Edward Hobart
Biography
Edward Hobart was appointed the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (now Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Director for Estates and Security in October 2017.
Ed’s previous role was the FCO’s Migration Envoy, representing Her Majesty’s Government internationally and working across the UK government to develop and delivery policy on migration.
He previously served as Consul General to Dubai from 2012 to 2015, a role which included leading Trade and Investment work in the UAE, the UK’s fourth largest export market outside Europe, and the second largest UK Consular team. He spent a year in Abu Dhabi as Deputy Head of Mission.
Ed oversaw the major Future Firecrest IT change programme from 2007 to 2009, replacing of all the FCO’s IT and associated infrastructure on time and budget. He led a delivery and support team of around 400 people and managed a budget of £400 million. He was Acting Chief Information Officer in 2010, responsible for the FCO’s IT and Information Management.
Ed joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1993. He has served in Cuba and Malaysia and headed Libya Unit in 2011.
Retired from playing, he now enjoys coaching rugby. Along with his wife, he is a founder of the West London Free School, one of the first new ‘Free Schools’ in the UK.
Director of Estates and Security
The Director for Estates and Security is responsible for the continued modernisation of the FCO’s estate, facilities management and security functions to provide a fit-for-purpose platform for the UK government overseas, supporting Global Britain; ensuring the security and safety of our staff , their families, our information and buildings.
Previous roles in government
- Her Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai