Catherine Charlesworth
London/Paris
Summary
Public and political affairs professional with 7+ years’ international experience working within large institutions including Apple, the United Nations, and the U.S. Department of State on regulatory strategy, government engagement, and public policy issues.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Political Affairs Senior Lead
Apple
London, United Kingdom
08.2022 - 02.2026
- 3.5+ years experience co-leading Apple's political affairs programme for 250,000+ assets across 220 countries.
- Demonstrated experience leading crisis response and business continuity for major global company across diverse geographies.
- Extensive experience preparing policy analysis, research and briefings for internal and external stakeholders globally for Apple.
- Track record building relationships with government agencies, policy makers, industry groups, consumer groups and non-governmental organisations.
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations
New York, United States
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Monitored and analysed political and regulatory developments aligned to CTED’s mandate, translating complex security issues into clear policy insights and strategic recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Prepared detailed policy analysis, research briefings, and formal contributions to Member State consultations, ensuring evidence-based positions across counter-terrorism and human rights frameworks.
- Built and maintained relationships with government representatives, regional organisations, and civil society actors across the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, supporting coordinated policy engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
- Leveraged cross-regional data and field insights to inform policy development, strengthen institutional positions, and advocate for balanced regulatory approaches that integrated security and human rights considerations.
Political Affairs Assistant
U.S. Department of State
London, United Kingdom
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Directed policy research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making on international security and political affairs.
- Supported security and operational planning with U.S Secret Service for two high-profile U.S. Presidential and NATO state visits.
- Led editorial strategy as editor-in-chief of the Embassy's internal diplomatic publication.
- Delivered speeches and written communications for the Deputy Chief of Mission on sensitive diplomatic initiatives and special projects.
Education
MA - Political Science
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, United States 01.2020 - 01.2021
MA - History, German History
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom 01.2017 - 01.2018
BA - History, European History
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom 01.2013 - 01.2017
Skills
- Public speaking
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Team building
- Leadership
Languages
English
Native
French
Intermediate
Volunteer
- Advisor, British-American Project, 2024-01-01, Present
- Champion, Young Women's Trust, 2019-01-01, Present
Timeline
Political Affairs Senior Lead
Apple
08.2022 - 02.2026
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations
01.2021 - 01.2022
MA - Political Science
Columbia University in the City of New York
01.2020 - 01.2021
Political Affairs Assistant
U.S. Department of State
01.2018 - 01.2020
MA - History, German History
The University of Edinburgh
01.2017 - 01.2018
BA - History, European History
The University of Edinburgh
01.2013 - 01.2017