Mr Andy Sparkes has been appointed Deputy Head of Mission of the European
Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Mr Sparkes, who will
succeed Mr Roy Reeve, will take up his duties in mid-October 2010. The
appointment is for one year renewable.

On this occasion the Head of the EULEX Mission, Mr Yves de Kermabon,
made the following statement:

“Mr Andy Sparkes has the requisite experience needed to serve as the Deputy Head of a large rule
of law operation in a difficult environment. His experience as the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Kosovo since 28 April 2008 provide him with first-hand knowledge about situation on the ground and post-conflict management, an apposite background to serve as the Deputy Head of EULEX. It is a time when EULEX will confront considerable challenges while continuing to deliver on the core of its mandate throughout Kosovo. He will have my full support in the accomplishment of his tasks “.

Biography: Andy Sparkes, Designate Deputy Head of EULEX Kosovo
Date of birth: 4 July 1959
Nationality: British
Education: First Class Honours degree in English Literature, Trinity Hall, Cambridge

Andy Sparkes became British Ambassador to Kosovo on 28 April 2008. His previous Foreign Office postings have been as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo (2004-2007), Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa (2001-2004) and Deputy Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia (1999-2001).

Earlier in his career he was also posted in Turkey and Thailand. Senior jobs in London have included Assistant Human Resources Director, and Director for Services Exports in the UK’s Trade and Investment Promotion agency. Andy Sparkes was awarded the CMG (Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George) for his work in the Democratic Republic of Congo during its transition from civil war to democratic elections held in 2006. He also holds the professional qualification MCIPD (Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development).