UK appoints Alex Milward as new HMTC for North America and HM Consul General New York

The appointment comes as the UK strengthens economic ties with North America, including the recent UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal valued at $437 billion (£332 billion). Milward will oversee trade relations across the US and Canada, where the UK is a top investor in 22 states, including New York, Texas, and Florida. His role will also involve leveraging the UK’s accession to the CPTPP to expand trade with Canada, currently worth C$62 billion (£34 billion), particularly in advanced technologies and digital sectors.

Milward brings over 30 years of experience in private and public sectors, including leadership in the UK’s Carbon Capture programme at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He will be supported by Deputy Trade Commissioner Alan Gogbashian and Deputy Consul General Mel Lawrence. The UK government stated that his appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen economic and cultural partnerships with the US and Canada.

In a statement, Milward highlighted the momentum in UK-US and UK-Canada relations, citing the Economic Prosperity Deal and new growth initiatives as key priorities. He emphasized supporting UK businesses to expand internationally and attracting investment to create jobs and innovation across the UK. The role involves coordinating UK trade promotion efforts in North America, working closely with diplomatic networks and government colleagues.

Oliver Christian MVO, who served as HM Trade Commissioner since April 2025, will be succeeded by Milward in August 2026. Christian MVO noted the strengthened economic ties during his tenure, including record trade levels and high-profile diplomatic visits, reflecting the depth of UK partnerships in the region.