Ken Taylor
Former Canadian Ambassador to Iran
Ken Taylor is best known as the former Canadian Ambassador to Iran who, in
1980, risked his own life and his country's reputation, to help save the
lives of six American hostages during the Iran Crisis. His heroism made him
an overnight international celebrity. He received the United States
Congressional Gold Medal and the Order of Canada. He was also portrayed by
legendary actor Gordon Pinsent in the movie "Escape from Iran: The Canadian
Caper."
Ken Taylor's service as a diplomat in the Canadian Foreign Service also
involved trade development responsibilities in Guatemala, Detroit and
London, foreign-aid-related matters in Pakistan, crisis management in Iran
and the enhancement of Canada's image in New York (as the former Canadian
Consul General).
Since his resignation from the foreign service in 1984, Mr. Taylor has
worked extensively in the private sector. He has served as a board member of
a range of companies in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and has
provided counselling services to clients on issues of political risk,
international marketing and strategic accommodation with government.