Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG is set to assume her new role as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Poland in August 2025, succeeding Ms Anna Clunes CMG OBE.

Born in 1966 in London’s East End to Jewish parents of Polish, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian descent, Simmons brings a rich cultural heritage to her diplomatic service. Her academic journey includes a BA in Modern Languages (French and German) from the University of Exeter, followed by an MA in European Politics from the University of North London.

She also served in the non-governmental sector as a Public Affairs Officer at International Alert, focusing on conflict resolution.

In 1998, she joined the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID), where she held various positions, including Head of the Africa Team and Head of DfID Southern Africa in Pretoria. Her work often centred on conflict prevention and resolution, humanitarian response, and policy development.

From 2013 to 2016, Simmons served as Deputy Director of the Conflict Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). She then became Director of the Joint Funds Unit at the National Security Secretariat, overseeing cross-government funding for national security initiatives.

In 2019, Simmons was appointed as the UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine. During her tenure, she navigated complex challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. 

In recognition of her services to British foreign policy, Simmons was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) in the 2023 New Year Honours.

Fluent in multiple languages and deeply experienced in international relations, Dame Melinda Simmons is poised to strengthen UK-Poland relations through her upcoming ambassadorship.

Source: gov.uk

Photo: @radionewshub

Tomasz Modrzejewski