Chris Sainty
Biography
Chris Sainty took up his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Portugal in September 2018. Previously, he was the Deputy Head of Mission for Italy from August 2011 to August 2015.
A career diplomat, he brings experience from a number of Foreign Office Departments as well as overseas postings in India, Pakistan, Spain and the Netherlands.
Chris has spent much of his career working on European Union issues: he headed the Foreign & Commonwealth Office team responsible for the organisation of the UK’s presidency of the EU in 2005.
Chris studied mathematics and philosophy at Oxford University. He is married and has three children.
Curriculum Vitae
| 2015 – 2017 | FCO, European Correspondent and Head of Europe (South) Department, Europe Directorate |
| 2011 – 2015 | Rome, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2008 – 2010 | Islamabad, Political Counsellor |
| 2006 – 2008 | The Hague, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2004 – 2006 | FCO, Head of EU Presidency Department |
| 2000 – 2004 | Madrid, First Secretary (Political) |
| 1998 – 2000 | FCO, Head of Newsroom, Press Office |
| 1996 – 1998 | FCO, Common Foreign and Security Policy Unit |
| 1992 – 1996 | New Delhi, Second Secretary (Political) |
| 1990 – 1992 | FCO, Hong Kong Department |
Social media links
British Ambassador to Portugal
The Ambassador represents Her Majesty The Queen and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and consular services.
Previous roles in government
- Deputy Head of Mission, Italy