Deputy Head of Mission, The Netherlands

Keith Allan

Biography

Keith has been Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in The Hague since August 2023. Prior to his posting in the Netherlands he was Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy in Kyiv. Keith joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1988, and has enjoyed a range of interesting postings around the world. He has previously served as HM High Commissioner to Mauritius, HM Ambassador to Turkmenistan, and HM Consul General in St Petersburg (Russia) and Miami (USA).

Previous appointments include:

•2022 to 2023 Kyiv, Minister Counsellor

•2017 to 2021 Port Louis, Her Majesty’s High Commissioner

•2013 to 2017 St Petersburg, Her Majesty’s Consul General

•2010 to 2013 Ashgabat, Her Majesty’s Ambassador

•2006 to 2009 Miami, Her Majesty’s Consul General

•2003 to 2006 Port of Spain, Deputy High Commissioner

•2002 to 2003 London, Deputy Director, Africa Middle East, United Kingdom Trade and Investment

•2002 to 2002 Kabul, Consul

•2000 to 2002 London, Central and North West European Department

•1997 to 2000 Tashkent, Deputy Head of Mission

•1996 to 1997 London, Counter Terrorism Policy Department

Deputy Head of Mission, The Netherlands

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.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Previous roles in government

  • British High Commissioner to Mauritius
  • British Consul General, St Petersburg
  • British Ambassador to Turkmenistan