Sir Christopher Meyer spent more than five years in Washington DC, as British Ambassador to the USA. Now retired from the British diplomatic service, he has taken up an appointment as Chairman of the UK Press Complaints Commission.

During his time as Ambassador in Washington from 1997 to 2003 the longest period for a British Ambassador since before the 2nd World War - Sir Christopher was deeply involved in a number of critical situations the war over Kosovo, the Northern Ireland peace process, the war against international terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and the looming crisis with Saddam Hussein. He was closely involved in the building of a new relationship with Putin's Russia and in the Middle East peace process. His remit also covered international trade and translantic economic relations.

Sir Christopher is credited with having played a key role in introducing Prime Minister Tony Blair to President George W Bush, as a result of which relations between Britain and the United States have rarely been closer.

In his 36 years as a career diplomat, Sir Christopher has occupied a number of key positions British Ambassador to Germany press secretary to Prime Minister John Major press secretary to British Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe speech writer to three Foreign Secretaries

In 1998 he was made Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Sir Christopher speaks Russian, French, Spanish and German, with varying degrees of ability.