Jake Townsend

Jake Townsend, through his consultancy Townsend Initiatives, works with countries, corporations and international organizations in developing nation branding, communications and public diplomacy strategies. He is an adjunct professor in the University of Southern California’s School of Public Diplomacy, where he teaches the yearly course “Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy” to Master’s students, and works to advance of the practice of nation branding. Jake has contributed to The Los Angeles Times and Condé Nast Traveler, among many others, and is the former West Coast editor of Wallpaper Magazine. He is the author or co-author of 13 books, including many of the "Cool Hotels" series. He has lectured on the practice of public diplomacy and nation branding at consulates, embassies and before corporate boards. A trained diplomat, Jake is a graduate of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, from which he holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, and a degree from the University of California Los Angeles School of the Arts and Architecture.