Northcott departs AAEI

Northcott departs AAEI Hall Northcott abruptly resigned Tuesday as president of the American Association of Exporters and Importers for what were described as personal reasons.
   In a letter to members published in the organization’s weekly newsletter, Northcott said, “My family and I recognize that I simply need to be in a different place professionally.” AAEI leaders privately seconded that the decision was Northcott’s alone, but did not provide any details.
   Northcott attended U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s annual Trade Symposium in Washington wearing a badge that identified him as affiliated with Strategic Initiatives Inc., an international public policy and association management firm representing retail and service industries where he served as managing partner from 1996 to 2001. Asked about his plans, he suggested that Strategic Initiatives is just a placeholder for the time being while he makes other arrangements.
   Marianne Rowden, the organization’s general counsel, has informally been tasked with running the organization. No search process for Northcott’s successor has been set up yet.
   Northcott replaced John Simpson in January 2004 as head of AAEI, which promotes pro-trade policies in Washington. During his tenure, AAEI has taken a prominent role in shaping the debate on border security issues and customs matters. A big area of emphasis has been to encourage CBP to refocus attention on trade facilitation.
   Northcott is a former legislative director to former U.S. Rep. William Frenzel of Minnesota and held lobbying posts at 3M, Matsushita Electronics Corp. of America and Kessler Century Business Government Relations. From 1984 to 1996 he served on AAEI's board of directors and executive committee. ' Eric Kulisch