Rutherford specialises in finance, behavioural economics, and business sustainability, with over 25 years of international experience in diplomacy and executive leadership. His work focuses on fostering collaboration and addressing global challenges such as sustainability and economic development. He regularly advises organisations like the United Nations on pressing global issues and has served as an Observer at a G20 Summit.
He holds a Master of Liberal Arts degree in sustainability from Harvard University Extension School, with a focus on sustainable business and policy applications, a PhD in Applied (Agricultural) Economics from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Science degree in economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, Rutherford holds certifications in corporate sustainability, social justice, and various other business specialisations.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, he is a retired alpine mountaineer, a qualified mariner, and an international cultural leader dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. He previously served on the business faculty at the University of Minnesota's Crookston campus and at the SolBridge International School of Business in Daejeon, South Korea.