Olly Robbins appointed new Foreign Office chief

Olly Robbins appointed new Foreign Office chief
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Olly Robbins appointed new Foreign Office chief
Author: David Lynch
Published: Jan, 08 2025 16:20

Former Brexit negotiator Sir Oliver Robbins has been appointed as the Foreign Office’s highest ranking civil servant. Sir Oliver, known as Olly, will serve as the new permanent under-secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Image Credit: The Standard

He will replace Sir Philip Barton, who is stepping down after nearly four decades at the FCDO. Sir Oliver was among the senior civil servants who were last year shortlisted for the post of Cabinet Secretary – the civil service’s top job – a role now filled by former health chief Sir Chris Wormald.

Formerly permanent secretary to the Department for Exiting the European Union, Sir Oliver oversaw Brexit negotiations for the Government until his departure in 2019. He currently works for Hakluyt, a global strategic advisory firm, has previously worked for Goldman Sachs, and held senior roles at the Cabinet Office, Treasury and in Downing Street – but has never worked at the Foreign Office previously.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Sir Oliver was “exactly the person” to help him “rewire the FCDO to act as the international delivery arm of this Government’s missions”. Mr Lammy added: “His extensive experience of economic and security issues, gained across a range of Whitehall departments, will stand us in good stead as we reorient the FCDO to focus on growth and migration, while continuing to double down on national security – the foundation of our Plan for Change.

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