Andrew has been Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) since March 2006.  He has worked on economic and commercial issues for most of his career.  He has twice worked in the FCO at the UK’s Permanent Representation to the European Union and was Deputy Head of the European Secretariat in the Cabinet Office in the mid-nineties. 

Andrew has also worked for the European Commission.  From 1984 – 1988 he was part of the team responsible for planning and delivering the 1992 Single Market Programme in the cabinet of Lord Cockfield.  He returned to the Commission in 1997 as Chef de Cabinet (Chief of Staff) for Neil Kinnock, Vice President of the Commission and European Commissioner for Transport.  He left public service for the private sector when he joined British Airways in 2000 as their Director of Government and Industry Affairs.

Andrew is married to Virginia Beardshaw, Chief Executive of I CAN, the children’s communication charity.  They have one daughter and two sons.  His hobbies include walking, golf, literature and the theatre.  He is a Trustee of The Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

Andrew was knighted in the New Year Honours List 2009 and has been made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.