Ms Louise Cantillon has been appointed as the British High Commissioner to New Zealand and will also serve as Governor of the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands. This appointment follows the tenure of Ms Iona Thomas OBE, who has accepted a new position within the Diplomatic Service. Ms Cantillon is set to begin her role in August 2026.
Professional Background
Louise Marie Cantillon brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held various significant positions within the British diplomatic corps. From 2021 to 2026, she served as the British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Asia Pacific region, primarily focusing on Australia and New Zealand. Her work in this capacity has equipped her with a deep understanding of the trade dynamics and diplomatic relations within the region.
Prior to her time in Sydney, Ms Cantillon was based in Shanghai, where she worked from 2020 to 2021 as the Minister Counsellor for Creative Consumer and Education at the British Consulate. In this role, she was instrumental in fostering educational and creative industry partnerships between the UK and China.
Between 2018 and 2020, she held the position of Head of Infrastructure and Creative Industries at the same consulate, further solidifying her expertise in these vital sectors. Before her impactful roles in Shanghai, Ms Cantillon worked with the British Council from 2011 to 2018, where she led the Project Management Office and served as a Senior Asset Manager for Asia.
Early Career Achievements
Ms Cantillon’s career in project management began at Gleeds UK, where she was a Construction Project Manager from 2008 to 2011. Her earlier experience includes serving as the Chief Representative for Polartech Ltd in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Beijing from 2004 to 2011, showcasing her capabilities in international business operations.
Additionally, she worked as the China Trade Manager for the Manchester Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2004, and earlier in her career, she was a Commercial Officer at the British Embassy in Beijing from 1998 to 2002. This diverse range of roles has provided her with a comprehensive perspective on international relations and trade.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries regarding this appointment, individuals are encouraged to contact the FCDO Newsdesk via email at newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk or by telephone at 020 7008 3100. The newsdesk is monitored around the clock and will respond promptly to all enquiries.