His Excellency James Squire took up his post as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein in January 2023. Before joining the Embassy, he was Head of North East Asia and Pacific Department (2019 to 2022) and Head of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Department (2018 to 2019) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. He served as British Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan (2018). Since joining the Diplomatic Service in 2008, James has also worked in a number of other foreign policy and corporate roles, including 4 years at the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York. Before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, James was a Fund Manager with Schroders PLC and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® charter holder.
Ambassador James Squire embodies a remarkable journey from the world of finance to the forefront of international diplomacy, showcasing a career dedicated to forging connections and championing progress. Before embarking on his distinguished diplomatic path in 2008, James honed his strategic acumen as a Fund Manager with Schroders PLC, even becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst. This unique blend of financial expertise and a profound understanding of global affairs has provided him with an exceptional foundation for navigating complex international landscapes and advocating for the United Kingdom’s interests with insightful precision.
Since joining the Diplomatic Service, James Squire has taken on a variety of challenging and impactful roles across the globe. His assignments have included significant posts such as British Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan, Head of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Department, and Head of the North East Asia and Pacific Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. He also spent four years at the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he played a key role in global threats and peacekeeping finance. These diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep, multifaceted understanding of geopolitical dynamics and the art of international relations.
In January 2023, James Squire took up his current prestigious post as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein. In this crucial role, he represents The King and the UK government, tirelessly working to strengthen bilateral ties across political, trade, investment, and cultural spheres. His commitment to promoting UK-Swiss relations, particularly in areas like financial services, innovation, and research, exemplifies his forward-thinking approach and dedication to fostering mutual prosperity. Ambassador Squire’s career serves as an uplifting example of how diverse expertise, coupled with unwavering commitment, can lead to influential leadership on the global stage.
As an active diplomat, Ambassador James Squire maintains a public profile primarily through official government channels and the embassy’s communications. While he does have a personal presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @JamesWSquire, official communications, contact details, and information about the British Embassy in Bern are best found on the GOV.UK website (e.g., searching for “British Embassy Bern”). As an ambassador, he does not have a publicly listed phone number or standard “open and close hours”; his professional life is dedicated to his diplomatic duties, which can involve a demanding and often unpredictable schedule.
Diplomatic Visionary, Forging Connections, Championing Progress.
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