Andrew Whittaker is the British Consul General in San Francisco, where he is responsible for delivering the UK government’s objectives across the North-western United States (Northern CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY & AK).

Drawing on his previous cyber experience, Andrew works closely with colleagues in the UK Government to frame technology policy. As the senior most representative in this region, Andrew speaks regularly on issues of importance to the UK Government on a diverse range of subjects from economic policy to cultural connections between the US and UK. He is a resource to the business community as well as British Nationals who are visiting or have made their home in the Bay Area.

Since arriving in the Bay Area in 2016, Andrew also works to promote closer political, economic, trade and cultural ties between the UK and his consular region, in particular strengthening the business relationship across sectors from technology and venture capital to cyber security and aerospace. Andrew actively supports the innovation ties between the two regions, helping create the climate for UK and US researchers to cement important collaborations in key areas of future technological development.

Prior to his role as Consul General, Andrew spent three years as Deputy Director at CERT-UK – the UK’s national cyber security team – focusing on supporting and developing engagement on cyber security issues between government and industry, and with international partners.

Before this Andrew was Deputy Head of the Crisis Management Department in the Foreign Office, handling the UK response to incidents ranging from conflict in the Middle East, the sinking of the Costa Concordia, and hostage taking in Algeria. Andrew’s Foreign Office career, which began in 1998, also includes postings in Madrid, Jerusalem and Basra.

Andrew holds a MA (Hons) degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College). Though his playing days are now over, Andrew is a rugby enthusiast and plans to spend lots of time outdoors on family adventures across the US.

Andrew is married to his wife Alex, and they have two boys.