Masters of the Bench

Dame Judith Macgregor was British High Commissioner to South Africa from 2013 until March  2017 when she retired from the Diplomatic Service (DS).

On graduation from Oxford (LMH) with a first class degree in Modern History, she entered the DS in 1976 serving in former Yugoslavia, Prague and Paris.  In the FCO, she held posts dealing with Poland, Western Europe, and speechwriter for Ministers.

After accompanying her husband as DG for Trade Promotion in Germany and

Ambassador to Poland, she resumed her career in 2000 as Director for Security Policy,

Ambassador to Slovakia (2004-6), Director for Migration (2007-9) and Ambassador to

Mexico (2009-2013).   In 2016 she was made Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Leading the FCO Women's Association from 2006-2016,  Dame Judith oversaw

significant progression for women in the DS.  In South Africa she spearheaded a major increase in cooperation in science and technology and served on the UK Committee guiding the funding of ODA Science and Research Cooperation.

Dame Judith has recently taken up Independent Board Member Appointments with Southampton University and the mining company, Fresnillo.