Pete Vowles
Biography
Pete Vowles is the UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. His ambition is to strengthen the UK–Nigeria partnership for the long term: supporting inclusive growth and investment, deepening security and migration cooperation, expanding education and cultural links, and working with Nigeria on regional and global challenges.
Before taking up this role, Pete was British Ambassador to Zimbabwe from October 2023. He was previously Transformation Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ambassador to Myanmar and FCDO Director for Asia, Caribbean and Overseas Territories. Pete has served in a range of senior diplomatic and development roles across Africa and Asia with postings in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
His career has focused on diplomacy, development, economic partnership, crisis leadership and organisational change. He has led large teams and complex cross-government programmes, working with governments, business, civil society and international partners. Before joining government in 2006, Pete held roles in the private sector, the World Bank, international non-governmental organisations and the UK National Health Service.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria
The High Commissioner is the UK government’s representative in a Commonwealth nation. They are responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission and its Deputy High Commissions and/or Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.
Previous roles in government
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British Ambassador to Zimbabwe
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Transformation Director
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Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim to Myanmar
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Head of DFID Kenya