Senior leaders all speak English, but they may need to communicate frequently with other senior leaders or international organizations at work. This communication usually requires professional terms or industry language. Translators came in handy at this time. They could help senior leaders convey information accurately to avoid misunderstandings and communication barriers caused by language barriers.
In addition, senior leaders may also need to communicate with foreign customers or partners at work. At this time, they need to communicate in English, but the other party may not understand English. Translators could also help them communicate effectively to ensure that both parties could accurately understand each other's meaning.
Therefore, the purpose of senior leaders bringing along an interpreter was to better communicate with other senior leaders or international organizations when they needed to use professional terms or industry languages for work.
Perhaps a political figure. Politicians often hold high positions and have a great deal of power. They can make decisions that affect a large number of people, so in the context of this story, the 'man higher up' might be a politician who is using his power in different ways, either for the good of the people or for his own self - interests.