John is one of the 9 Trade Commissioners appointed by the British government to promote the UK in important global markets. As the head of the Department for Business and Trade in China, John leads bilateral trade and investment policy and promotion, working closely with Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Beijing to advance UK national economic interests.

John has 27 years of experience working for the UK government, with more than 15 years spent in China. He was first posted to Shanghai and Beijing in 1998 and since then has held a number of senior posts including as HM Consul General in Shanghai (2015-19) and Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy (2012-15). John has led teams across China dealing with science and innovation, energy, climate change and health policy. As Consul General in Shanghai he was responsible for the trade and investment relationship across East China.

Before his most recent postings in China, John worked as speechwriter for three Foreign Secretaries and was posted to Jerusalem as Deputy Consul General.