The press release issued by the Department for Business on 10 August 2026.
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is pleased to announce that Alex Milward has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America and His Majesty’s Consul General to New York. He will take up the position in August 2026.
Alex takes up the role at an important moment for the UK’s relationship with North America.
The UK and United States recently concluded an Economic Prosperity Deal, strengthening a trading relationship worth $437 billion (£332 billion). The UK is a leading investor in over 22 states nationwide, including New York, Texas and Florida.
The UK’s accession to CPTPP is also creating new opportunities with Canada, building on a bilateral trading relationship worth C$62 billion (£34 billion) and supporting deeper collaboration in areas including AI, semiconductors, digital trade and advanced technologies.
Alex brings more than 30 years of experience across the private and public sectors, spanning digital, energy, defence, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and professional services and more recently, as head of the UK’s Carbon Capture programme at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
He will be supported by Deputy Trade Commissioner Alan Gogbashian and Deputy Consul General Mel Lawrence.
Alex Milward said:
I am honoured to be appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General to New York. The United States and Canada are among the UK’s closest economic and cultural partners, and there is tremendous momentum in our relationships. From advancing the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and major investment commitments, to deepening cooperation with Canada through CPTPP and our new Growth and Innovation Partnership, we are creating opportunities for businesses and investors across all three countries.
I look forward to building on these strong foundations, supporting UK companies to grow internationally and attracting investment that delivers jobs, innovation and prosperity across the UK.
Alex replaces Oliver Christian MVO, who has served as HM Trade Commissioner for North America since April 2025.
Oliver Christian MVO said:
It has been a privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America at a defining period for the UK’s relationship with the United States and Canada. In just the past year, we have strengthened our economic ties across the continent, supported the conclusion of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, advanced record levels of trade and investment, and helped deliver landmark moments in the bilateral relationship, including President Trump’s State Visit to the United Kingdom and Their Majesties’ recent visit to the United States.
These achievements reflect the strength of our partnerships and the outstanding work of teams and dedicated public servants across government and our network in North America.
Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.
The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade work in the United States of America and Canada, including:
· Growing the overall trade and investment relationship
· Improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
· Developing trade policy
· Connecting emerging UK sectors, from foundational research through to scaling-up innovative firms, with North American markets and investment opportunities
The HMTC also works closely with the wider diplomatic network and UK based colleagues to coordinate HMG activity on our wider prosperity agenda.