Melinda Simmons DCMG
Biography
Her Excellency Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG is a seasoned British diplomat and public servant with extensive experience in international development, conflict resolution, and national security.
She served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ukraine from 2019 to 2023, navigating complex geopolitical challenges during a critical period in the region. Prior to that, she held senior roles at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID), including Deputy Director of the Conflict Department and Head of DFID Southern Africa in Pretoria.
Her career spans key leadership positions in humanitarian response, European affairs, and Middle East and North Africa policy. In 2023–2024, she was appointed Honorary Professor at University College London, and she has undertaken full-time language training in both Ukrainian and Polish to support her diplomatic missions.
In September 2025, Dame Melinda Simmons began her mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Poland.
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British Ambassador to Poland
The Ambasador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and consular services.
Previous roles in government
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British Ambassador to Ukraine