Goran Samuel Pesic is a globally recognized business executive and political strategist with over 30 years of leadership experience across business, defense, government relations, and national security.

As President and CEO of the Samuel Group of Companies, he leads an integrated network of business units specializing in strategic advisory services, including federal procurement, government relations, U.S. defense advisory, corporate strategy, market representation, human capital solutions, strategic investments, and media communications. The Samuel Group’s portfolio includes Samuel Associates in Ottawa, Samuel Group D.C. in Washington, Samuel Strategies, Samuel Technologies, Samuel People and Samuel Media Corporation.

Under Mr. Pesic’s leadership, the Samuel Group enables private-sector clients to engage public-sector decision-makers and access markets across North America and globally, delivering integrated business solutions that transform innovation into opportunity.

Mr. Pesic is a registered lobbyist in both Washington, D.C., and Ottawa. In 2024, he was named one of Canada’s top defense and aerospace industry lobbyists by Canadian Defence Review magazine.

He is also the founder of the Samuel Institute, a not-for-profile organization dedicated to advancing leadership and education among future technology innovators.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Mr. Pesic serves as Chairman of the Policy Insights Forum (PIF), an independent, non-partisan think tank focused on advancing dialogue in national security, international relations, disruptive technologies, climate resilience, and the economy. Through PIF, he continues to promote informed public policy and strategic engagement on key global issues.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Pesic led government-to-government business development initiatives at the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), advancing international trade and defense export strategies on behalf of Canadian industries. He was later seconded to the private sector to establish CAE Inc.’s Defense and Security Regional Office in Abu Dhabi, supporting the company’s expansion across the Middle East.

Mr. Pesic also held senior political roles within the Government of Canada, advising on Canada–U.S. trade relations and national security policy. His academic credentials include being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in U.S. National Security Policy by the U.S. State Department where he completed advanced studies at the University of California, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of Toronto.

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