Brian Finlay served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Stimson Center since 2015 until his passing in June 2026.
Brian led the Stimson Center for over a decade as President and Chief Executive Officer, with a total of more than twenty years of service to the nonpartisan foreign policy institution. He loved his work and was proud of Stimson’s mission, where he found purpose in supporting and elevating others and advancing a mission dedicated to making the world better.
Under his tenure, the Stimson Center transformed its business model, launched pioneering new engagements across Asia, and developed industry-defining programming on strategic dialogue, global risk, and technology.
Under Brian’s leadership and tenacity, the Center quadrupled in size to become one of the most trusted and sought-after think tanks on foreign policy and national security. Brian served in multiple roles at Stimson prior his tenure as President and CEO, holding positions as Vice President, Managing Director, and Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center.
Through every trial and triumph, Brian was a constant guardian of the organization’s core spirit. A fierce advocate for uncommon solutions, Brian was unwilling to just sit back and “admire the problem,” as he described it. Instead, he challenged and empowered his staff to take on the most consequential global challenges with imagination, rigor, and conviction.
Under Brian’s leadership, the Stimson Center has established a defining reputation as a center of excellence and trusted authority for decision makers around the world. Read Brian Finlay’s “My Story” to learn about his background.
Brian’s legacy continues to guide the Stimson Center’s mission and values.
Read the outpouring of reflections and memories from the Stimson community.
