Matthew Burney CMG
Biography
Matthew (Matt) Burney assumes his role of His Majesty’s Consul-General, Shanghai from September 2023. Prior to this role, Matt was the Director of the British Council in China, where he oversaw the United Kingdom’s cultural relations and educational exchange work and led one of the largest country operations in the British Council’s global network of 100+ offices. In addition to these responsibilities, he held the diplomatic rank of Minister, responsible for managing the UK’s education and cultural relationship with China, on behalf of the British Embassy in Beijing.
Matt has held numerous strategic leadership positions since joining the British Council in 1997, promoting cultural and educational opportunities in Japan, the Czech Republic and Ireland.
In 2000, Matt spearheaded the British Council’s expansion of cultural and education work in South West China. This included the establishment of a South West China British Council office in Chongqing. From 2011 to 2015, he was Area Director of the British Council in East China, based in Shanghai. During this time he oversaw the growth of a dynamic and ambitious programme driven through close collaboration and partnership with UK and Chinese cultural and educational organisations.
He was recognised by His Majesty The King in the 2023 New Year’s Honours for services to cultural relations. As a result he has been admitted into the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
Consul-General in Shanghai
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.