Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Brasilia

Melanie Hopkins OBE

Biography

Ms Melanie Hopkins arrived in Brazil as Deputy Head of Mission in July 2021 and took on the role of Chargé d’Affaires (Acting Ambassador) from March to November 2022.

Her previous role was as British High Commissioner to Fiji (and non-resident Ambassador/High Commissioner to a number of other Pacific countries) and Head of the UK’s network of 5 diplomatic missions. Previously she has worked on multilateral and bilateral policy (including security policy), programme management and finance. She joined the Civil Service in 2002 after beginning her career in Management Consultancy.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Melanie Hopkins

Partner: Alessandro Truppia

Children: 2 daughters

Date Role
December 2022 to the present Deputy Head of Mission, Brasilia
March to November 2022 Chargé d’Affaires (Acting Ambassador), Brasilia
2021 to March 2022 Deputy Head of Mission, Brasilia
2016 to 2020 British High Commissioner, Fiji
2014 to 2016 Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Deputy Head (European Security), Security Policy Dept
2012 to 2014 FCO, Head of Australasia and Pacific, Asia Pacific Department
2012 FCO, Head of Common Security & Defence Policy, Europe Directorate
2008 to 2011 UK Mission to the UN Geneva, Second Secretary
2004 to 2007 Havana, Head of Political Section and Press & Public Affairs
2004 Secondment to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2003 to 2004 FCO, Desk Officer for Turkey, Europe Directorate
2002 to 2003 FCO, Desk Officer, Capital Unit, Finance Directorate
2002 Joined FCO
1997 to 2002 Private sector

Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Brasilia

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.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Previous roles in government

  • British Ambassador to Brazil
    • 2022 to 2022
  • Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Brasilia
    • 2021 to 2022
  • British High Commissioner to Fiji
    • 2016 to 2020