Incoming Ambassador Christopher James Sainty, his wife Sarah Helen and their three children will be taking up residence in Portugal later this year, when the current Ambassador, Kirsty Hayes, wraps up her four-year mandate.
Mr. Sainty initiated his career with the Diplomatic Service in 1989, having carried out various roles around the globe, in places including Hong Kong, New Delhi, Madrid, The Hague, Islamabad and Rome, before being appointed to Portugal.
Prior to his appointment to Portugal, Mr. Sainty was FCO European Correspondent and Head of Europe (South) Department, Europe Directorate (2015 – 2017), and preceding that, Deputy Head of Mission in Rome (2011-2015) and Political Counsellor in Islamabad (2008-2010).
He was Deputy Head of Mission in The Hague (2006 – 2008), Head of the FCO’s EU Presidency Department (2004 – 2006), First Secretary (Political) in Madrid (2000 – 2004), Head of Newsroom in the FCO’s Press Office (1998 – 2000), passing through the Common Foreign and Security Policy Unit (1996 – 1998), New Delhi, Second Secretary (Political, 1992 – 1996), and the FCO’s Hong Kong Department (1990 – 1992).
Mrs Kirsty Isobel Hayes took over in August 2014 from her predecessor, Mrs. Jill Gillard.