John Francis Yaxley

John Francis Yaxley (born 13 November 1938 in Birmingham, England) is a former civil servant in the UK Colonial Office.

After beginning his career in the Pacific Islands, Yaxley occupied a number of senior roles with the administration of British Hong Kong, which culminated in his appointment as Hong Kong Commissioner in London.

Early life Yaxley studied at Durham University. He belonged to Hatfield College. After graduating with a degree in Geography he completed two years of national service in the Royal Army Educational Corps, being appointed 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) 25 August 1958. He joined the Overseas Civil Service in 1961.

Hong Kong Yaxley first moved to colonial Hong Kong in 1977, where he served in various posts. He held the office of Deputy Financial Secretary (and was briefly Acting Financial Secretary) to the Treasury Branch from 1987 to 1989. From 1989 to 1993 he was based in London as the Commissioner for the Hong Kong Government Office.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Honours