David O'Sullivan

David O’Sullivan was appointed Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to the United States in Washington, DC, from November 2014. As the European Union’s top diplomat to the United States, Ambassador O’Sullivan oversees the EU’s bilateral relationship with the US and the direction and work of the EU Delegation including political, economic and commercial affairs. His work supports the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in implementing the EU’s foreign policy. And he represents the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the US, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the ‘European External Action Service’ and responsible for establishing this new EU diplomatic service. The Service is one of the largest diplomatic networks with 140 delegations across the globe. Ambassador O’Sullivan’s career includes a number of notable and senior positions within the European Commission: Head of Commission President Prodi’s Cabinet (1999-2000), Secretary General of the European Commission (2000-2005). He has extensive trade experience as Director General for Trade (2005-2010) and Chief Negotiator for the Doha Development Round. He was responsible for overseeing the launch of a number of free trade agreements and concluded the EU’s agreement with South Korea. Before joining the Commission, he started his career with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1977-1979).