The Guernsey and Jersey governments have announced that the current British Ambassador to Bulgaria, Steve Williams, will be heading up the islands’ new joint office in Brussels.

Williams will take on the role of Director of European Affairs at the Channel Islands’ Brussels Office on Monday 4 April 2011. He will be Guernsey and Jersey’s senior representative in Brussels, leading efforts to develop the islands’ influence, while advising the respective governments on European and international matters.

Guernsey's Chief Minister, Lyndon Trott, says: "I am delighted with the appointment of our new Director. His experience and track record are of an extremely high calibre and I am looking forward to working with him. He will play a vital role in the way that Guernsey and the Channel Islands engage with their partners in Brussels and across the European Union over the coming years."

Williams has worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for nearly 30 years, with postings including Oslo, Buenos Aires, Sofia and the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. During this time, he has gained extensive experience of working with the EU and its institutions to deliver UK policy objectives in Europe.

Williams says: "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to head the new Channel Islands’ Brussels Office. I am greatly looking forward to taking up my position, working with and for the governments, business communities and people of Guernsey and Jersey to promote Channel Islands’ interests in Europe."

The appointment of a Deputy Director to assist Williams in his new role will be announced in due course.