Fleur Thomas has officially assumed the role of Chief Officer of the British Bases and British Forces Cyprus Command Secretary, marking a significant milestone as only the second woman to ever hold this position, according to a Bases statement.
Her appointment follows that of Clare Simpson, who served as the Chief Officer from September 2021 before returning to UK last week.
According to the statement, Thomas brings with her a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in the Senior Civil Service, most notably including her recent role as the British Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
“Her extensive background in leadership and diplomacy positions her well to take on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with overseeing the administration of the British Bases in Cyprus.”
Thomas highlighted her eagerness to work closely with the leaders of the local communities within the Bases.
She has emphasised the importance of fostering strong relationships and collaboration to ensure the continued success of the Bases, which “play a vital role in supporting both the local population and the strategic interests of the United Kingdom”.
As Chief Officer, Thomas will be responsible for a wide range of duties, from managing the day-to-day administration of the British Bases to overseeing development projects in partnership with local communities.
She has expressed her commitment to fully immersing herself in Cypriot culture and building meaningful connections with her team and the wider community.
In a statement reflecting on her new role, she described the position as offering "a highly engaging combination of leadership and delivery challenges, spanning from strategic planning to hands-on implementation."