Press release

Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Mr Charles Hay MVO has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
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Charles Hay

He will succeed Mr Scott Wightman CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Hay will take up his appointment in early 2015.

Mr Hay joined the FCO in 1993 and has been posted previously to Spain, the Czech Republic and to the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. Most of his jobs in London have been multilateral, including as head of the team that ran the UK G8 Presidency in 2005, including the Gleneagles Summit. His most recent role was as Director for Consular Services at the FCO, where he was responsible for consular assistance to British Nationals globally, as well as overseas crisis management and the overseas passport service.

On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mr Hay has said:

I am honoured and delighted to have been selected to represent the United Kingdom in the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea is the world’s 12th largest economy, and one of the most dynamic and innovative. President Park’s State Visit to the UK last November underlined the strength of the broad and creative partnership for peace and prosperity that already exists between the UK and the Republic of Korea.

It will be a challenge and a privilege to work with the ROK to further consolidate, deepen and diversify our bilateral relations.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Charles John Hay MVO

Date Role
2011 – present FCO, Director Consular Services
2009 – 2011 FCO, Assistant Director HR Services
2006 – 2009 Madrid, Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor (Political and Economic)
2004 – 2006 FCO, Head of G8 Presidency Team
1999 – 2004 Brussels, First Secretary, UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
1998 – 1999 FCO, Press Officer
1996 – 1998 Prague, Second Secretary (Political and Press)
1993 – 1995 FCO, Desk Officer, Security Policy Department
1993 Joined FCO
1987 – 1993 HM Armed Forces (the Gordon Highlanders)

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Published 12 February 2014