Joe Preston

Biography

Joe Preston has been Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Kosovo since October 2010. He started his career in the early 80’s and served with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Migration & Visa Department, Non-Proliferation & Defence Department, Drugs & International Crime Department and Conflict Group where he was Head of the Conflict Resolution & Natural Resources Team (including the UK Government Diamond Office).

Overseas he served in Bangladesh (1983-1985), Nepal (1985-1988), Cyprus (1989-1992), Pakistan (1995-1999) and more recently, he was Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, Tirana (2003-2006). He has also worked on secondment in the private sector with the Institute of Export (1999-2001) and was with the International Management Directorate, British Trade International – the precursor to UK Trade & Investment (2001-2002).

Joe attended the Davenant Foundation Grammar School. He is married to Mrs Sandra Preston, who is also a career diplomat. He is a keen traveller and enjoys cycling, squash, tennis, running and playing golf when he can find the time or energy.

Previous roles in government

  • Deputy Head of Mission, Kosovo