. Picard practiced law for 20 years both in private practice and in-house, notably advising on legal matters relating to public private partnerships and the development and operation of ports and terminals in Africa and Asia. Ms. Picard holds degrees from Duke University School of Law and Smith College.