Lars Karlsson is one of the most well-known customs leaders in the world and has an extensive background over three decades in Customs, borders and international trade policy. Mr. Karlsson has outstanding experience from strategic advisory and Government capacity building, private sector consulting, research, reform and modernization.

Before joining KGH, Mr. Karlsson was Director of the World Customs Organization (WCO), a multinational organization with headquarters in Brussels, organizing 183 countries and 99% of world trade. Prior to this Dr. Karlsson was Director General and Managing Director of Swedish Customs.

He presently serves as Senior Advisor on Customs, borders, trade and security matters to Governments in many countries, including; Australia, Brazil, EU, Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK and the United States and has been heavily engaged of both the EU and UK the last three years as senior advisor on Brexit matters.

He is also advisor to World Bank, IMF and international institutions. He has been working as advisor  and expert on Freeports, Freezones and Special Economic Zones for World Free Zones Organization, OECD and a large number of countries.

He is Doctor of Education and holds a Masters in International Customs Law and Administration.
Mr. Karlsson is an honorary fellow and Board Member of the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU). He is Chair of the International Border Management and Technology Association (IBMATA) and a Member of the Senior Advisory Board of the International Summit on Borders, the leading think-tank on borders, security, trade and the fight against international cross-border crime.

Lars Karlsson has written several books and has published numerous academic articles on Customs and Trade topics. He has received Her Royal Highness the Swedish Crown Princess’ Gothia Prize for the best innovation of the year and has been awarded the title Swedish Manager of the Year.