David Kleimann is a Senior Research Associate for ODI’s International Economic Development Group and ODI Europe. He is a trade expert with over 15 years of experience in law, policy, and institutions governing EU and international trade. His current work focuses on the intersection of climate, trade, and development policy, along with legal and diplomatic challenges arising from transatlantic and international climate/trade cooperation.

His research has been featured in various internationally renowned journals and a Cambridge University Press monograph. He is a frequent commentator on trade law and policy for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, The Economist, Financial Times, El Pais, Reuters, Politico Magazine, and others.

Prior to joining ODI, David held fellowships at the Bruegel think tank, Georgetown University's Law Center, and Johns Hopkins' SAIS, and served as a policy advisor to Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament's international trade committee. David also held consulting roles with the World Bank's international trade department, the European Commission, and the PRC's Ministry of Commerce.

David holds a PhD in Law from the European University Institute (EUI), a Master’s in International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute (WTI), an LL.M in International Law from Kent Law School in Brussels, and a BA in Public Administration from Erfurt University. Early in his professional career, David completed traineeships at the European Commission's Directorate General for External Trade, the World Trade Organization's Agriculture Division, and the South Centre.