Steven Okun

Steven Okun is the Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors, a Singapore-based consultancy specialising in sustainability strategies within the financial services sector. With over 25 years of experience spanning government, public affairs, and strategic communications, Okun takes a hands-on, senior-level approach to delivering client-centric solutions.

Okun began his career in Washington, D.C., where he spent twelve years, including five years serving in the Clinton Administration as Deputy General Counsel at the US Department of Transportation. He was also involved in several US presidential campaigns. Since relocating to Asia in 2003, Okun has played a pioneering role in advancing ESG practices in the region. From 2011 to 2017, he served as KKR’s first Director of Asia Public Affairs, overseeing government relations, communications, stakeholder engagement, and ESG initiatives. Prior to that, he established and led the public affairs function for UPS Asia from 2003 to 2010.

A recognised leader in the regional business community, Okun served five terms as Chair of the AmChams of Asia Pacific and three terms as Chair of AmCham Singapore. He currently serves as Head of External Affairs for the American Association of the Indo-Pacific.

An established media commentator, Okun appears regularly on CNBC, Channel NewsAsia, Al-Jazeera, and other international outlets. He also delivers a weekly International News Review on MONEY FM (Singapore) and contributes op-eds and analysis to publications including Nikkei Asia, The Straits Times, The Business Times, CNA, and Asia Times. He also serves as Senior Advisor for ASEAN at the Global Private Capital Association, where he is a member of the organisation’s global ESG and impact investing working groups.

Okun holds a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Virginia.