The British Foreign Policy Group, the UK’s leading commentator on British foreign policy and its implications for domestic policy and prosperity, has appointed Evie Aspinall as its new Director.

Following an extensive open search, which attracted a wide field of strongly-qualified candidates, Strategy Group is delighted to announce that Evie Aspinall, currently the British Foreign Policy Group’s Research Director, has been appointed to lead BFPG as Director.

Evie Aspinall is one of the leading next generation thinkers and communicators on foreign policy and its implications for diverse communities across the UK. She has been responsible for developing much of BFPG’s work for nearly three years, notably its original social research on public attitudes to foreign policy, its focus on soft power as a major component of Britain’s place in the world and, latterly, its work on the key foreign policy drivers for delivering enhanced prosperity through trade and investment. In her new role, she will continue to build BFPG’s profile in these areas and strengthen outreach across the UK, including working with young people.

Evie has previously held a number of leadership and representative positions. She was elected President of the Cambridge University Students Union, and subsequently selected as the UK’s Y7 lead delegate (the official youth engagement group for the G7), in which role she both presented to G7 Leaders at the Cornwall Summit in 2021 and at COP26.

Evie will be supported by a strong team of senior advisers and research fellows, led by David Landsman, Senior Adviser at Strategy Group, a former senior British diplomat and Executive Director of Tata Europe, and including respected trade and resilience experts Rebecca Harding and Victoria Baines, leading historian Jeremy Black, soft power expert Helen Ramscar and Strategy International chair Peter O’Kane. The advisory board will be chaired by David Landsman supported by Tom Cargill, Director of Wilton Park and with the continued involvement of BFPG’s joint Honorary Presidents, Sir Simon Fraser and Baroness Stuart.

Peter O’Kane, Chairman of Strategy Group, said: “Evie Aspinall’s appointment following a highly competitive process means that, as the UK crafts its position in the world of tomorrow, BFPG will be led by one of the country’s most impressive young thinkers. We are also delighted to welcome her to the leadership team of Strategy Group, where her unique insights and contribution will help make us future ready for the benefit of all our members and stakeholders.”

Evie Aspinall said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take BFPG to the next level, ensuring that it stays relevant in a fast-changing domestic and international environment. Just as in the emerging multi polar world, also at home, it’s essential that we take account of an increasingly diverse range of voices and I will ensure that BFPG makes a high-quality contribution to the debate.”