Annika Markovic appointed SEI’s first Engagement and Impact Director

The new role is central to strengthening SEI’s strategic policy engagement and ensuring that the institute’s research informs and influences decision-making at the highest levels, from local to global arenas. Markovic will lead SEI’s global engagement strategy, oversee its communications, and work closely with research teams and centre directors to maximize the institute’s policy impact.

Markovic brings more than 35 years of diplomatic and policy experience, having served as Sweden’s ambassador to Austria, the Netherlands, Brazil, and the Philippines, and as Permanent Representative to the OECD, UNESCO and international organizations in Vienna. She has also been an environmental ambassador for the Swedish Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and co-chaired the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

Her connection to SEI is not new – she has served on the board of Mistra Geopolitics, one of SEI’s flagship research programs.

“I joined SEI to help deliver greater strategic impact from its research on international policy development and implementation, drawing on my 35 years’ experience in the Swedish Foreign Service,” said Markovic. “Having served on the board of Mistra Geopolitics, I have been impressed by SEI’s work and look forward to learning more about its research.”

Looking to the future, Markovic sees both opportunity and urgency:

“I believe SEI already has, and has had for many years, a strong strategy for achieving impact. Key to building on this will be delivering relevant research in a timely way with a broad range of actors – thinking ahead of current issues, engaging new partners including the business community, and responding to the questions policymakers and implementers are asking when they face challenges.”

Måns Nilsson, SEI’s Executive Director, welcomed her appointment:

“Getting Annika on board is a step change up in terms of our national and international high-level policy engagement. In addition, her leadership experience and fresh perspective will be invaluable in strengthening SEI’s global management moving forward.”

With her wealth of experience and extensive network, Markovic will spearhead SEI’s efforts to position its research at critical policy junctures, build strategic relationships with decision-makers, and ensure the institute’s work drives tangible change.