Martin Donnelly (civil servant)

Martin Donnelly (civil servant) is a senior British former civil servant and business executive. He held several high-profile Permanent Secretary roles within the UK government, most notably at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for International Trade. Following his civil service career, he assumed the presidency of Boeing UK & Ireland and holds numerous corporate directorships.

Early life and education

Born in 1958, Martin Donnelly was educated at St Paul's School in London. He subsequently read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University, graduating with a first-class degree. He furthered his studies as a Harkness Fellow at the University of Chicago, where he earned a master's degree in International Relations.

Civil service career

Donnelly joined the British Civil Service in 1982 as a fast-stream entrant. His early postings included roles in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Education and Skills. He served as Private Secretary to several ministers, including Kenneth Clarke during his tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 2004, Donnelly was appointed Director General for Europe at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he played a key role in European Union policy. He later became Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in 2010, overseeing the department's work following the global financial crisis. In 2016, he was appointed as the first Permanent Secretary of the newly created Department for International Trade, a pivotal role established after the Brexit referendum to develop the UK's independent trade policy.

Later roles and directorships

Upon leaving the civil service in 2017, Donnelly transitioned to the private sector. He was appointed President of Boeing UK & Ireland, responsible for the aerospace company's strategic activities and government relations across the region. He also serves as a non-executive director for several major corporations, including BAE Systems, National Grid, and the London Stock Exchange Group. Furthermore, he holds advisory positions with Chatham House and the German Marshall Fund, contributing to transatlantic policy discussions.

Honours and recognition

For his services to government and business, Martin Donnelly was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2010 New Year Honours. His contributions were further recognised with a promotion to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2016 Birthday Honours. He is also a recipient of the French distinction of Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite.

Personal life

Martin Donnelly is married and has two children. He maintains active involvement in cultural and educational institutions, including support for the Royal Academy of Arts and the University of Oxford.

Category:1958 births Category:British civil servants Category:Companions of the Order of the Bath Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath Category:Alumni of the University of Oxford Category:Alumni of the University of Chicago