John Worne, Director of Strategy

John Worne is the British Council's Director of Strategy. He is responsible for the British Council’s strategy, governance, brand, overall reputation and top stakeholders, as well as corporate targets, performance and resource allocation.

John has held senior positions in both the public and private sectors. From 2001 to 2007 he was a Senior Civil Servant then Director in the centre of UK Government at the Cabinet Office - and worked at the Department of Health, leading the development of the National Health Service brand. Prior to this, in the 1990s, John helped launch of one of France's three mobile phone operators, Bouygues Telecom, and worked around the world in the international telecommunications industry - spending time in Hong Kong, Colombia, Russia, Indonesia and Malaysia amongst other countries.

John is a regular media commentator on 'soft power' and the UK's standing in the world. He writes and speaks regularly about issues ranging from the importance of languages and international skills for UK young people, to the impact of major world events on the UK's reputation.

John studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Jesus College, University of Oxford.