Christopher G. Caine formed Mercator XXI, a professional services firm helping clients engage the global economy, in April 2009. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in government and public affairs, Mercator XXI provides insight and support to execute initiatives for all four hemispheres. Prior to April 2009, Caine was employed by IBM Corporation for 25 years. For 13 years, he had corporate responsibility for global public policy issues that impacted IBM in his role as Vice President for Governmental Programs. Caine also served as the Director of Human Resources and Environmental Policy for IBM and was responsible for public policy issues such as health-care reform, labor, personnel, health and safety, environment, and energy. Prior to that, he was the Manager of Federal Government Relations and Regional Manager of the company's state government relations programs. Prior to IBM, Caine worked for the Coca-Cola Company, the Eaton Corporation, and the Electronic Industries Association. Born in Rochester, New York, Caine received a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in American Government from Georgetown University.