NEWS STORY : Dame Melinda Simmons Appointed UK Ambassador to Poland
STORY
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced the appointment of Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland. She will succeed Ms Anna Clunes CMG OBE, who is transitioning to another role within the Diplomatic Service. Dame Melinda is set to assume her new position in August 2025.
Dame Melinda brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to her new role. From 2019 to 2023, she served as the UK Ambassador to Ukraine, where she played a pivotal role during a period marked by significant geopolitical challenges. Prior to that, she held various senior positions, including Director of the Joint Funds Unit at the National Security Secretariat and Deputy Director roles at both the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. Her extensive career has focused on conflict resolution, humanitarian response, and international development.
In preparation for her upcoming assignment in Warsaw, Dame Melinda has been engaged in full-time language training since 2024. Her appointment comes at a time when UK-Poland relations are increasingly significant, particularly concerning European security and collaborative efforts in response to regional conflicts.
