Mr. Javed Patel has been appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, succeeding Mr. Simon Thomas OBE. Mr. Patel is set to begin his role in August 2025, bringing with him years of experience in various high-level positions within the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other government departments.
Mr. Javed Patel’s Career Journey
2024-2025: Full-time Croatian Language Training
Before assuming his new role in Croatia, Mr. Patel is dedicating time to learning the Croatian language, ensuring effective communication and deeper understanding of the country’s culture and people.
2024: Head of Gaza Consular Cell
In 2024, Mr. Patel led the Gaza Consular Cell, an important role overseeing consular affairs in a highly sensitive region. His work during this period further demonstrated his expertise in managing complex international relations and consular responsibilities.
2023: Deputy Director, North East Asia Department, FCDO
In 2023, Mr. Patel served as the Deputy Director in the FCDO’s North East Asia Department. He was also the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the Republic of Korea State Visit, showcasing his expertise in high-level diplomatic missions and state visits.
2020-2023: Deputy High Commissioner, Dhaka
From 2020 to 2023, Mr. Patel was based in Dhaka as the Deputy High Commissioner. His tenure in Bangladesh gave him invaluable experience in strengthening diplomatic ties in South Asia and overseeing consular services.
2019: Deputy Director, National Security Directorate, FCDO
In 2019, Mr. Patel worked as the Deputy Director of the FCDO’s National Security Directorate, dealing with critical security and defense matters, contributing to the UK’s national and international security policies.
2018-2019: Head of Counter-Terrorism and Extremism Network for Europe, Brussels
Mr. Patel’s role as Head of Counter-Terrorism and Extremism Network for Europe in Brussels from 2018 to 2019 further highlights his expertise in handling major global security issues, focusing on combating terrorism and extremism across Europe.
2015-2018: Deputy Head of Consular Assistance Department, FCDO
From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Patel served as Deputy Head of the Consular Assistance Department at the FCDO, managing consular support for British citizens abroad.
2012-2014: Political Counsellor, Baghdad
As the Political Counsellor in Baghdad from 2012 to 2014, Mr. Patel contributed significantly to the UK’s diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq, overseeing important diplomatic initiatives.
2010-2012: Head of Iraq Policy Team, FCDO
Before his time in Baghdad, Mr. Patel was Head of the Iraq Policy Team at the FCDO from 2010 to 2012, where he played a key role in shaping the UK’s policy towards Iraq.
2010: Stabilisation Unit, FCDO/DFID/MoD
In 2010, Mr. Patel worked with the Stabilisation Unit, a collaborative effort between the FCDO, Department for International Development (DFID), and Ministry of Defence (MoD), focusing on stabilizing regions affected by conflict.
2007-2010: Head of Counter-Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme, FCDO
From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Patel served as Head of the Counter-Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme at the FCDO, focusing on preventing extremism and terrorism globally.
2005-2007: Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, Home Office
In his role with the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism at the Home Office between 2005 and 2007, Mr. Patel contributed to national security strategies in the UK.
2003-2005: Government Office for London
From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Patel worked at the Government Office for London, where he contributed to regional policy development and governance.
2000-2003: UK Borders and Immigration Service, Home Office
Earlier in his career, from 2000 to 2003, Mr. Patel worked for the UK Borders and Immigration Service at the Home Office, where he focused on immigration and border control matters.
Mr. Javed Patel’s extensive career across various diplomatic and security-related roles in the UK government showcases his wide-ranging expertise in international relations, security, and consular services.
His appointment as Ambassador to Croatia in August 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter in his distinguished career, where he will continue to strengthen UK-Croatia relations and represent British interests abroad.
