John Buck

 
John Buck

Former British Ambassador
Portugal

Languages
Portuguese

Area/Thematic Expertise
Interface between business and governments, particularly in the international oil and gas industry; energy; EU and UN issues; Southern and South East Europe; international negotiation; alternative dispute resolution, mediation, foreign policy, diplomacy, corporate diplomacy, government relations

Career Overview

Following an early career as a probation officer and social worker, John spent more than 25 years with the British Diplomatic Service (including as British Ambassador to Portugal) before joining a leading British energy company as Group Director, Government and Public Affairs. He now represents clients in their negotiations and dealings with governments. He also delivers executive training in negotiation and diplomatic skills to senior representatives of international organizations.

During his Foreign Office career, John was involved in EU, UN and human resource issues and was posted to Bulgaria, Cyprus and Portugal. He was Principal Private Secretary to successive Cabinet Ministers in the Cabinet Office and Director for Iraq in the FCO during the year following the 2003 military intervention. John's final post from 2004-2007 was as Ambassador to Portugal, where he focused on EU issues and supported partnerships between British and Portuguese companies in the IT, renewable energy and water sectors.

During his time in the energy industry John had responsibility for a global network of government relations specialists in the company's most important overseas assets. Specific projects included developing an improved framework for the assessment and mitigation of political risk; advising on the political context in West African countries; building relationships with the authorities in South American countries to support the company's commercial partnerships; deepening government relationships in Central Asia to underpin operations and business development; and ensuring good understanding of UK Government policy, levering UK Government resources when necessary to support the company's ambitions and operations overseas.

He is an accredited Mediator through ADR Group, a sister company to ADRg Ambassadors.

Recent Career History

  • Group Director, Government and Public Affairs for a leading British energy company (2007-09)
  • British Ambassador to Portugal (2004-07)
  • Director Iraq, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (2003-04)

Professional Qualifications

  • MSc in Applied Society Studies (Oxford University)
  • Institute of Linguists - Extensive Portuguese
  • Qualified mediator (ADR Group)

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