The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is pleased to
announce that MBE has been appointed His
Majesty's Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and
Central Asia, and His Majesty's Consul General to Istanbul.
He will take up this position on 13 April 2026.
David joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
(FCDO) in 2003, having previously worked in the City of London as
a commercial lawyer.
During his diplomatic career, he has served in the Republic of
Cyprus, France and Poland, where he was Deputy Head of Mission.
His last overseas posting was as Deputy High Commissioner to
Canada from 2018-2022, where he focused on trade and investment
and on the broader economic relationship, including on economic
security and climate change.
Prior to taking up his current role, he was Sanctions Director at
the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
said:
I'm delighted to take on the role of His Majesty's Trade
Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With a
population of more than 380 million and some of the world's
fastest-growing economies, the region offers major trade and
investment opportunities.
Working with our teams across the region and colleagues across
government, I look forward to reinforcing partnerships, promoting
investment, and helping UK companies succeed in these markets.
For me, this role is ultimately about creating jobs and improving
livelihoods, and I'm proud to have that opportunity.
David replaces Kenan Poleo, who took up the role in September
2021.
Kenan Poleo, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:
It has been a privilege to serve as His Majesty's Trade
Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Consul
General to Istanbul, working with an exceptional team across the
region to strengthen trade ties and support UK businesses
internationally.
Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern
Europe and Central Asia
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and Central
Asia Region cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network
and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas
to promote UK trade and prosperity.
The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department
for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Eastern Europe and Central
Asia including:
- Growing the overall bilateral trade and investment
relationship
- Improving market access for British companies, including
small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
- Developing finance and trade policy Department for Business
and Trade
The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK
ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to
deliver these goals.
