News has learned that David Quarrey CMG, the UK’s permanent envoy to NATO since April 2022, will leave the diplomatic service to become HSBC’s public affairs boss.
He will join the bank’s executive committee, according to sources.
According to sources close to the appointment, David Lammy, the next foreign secretary, was alerted of Mr Quarrey’s departure.
It still requires the approval of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), a Whitehall council that provides advise on how long former officials should be prevented from taking up private sector jobs.
Mr Quarrey has a lengthy career as a public servant, having previously served as Tony Blair’s private secretary from 2004 to 2006.
From 2008 to 2011, he led the UK delegation to the UN Security Council, and he most recently served as the country’s ambassador to Israel for four years.
The experienced diplomat also served in the British High Commissions in New Delhi and Harare.
