Andrew McCoubrey
Biography
Andrew McCoubrey has been Deputy Head of Mission for the British Embassy Beijing since July 2026.
He was previously the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan at the FCDO and a regional director based in London. Between 2017 and 2020 Andrew was seconded to the Department for International Trade, responsible for analysis and policy for trade relationships with developing countries and UK policy positions and negotiations on these at the WTO.
He has worked on political, trade, security, humanitarian and climate change policy issues through FCDO postings in London. In addition to work in Geneva, he has undertaken postings to UK embassies and High Commissions in Afghanistan (twice), Pakistan, Kenya and a temporary duty in Bangladesh.
Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Beijing
The Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.