STORY
His Majesty’s Government has appointed Simon Wood as the new British Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, succeeding Dr David Ellis OBE who is retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Wood will take up the post in September 2025.
Wood joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1998 and has since held a wide range of senior positions in the UK and overseas. He most recently served as Deputy Director of the North-East Asia and China Directorate at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office between 2023 and 2024. Before that he was Deputy Director of Strategic Communications in 2022. From 2017 to 2021 he was HM Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, having earlier worked as Deputy Head of Mission in Copenhagen between 2010 and 2014.
His experience also includes postings in Tokyo, where he was First Secretary and Head of Media and Communications between 2007 and 2010 and Second Secretary for Trade Promotion from 2001 to 2004.
Dr Ellis leaves the post after a long diplomatic career, with the Foreign Office thanking him for his service. The appointment comes at a time when relations with North Korea remain limited and closely managed, with the new ambassador expected to continue efforts to maintain dialogue and represent the UK’s interests in the region.