John Casson

Biography

John Casson was the British Ambassador to Egypt from August 2014 until August 2018. Previously he was the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Private Secretary from 2010 to 2014. He received a CMG in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

His career has had a strong focus on the Arab world, including as Deputy Ambassador in Jordan, as Head of the FCO’s Near East and North Africa Department, and accompanying the Prime Minister on his visit to Egypt in 2011. From 2002-2005 he held the high profile role leading the US political outreach of the British Embassy in Washington.

He has also worked in the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels and as Senior Policy Adviser in HM Treasury. Before entering Government he worked as a Research Assistant at Cambridge University and in the House of Commons.

On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr Casson said:

Egypt’s current period of challenge and change will shape the long-term future for Egyptians, and will be pivotal for the region. Britain has a deep interest in Egypt’s political, security and economic success - and in a broad and productive relationship that delivers for British and Egyptian people alike. I am proud to have the privilege and responsibility of leading our teams in Egypt at this vital time.