PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to North Macedonia – Maya Sivagnanam [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

Ms Maya Sivagnanam has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia in succession to Mr Matthew Lawson.

Ms Sivagnanam will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum vitae 

Full name:  Maya Sivagnanam   

2025 to presentFCDO, Macedonian Language Training
2023 to 2025FCDO, Deputy Director, European Political Community Summit
2021 to 2023FCDO, Deputy Director, South Asia Region Department
2019 to 2021FCDO, Head of Department, Europe North Department
2016 to 2019FCO, Deputy Head, Northern & Central Europe
2015 to 2016The Royal Foundation for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Illegal Wildlife Trade Transport Taskforce
2013 to 2015FCO, Deputy Head, Emerging Powers Department then Head, Illegal Wildlife Trade
2011 to 2013FCO, Head of Training Skills, Human Resources
2009 to 2011British Embassy Ankara, Head of Global Issues
2008 to 2009FCO, Turkish Language Training
2007 to 2008 UK Permanent Representation to the EU, First Secretary
2006 to 2007FCO, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Returns, Migration Group
2005 to 2006Home Office, Head of Country Action Plan Team, Immigration & Nationality Directorate 
2004 to 2005Home Office, Head of Rapid Response Team, Immigration & Nationality Directorate 
2002 to 2004FCO, European Union Department (Internal) 
2001 to 2002Home Office, European & International Unit
2001Joined Home Office