Karen Pierce is the UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.  From 2020 to 2025 she was the British Ambassador to the USA and prior to that, from 2018, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; the first woman appointed in either role and only the second British Ambassador ever to hold both posts.   

Prior to 2018, Karen was Chief Operating Officer then Political Director in the FCDO in London.   From 2015 to 2016 she was UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, and from 2012 to 2015, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.  

Earlier in her career Karen’s work focused on Afghanistan, the Western Balkans, UN, politico-military affairs and Ukraine.   Karen joined the FCO in 1981 and her first posting was Japan.  She also held the post of Head of Newsroom in the then FCO Press Office in London and 30 years ago served as a junior diplomat in the British Embassy in Washington.

Karen graduated from Girton College in 1981 with an MA in English and has a Masters degree from LSE in International Diplomacy and Strategy.  She is an Honorary Fellow of Girton and of the University of Lancashire and an Honorary Bencher at Inner Temple. She holds various pro-bono positions: non-Exec Chair, Ditchley Foundation; board member, Atlantic Partnership; National Theatre Trustee; member, N America Committee, Chatham House; Council member, RHS.