- He will also serve as the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based out of Mumbai
- Alan’s previous roles include Director, British Council India and CEO, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council
Alan Gemmell’s strong association with India continues as he takes charge as the new Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia to bolster UK trade and investment relations with the region. Additionally, he is appointed the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India responsible for all aspects of diplomatic engagements in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.
He previously worked in India as the Director, British Council from 2016 to 2018 leading the UK-India Year of Culture and working with state governments to support education agendas across the country. Alan received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for his contribution to arts and science.
Acting High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Alan to the India Network and to see him lead UK engagement with one of the most dynamic regions in the country. His rich experience of business, strong connection to the arts, and great love of India make him perfectly placed to drive mutual prosperity for the UK and India, and to build further upon the “living bridge” that connects our countries,”
Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Alan Gemmell, said:
“I am happy to be back in India to support greater trade and investment between our countries and help deliver an ambitious partnership between Britain and India. Mumbai and London are financial capitals of their countries and some of the most dynamic and creative cities in the world. I look forward to enriching the strong bonds they share.
I am also keen to explore trade and investments with the east and northeast region of India and really looking forward to my visit to the ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata whenever possible.”
British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, Nick Low said:
“All of us at the British Deputy High Commission and British Council in Kolkata look forward to welcoming Alan Gemmell back to the City of Joy. Alan’s a great friend of India with a genuine soft spot for Kolkata, the East and Northeast”.
Alan arrived in Mumbai this week and has started virtual engagement with key stakeholders with a focus on the Covid-19 response and business engagement supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, the UK India Business Council as well as with the Lord Mayor of the City of London.