News story

Change of British High Commissioner to Brunei: Mel Barlow

Ms Mel Barlow has been appointed British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam.

Ms Mel Barlow has been appointed British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam. Ms Barlow will take up her appointment during September 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Melanie Barlow

2023 to present	Vientiane, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2022 to 2023	Kathmandu, Deputy Ambassador and Consul General
2019 to 2022	FCDO, Deputy Head, Consular Strategy and Network Department
2018 to 2019	FCO, Lead Trade Negotiator, Third Country Agreements Unit
2018	Illegal Wildlife Trade Joint Unit, Senior Manager, Private Sector Engagement
2015 to 2018	Seoul, Trade Policy and Economic Diplomacy Counsellor
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head, India and Nepal Team, South Asia Department
2013	FCO, Head, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives Team, South Asia Department
2011 to 2012	FCO, Team Leader and Programme Manager, Conflict Department
2009 to 2011	Tokyo, Second Secretary (Trade)
2006 to 2008	Tokyo, Second Secretary (Political)
2004 to 2005	Japanese Language Training
2003	FCO, Project Manager, Department for Strategy and Innovation
2003	FCO, Desk Officer, Iraq Political Team
2002 to 2003	Trade Partners UK, Special Projects Manager Japan and China
2002	Joined FCO
1996	Private Sector

Media enquiries

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 3 August 2026