Simon Smith

Simon John Meredith Smith (born 14 January 1958) is a British diplomat, most recently the ambassador (now retired) to the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

Early life Smith attended the Triple C School in Grand Cayman, then Clifton College. From Wadham College, Oxford, he gained a BA in Modern Languages in 1980.

Career From 1981 to 1986, Smith worked at the Department of Employment. He joined Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service in 1986 and has held positions in London, Tokyo, and as Counsellor (Economic/Commercial) in Moscow 1998–2002. and he took up the appointment in 2012. After a brief spell in London and Korean language training, he was appointed Ambassador to South Korea and took up the post in March 2018.

Personal life Smith married Sian Stickings in 1984. She was appointed MBE "for services to the local and British communities in Russia" in the 2003 New Year Honours, following Smith's service in Moscow. They have two daughters. He is currently the Chairman of the British Korean Society a friendship organisation promoting relationships between the UK and the Republic of Korea.