Kenan Poleo
Biography
As of 1 September 2021, Mr Kenan Poleo has been appointed Consul General and Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Prior to being appointed to Istanbul, Kenan Poleo was Her Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Europe, based in Berlin, Germany.
His previous roles include Head of Global at Innovate UK, supporting business led innovation and international collaboration, and Regional Director for the UK Science and Innovation Network for Europe, Russia and Turkey at the FCDO, also based at the British Embassy in Berlin.
He held numerous senior positions across UK government including Deputy Director of EU Energy and Environmental Legislation, Deputy Director UK Manufacturing Strategy and Assistant Director Chemicals Industry and Civil Contingencies. He was posted to Slovenia as a National Expert during their EU Presidency working on energy and climate change.
Prior to working for the UK Government, Kenan was a practitioner and then manager in the NHS, commissioning services around sexual health, HIV/AIDS, refugee and homelessness health and the health needs of people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities. He studied African & East Mediterranean History at Birmingham University, followed by an MA in Turkish Studies at London (SOAS) University.
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HM Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.
The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Eastern Europe and Central Asia including:
- growing the overall bilateral trade and investment relationship
- improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
- developing finance and trade policy
British Consul General, Istanbul
The Consul General is the senior UK official in a Consulate General, which is a subordinate office to the Embassy or High Commission, usually located in another major city. The Consul General represents the UK government and is typically responsible for consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region.
Previous roles in government
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HM Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region