Colm McGivern

Colm McGivern guided the British Council in Ukraine through a Russian attack that severely damaged its Kyiv office

Photo: The British Council

Changing Faces

British Council Ukraine head to lead Northern Ireland office

Arts Professional
2 min read

British Council Northern Ireland has appointed COLM MCGIVERN as director, succeeding JONATHAN STEWART, who has held the role since 2018.

McGivern, who hails from Newry, joins from Ukraine, where he served as the director of the council’s hub at the British Embassy Kyiv. There, he led the resumption of UK public diplomacy during the ongoing Russian invasion, guiding the organisation through a major attack on the council’s Kyiv office that caused severe damage.

Previously director of the British Council in Poland and North East Europe, Southern Africa, and regional director for the UK, McGivern worked on the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

He has served on the Senate of Queen’s University, held advisory roles with international business schools, and been a trustee of Northern Irish arts organisations.

“Colm is a hugely accomplished cultural relations professional who has led the UK’s connection-building in several countries around the world,” said the director of the UK and external relations at the British Council, DAVID THOMPSON.

“His experience and expertise will be vital as we continue our mission to build those connections for peace and prosperity in a challenging international environment.

“As he steps into the post, Colm will be looking for new opportunities to strengthen Northern Ireland’s international connections and to support priorities shared by partners across education, culture, business and government.”

McGivern added, “Northern Ireland punches far above its weight internationally. Our people, our creativity and our institutions have a remarkable global story to tell.

“I’m excited to build on that by looking firmly to the future – creating new partnerships, widening international opportunities for young people and bringing global perspectives into classrooms and communities. My focus is on ensuring that the work we do has impact across society and showcases the very best of Northern Ireland on the world stage.”