LONDON -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was hired as an adviser to J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. on Thursday -- a part-time post that his spokesman says won't affect his role as a Mideast peace envoy.
Mr. Blair will give J.P. Morgan's senior management team "strategic advice and provide insights on global issues," said Ruti Winterstein, a Blair spokeswoman in Israel.
![[Tony Blair]](thirteen_clip_image001.gif)
The appointment won't interfere with his duties with the so-called Quartet -- the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia, she said. Mr. Blair is helping Palestinians build up their economy and governing bodies in preparation for the establishment of a Palestinian state. "He will continue as Quartet representative in the exact way, with the same level of commitment and time input," Ms. Winterstein said. His compensation at J.P. Morgan wasn't disclosed. Mr. Blair, who stepped down as Britain's prime minister last year, was in Israel on Thursday, where President Bush was on a three-day visit to show support for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks following seven years of violence. Mr. Blair was scheduled to meet with Mr. Bush on Friday.
Since leaving office, Mr. Blair has joined the international conference circuit, receiving $500,000 for a speech in China. Other former world leaders have taken similar advisory jobs, including former British Prime Minister John Major and former President George H.W. Bush, who both became advisers to U.S. private equity firm Carlyle.
Wall Street Journal
