Christian joined Markez in 2017 and serves as VP for International Programs, managing projects for clients in Iraq and developing new business partners. Christian has spent 32 years in international business, including 26 years with the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, where he enthusiastically promoted American exports and helped U.S. companies achieve commercial success in overseas markets. He capstoned his career with the Commerce Department as Executive Director for Middle East/Africa, leading 150 trade professionals in Washington headquarters and in 27 offices throughout the region. 

Working in and on the Middle East for 13 years, Christian always enjoyed the challenge of assisting U.S. companies succeed in this difficult part of the world. For example, he led his Embassy team to stage the second USA Pavilion at the 2012 Baghdad International Fair, which attracted 20 American exhibitors and generated over $2 million in off-the-floor vehicle sales, and to help facilitate over $295 million in U.S. exports to Iraq. 

Christian’s additional diplomatic assignments included the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Denmark, and Germany. He came to the U.S. Government with ten years of professional experience, including three years teaching English at a German university and at a Saudi post-graduate institution. In addition, he worked in the travel sector, for KD German Rhine Line and for Austrian Airlines.

Originally from Los Angeles, Christian studied at the University of Texas at Austin and at Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet in Freiburg, Germany. He holds a BA in German, an MA in teaching English as a foreign language, and an MBA in international business. He and his wife, Elizabeth Eisenman Reed, a psychotherapist, have two sons in college.