Edgard Kagan

Career Kagan was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Minister-Counselor. He was most recently the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania at the White House National Security Council under the Joe Biden administration. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. embassies in India and Malaysia. Kagan also held several roles in the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The committee favorably reported his nomination on July 13, 2023. His nomination was confirmed by the full United States Senate via voice vote on November 8, 2023. stating that the tragedy serves as a reminder that both the United States and Malaysia share common interests against terrorism and cannot afford to relax their vigilance.

As ambassador, Kagan has made a visit to Sarawak to reinforced partnerships to promote clean energy, regional security, and other businesses civil society ties and people-to-people ties with the local Sarawak government. He also made a visit to Sabah to enhancing economic activity, attracting foreign investment, and advancing infrastructure with the local Sabah government, where he officiate the opening of the American Green Corner Sabah at the Sabah State Library, to signifies collective commitment towards educational and environmental advancements between Malaysia and the United States. Kagan also recognise and praises the Malaysian government's efforts in enhancing security around Sabah, where he said his country's are seeking to provide Malaysia with more equipments and expertise to defend its own sovereignty. He also stated that Sabah and Sarawak is among the place that holds a special place in his heart with the warmth and hospitality shown by its people during his encounter through a visit to Sandakan, the Kinabatangan River, Bako National Park, Mulu Caves, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, as well as during his time in the city of Kuching with locals. Kagan left his post in early 2026 and retired from the U.S. Foreign Service thereafter.

Post-Diplomatic career Following his retirement, Kagan was appointed senior advisor and Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. He is also senior advisor at The Asia Group, a Washington DC-based consultancy.

Awards and recognitions Kagan has previously won the Presidential Meritorious Award.

Personal life Kagan speaks French, Mandarin, Hungarian, and Spanish. He is married to Cynthia "Cindy" Gire and has three children.