Alan Gemmell OBE appointed British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India
He will also serve as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia.
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, Ranil Jayawardena 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.
Further information
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.
Media
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