AFTER FOUR years’ service as HM’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Emily Cloke’s term will end at the end of this month.
Before joining the diplomatic service Ms. Cloke started her career as a lawyer in the City of London after studying law at Cambridge University. She later worked overseas as Trade Director for the British Embassy in Tehran, setting up and leading the UK’s trade section and strategy following the re-opening of the British Embassy in 2015, and as Head of Trade at the British Embassy Sweden, before coming to Los Angeles in 2020.
‘four wonderful years’
As the senior representative of the UK government in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii, her remit has been to promote trade and investment, scientific cooperation, tackling climate change, creative and media collaborations and educational partnerships between the UK and thesouthwestern United States. She also oversees delivery of essential consular services to a 600,000-strong British resident community and British visitors.
Confirming her departure this week, Ms Cloke penned the following goodbye to members of the British American Chamber of Commerce: “After four wonderful years as His Majesty’s Consul General for the US South West and Hawaii, my term comes to an end in August 2024. It has been an honour to represent the UK in such a dynamic part of the world and work closely with US partners to strengthen the UK-US relationship economically, culturally and diplomatically.
“I want to thank the British American Business Chamber LA – its board and members – for wonderful partnership and dedication during this time. From engaging business events and mixers, through to celebrations for the Queens’ Jubilee, King’s Coronation and the annual holiday lunch. A final event with Manchester United to focus on ‘Invest in Manchester’ was another fantastic example of the value our partnership can bring.
“Highlights in Los Angeles during my time as Consul General include the UK this year becoming the largest foreign investor in the State of California by number of jobs created; signing economic Memorandums of Understanding with the City of Los Angeles and State of Utah; championing UK-US partnerships in the creative industries; working on longer term opportunities like the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028; and despite the impact of the pandemic initially, welcoming many VIP visitors to Los Angeles from UK Government Ministers, Parliament, CEOs and wider organisations.
‘incredible role’
“I have been proud to champion and embed the UK’s values throughout our work and activities. Wonderful initiatives I have been proud to champion include partnering with Northern Irish Charity Cinemagic to make a film in an LA School on tackling climate change; our first Black Founders Trade Mission to California; championing Gender equity through a series of networking events and initiatives, and more.
“I also want to pay tribute to the large and vibrant British community in Los Angeles, who play an incredible role across all parts of society – and are leaders in business, academia, science, social and community issues, creative industries, foreign policy and more. You have been wonderful to partner with, and I have been proud to see what you accomplish.
“From a personal perspective, the US will always have a special place in my heart. My daughter has grown from a 1 year old to a 5 year old with a lovely British-American blend-ed accent, epitomising the UK-US special relationship!
“Thanks again for all that you do.”
