Deputy Head of Mission to Russia

Tom Dodd

Biography

Tom Dodd arrived in Moscow as British Minister and DHM in July 2022.  His career has spanned roles in the Cabinet Office; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Home Office and House of Commons, principally in inter-agency co-ordination, security and analysis, including on Russia-facing issues. His previous postings include:  Helsinki (HM Ambassador, 2018-21) Kabul (Chargé and Deputy Ambassador) and Basra (Deputy Consul General).  Tom has degrees in history and in international relations.  He is of Danish, English, Irish, German and four other country descent.

2018 – 2021 FCDO, Helsinki, British Ambassador to the Republic of Finland
2016 – 2017 FCO, Head, Counter Terrorism Department
2013 – 2015 FCO, Head, South East Asia Department
2011 – 2012 Cabinet Office, Deputy Chief Assessments Staff, Joint Intelligence Organisation
2009 – 2010 Kabul, Deputy Ambassador
2007 – 2008 Home Office, Head of Border and Visa Policy, UK Border Agency
2006 – 2007 Home Office, International Delivery Director & Europe Director, Immigration and Nationality Directorate
2005 Home Office, Deputy Director, European Policy, Immigration and Nationality Directorate
2005 Cabinet Office, Desk Officer, Civil Contingencies Secretariat
2004 Basra, Deputy Consul General
2001 – 2003 Cabinet Office, Desk Officer (Asia & Middle East), Overseas and Defence Secretariat
1998 – 2001 Cabinet Office, Desk Officer (Asia), Joint Intelligence Organisation
1991 – 1998 House of Commons Research Service, Assistant and later Senior Clerk, International Affairs and Defence Section

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Deputy Head of Mission to Russia

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. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Previous roles in government

  • British Ambassador to Finland