John Clayton

John Clayton serves as the External Affairs Vice President at JTI since 2025. Previously, Clayton held the position of Senior Vice President - Global Government Relations at Elevation Capital from 2022 to 2024, where responsibility included government engagement and regulatory affairs for various portfolio companies. At Ivy Farm Technologies, Clayton was the Head of Global Advocacy, achieving significant policy inclusion in the UK Government's 2022 National Food Strategy. A long tenure at BAT from 2002 to 2020 included roles such as Global Head of Business Communications and Sustainability, where Clayton established a Global Centre of Expertise, and Global Head of Government & External Affairs, directing a diverse international team. Early career experiences included government affairs leadership at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Clayton holds a Master's degree in East Asian Studies from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor's degree in American History from Oberlin College.