WASHINGTON -- Trade-policy expert William Westman has been named vice president of international trade at the American Meat Institute. Mr. Westman will manage the International Trade Policy Committee and the Institute’s international trade activities.

He has served the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service for the past 29 years. Most recently, he served as Agricultural Minister Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, where he was responsible for the overall supervision and management of the organization’s largest overseas operation. Prior to this, he served as Agricultural Minister Counselor in Berlin, Germany, and Brasilia, Brazil. He has also served as assistant deputy administrator, Foreign Agricultural Affairs and Western Hemisphere officer at U.S.D.A.

Mr. Westman has extensive experience in facilitating agricultural interactions with governments, private sector companies and trade associations and has well-established relationships with government officials and international business leaders.

“Bill’s extensive experience in international trade will be a real asset to the Institute and its members,” said J. Patrick Boyle, A.M.I. president and chief executive officer. “Increased trade is vital to the economic health and vitality of the U.S. meat and poultry sector.”

In other news, A.M.I. promoted Susan Hogan to director of international trade. Ms. Hogan has been with A.M.I. since October 2003. She will work on a variety of trade issues, as well as manage international operations for the U.S. Hide, Skin & Leather Association, an A.M.I. affiliate.

.