Jimmy H. Rhee

Senior Advisor, Asia

Jimmy Rhee is a senior advisor for Asia to Grayson & Co., where he specializes in Korean, Indian, and U.S. economic and political relations. With over two decades of private sector entrepreneurial experience, Jimmy is a proven leader in enterprise creation, growth, and change management. He excels at identifying new strategic opportunities amid shifting macroeconomic factors, such as geopolitics, technology, and policies, and connecting interdependent elements to achieve economic synergy.

He previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Business Affairs in Maryland and Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Trade in Virginia, where he led impactful economic development initiatives. With extensive experience in international trade, investment, and economic development, he focused on enhancing local manufacturing and driving job creation. He worked closely with the White House on key cross-border initiatives, including the National Export Initiative and the Entrepreneur Program, to promote U.S. business interests on the global stage.

He has orchestrated high-profile trade and investment missions, forging strategic partnerships with political and corporate leaders, particularly in Asia, while recruiting international companies to the U.S. to drive economic development. He also provided counsel to governors on regulatory reforms, improving access to capital for small businesses, and collaborating with stakeholders on critical infrastructure projects, such as highways and offshore wind energy projects, to foster local supply chains and enhance the economic multiplier effect.

Jimmy’s extensive record includes directing successful turnarounds across diverse industries, from manufacturing to software companies. Currently, Jimmy also collaborates with the Livingston Group, founded by Bob Livingston, the former Speaker-Elect and Chair of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. In this capacity, he provides advisory services to export-driven businesses and investment firms, helping clients navigate the changing geopolitical landscape and fostering partnerships for market entry.

He is a sought-after speaker at business and community events and serves on the board or directors of several professional, educational, and civic organizations, including a bank, universities, research centers, and investment entities. He has also received numerous awards from professional organizations and industry leaders, including the Korean Presidential Medal for Outstanding Korean American in Economic Development.

Jimmy earned MAS and MBA degrees from the Johns Hopkins University and a BA from the University of Maryland. Additionally, he studied law for two years, holds a professional certificate in energy from Stanford University’s Center for Development, and is a certified performance improvement coach.