Alan’s previous roles include Director, British Council India and
CEO, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council
Alan Gemmell’s strong association with India continues as he
takes charge as the new British Deputy High Commissioner for
Western India responsible for all aspects of diplomatic
engagements in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Additionally,
he is appointed Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South
Asia to bolster UK trade and investment relations with the
region.
He previously worked in India as the Director of the British
Council from 2016 to 2018 leading the UK-India Year of Culture
and working with state governments to support education agendas
across the country. Alan received the Officer of the Order of the
British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for his contribution to arts and
science.
Acting High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson, said:
I am delighted to welcome Alan to the India Network and to see
him lead UK engagement with one of the most dynamic regions in
the country. His rich experience of business, strong connection
to the arts, and great love of India make him perfectly placed
to drive mutual prosperity for the UK and India, and to build
further upon the “living bridge” that connects our countries.
British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India and Her
Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Alan Gemmell, said:
I am happy to be back in India to support greater trade and
investment between our countries and help deliver an ambitious
partnership between Britain and India. Mumbai and London are
financial capitals of their countries and some of the most
dynamic and creative cities in the world. I look forward to
enriching the strong bonds they share.
Already this week new British Trade Minister, and Indian Minister of
State for Commerce and Industry, Hardeep Singh Puri spoke about
what more we can do to keep trade flowing during Covid-19. We
want strongly to support India’s ever more prominent role as a
global leader in health and life sciences.
Alan arrived in Mumbai this week and has started virtual
engagement with key stakeholders with a focus on the Covid-19
response and business engagement supported by the Confederation
of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce, the UK India Business Council as well as with the Lord
Mayor of the City of London.
Alan Gemmell’s biography
He succeeds Crispin Simon who served as British Deputy High
Commissioner, Western India and HM Trade Commissioner, South Asia
from November 2017 to March 2020.
The Deputy High Commissioner leads a subordinate office to the
High Commission in another major city. The Deputy High
Commissioner fulfils a similar role to a Consul General,
representing the UK government and typically responsible for
consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region.
The HM Trade Commissioner for South Asia cooperates closely with
the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate
the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and
prosperity. This includes full responsibility for
the Department for
International Trade, the international economies to secure UK
and global prosperity by promoting and financing international
trade and investment, and champion free trade.
