Appointment of a new UK ambassador to Luxembourg: who is Joanne Olivier?

Joanne Olivier will take up her post as British Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in April 2025, succeeding Fleur Thomas, who has led the diplomatic mission since 2021. Olivier is a specialist with extensive experience in international relations, security and justice, as well as a strong diplomatic record.

Olivier has had a career in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), working both domestically and internationally. Her work ranged from counter-terrorism to consular support for Britons overseas. She also served as Deputy Head of the Mediterranean Department and worked as First Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs at the British Embassy in Paris.

Among her most notable assignments were a leadership role in the Ukraine situation and as consul in South Africa. In the latter role, Olivier was responsible not only for managing consular affairs, but also for coordinating operations across the southern African region.

Despite her extensive diplomatic experience, this position will be Olivier's first as embassy chief. Her appointment emphasises the British government's confidence in her leadership and ability to meet key international policy challenges.

The leadership transition comes against a backdrop of significant challenges for EU and UK diplomacy in the post-Brexit era, where not only political but also economic and cultural relations with key European countries are important. Luxembourg, although small in size, remains a strategically important site for international financial flows and European politics.

Olivier's appointment thus reflects the UK's desire to strengthen ties with Luxembourg through a professional with a deep understanding of international politics and crisis management. Her expertise in justice and security can also play an important role in strengthening bilateral co-operation in combating international threats.