Mr Brian Olley has been appointed British High Commissioner to Cameroon in succession to Mr Bharat Joshi, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Olley will take up his appointment during September 2013.

Mr Olley joined the FCO in 2002 and until August 2013 was the Deputy High Commissioner in Cyprus. His FCO career has covered a wide range of roles including working in Afghanistan and Finland. Mr Olley started his career in Her Majesty’s Forces where he served in New York on secondment to the United Nations, and in Hong Kong, Nepal, Germany, Canada and in the United Kingdom before joining the FCO.

On his appointment as British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Mr Olley has said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as High Commissioner to the Cameroon. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with Cameroon to further strengthen our political and economic relations, and achieve our shared objectives. I very much look forward to building on the progress achieved during the recent Joint Commission and working on issues of importance to both our countries.”

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: John Brian Olley
Married to: Pascale Olley
Children: Two sons, one daughter

2008 – present Nicosia, Deputy High Commissioner

2004 – 2008 Helsinki, Head of Political and Public Affairs

2003 – 2004 Full-time language training (Finnish)

2002 – 2003 Kabul and London, Political Officer and Head of Security Sector Reform Section, Afghanistan Unit

2002 Joined FCO1980 – 2002 Her Majesty’s Armed Forces