Robin Barnett has been British ambassador in Bucharest since June 2006. His previous experience includes two postings in Poland. Initially, during the communist era in the early 1980's and later as Deputy Head of Mission from 1998 to 2001 during which time Poland joined NATO and was preparing  to join the  EU

Robin has also served in Vienna where he helped negotiate the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and in the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he focussed on global development issues.

Robin has experience of  helping  national and local administrations to improve their capacity and effectiveness, which he is using here in Romania, not least by promoting practical partnerships between British and Romanian regions and towns. 

Robin is still  trying to improve his Romanian but is not helped by the fact that so many Romanians speak good English. He appreciates Romanian food.  His waistline does not so he has bought an exercise bike.

His interests include films, music, cooking and  travel - he has already really enjoyed visiting many of Romania's fascinating regions.  Robin is a  passionate lifelong fan of Manchester United, the  current  English Premier League champions but enjoys watching Romanian football too. He is also President of the Transylvania Impalers, who aim to introduce cricket in Romania.

Robin is married to Tesca, who has worked in the FCO and public administration. Robin has a stepson, Daniel,  who has just completed his degree at Exeter University and a son James, who is about to go to university. Tesca has a daughter, Charlotte, and a son, David. Both are at school in the UK.