Leigh Turner CMG

Biography

Mr Leigh Turner CMG, was UK Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna from September 2016 to September 2021.

Leigh´s previous role was HM Consul General Istanbul and Director General for Trade and Investment Turkey, Central Asia and South Caucasus from 2012-2016.

From 2008 to 2012, Leigh was HM Ambassador in Kyiv, Ukraine. In 2006 to 2008 he was Director of Overseas Territories in London, responsible for territories including St Helena, the Falklands and Bermuda. Previous overseas roles have included Berlin, Moscow and Vienna.

Leigh grew up in Nigeria, Lesotho and Swaziland before going to Manchester Grammar School and Cambridge University. He is a passionate walker and writer and occasional travel journalist and linguist. He has 1 son and 1 daughter.

Social media

Previous roles in government

  • Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna
  • British Consul General, Istanbul