We are delighted to welcome our new Chairman, Michael Ryder CMG. The former diplomat, pictured right in Afghanistan, brings extensive experience of working on conflict-related issues in London and overseas.
Michael began his career in diplomatic service with the British Foreign Office in the 1980s, when he focused on East-West relations during the Cold War, and then was the UK’s Special Representative on International Drugs Issues.
More recently, he was the UK’s Special Representative to Sudan and South Sudan during the period of South Sudan’s independence; the UK’s Senior Civilian Representative in Helmand, Afghanistan; and Deputy Ambassador in Kabul. In 2010 he ran the London Conference on Afghanistan.
Michael has also worked as head of the Foreign Office’s Security Policy department, dealing with international defence and security, and as the UK’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels, where he was responsible for the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
We look forward to his insight and expertise.
