Formation:
Magdalen College, Oxford 1968-71, where he held the William Doncaster Scholarship in French and graduated with a B.A. Honours degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Carrière:
1971-3: British Steel Corporation: Assistant Manager International Affairs
1974-6: Desk Officer DG External Relations (Australia/NZ desk)
1976 (Jun-Dec): seconded to Cabinet of Sir C Soames (VP External Relations)
1976-9: seconded to Cabinet of Mr. C Tugendhat (Budgets & Personnel)
1977: Promotion to A6
1979-82: Desk Officer DG External Relations (Commercial Defence)
1982-88: Economic Assistant to Director General DG1 (Fielding, later Krenzler)
1983: Promotion to A5
1988: Promotion to A4
1988-93: Deputy Head then Head of Unit for relations with EFTA countries, DG1
1992: Promotion to A3
1993-5: Head of Delegation in Helsinki
1995-2002: Head of Unit for relations with N. America, DG1/DG RELEX
2002-6: Head of Delegation in Ottawa