Sir Kim Darroch

Biography

Kim’s diplomatic career spanned 3 decades and was primarily focussed on national security issues and European Union policy.

Before serving as the British Ambassador to the USA from 2016 until 2019, Kim was the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, from January 2012 to September 2015. In this role, Kim was acting as Secretary of the National Security Council and leading the National Security Team on issues such as the rise of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, Russian aggression in Ukraine, the nuclear threat from Iran and the collapse of government authority in Libya.

Prior to his appointment as National Security Advisor, Kim served in Brussels as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2007 to 2011, representing UK interests in areas such as enlargement, the aftermath of the financial crisis, and the issues around European integration. From 2004 to 2007, Kim served as EU Advisor to the Prime Minister and Head of the Cabinet Office European Secretariat.

Earlier in his career, Kim served in a wide range of positions and policy specialities, including Private Secretary to the Minister of State responsible for the Middle East, Head of the Adriatic Department during the Dayton Accord negotiations, and Head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office News Department. In addition to his 2 postings to Brussels, Kim has completed tours in Tokyo and Rome.

Kim was born in the village of South Stanly, County Durham in the North of England in April 1954. He attended Durham University, where he read Zoology, and joined the Diplomatic Service in 1977.

In 1997, he was appointed a Companion of Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and as a Knight Commander (KCMG) in 2008.

Kim married his wife, Vanessa, in 1978. They have 2 grownup children, Simon and Georgina.