David Cairns named UK ambassador to Argentina, succeeding Kirsty Hayes

David Cairns, former UK ambassador to Sweden, to replace departing Kirsty Hayes in September; Currently vice-president at Norwegian energy firm Equinor, he will now serve as the British government’s top envoy in Buenos Aires.

 

James Grainger

Editor-in-Chief, Buenos Aires Times.

 

David Cairns, the next UK ambassador to Argentina. | COURTESY UK GOVERNMENT

 

The UK government has announced that David Cairns will be its next ambassador in Buenos Aires.

Cairns, 56, will formally assume the role of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic in September 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said in a press release.

He replaces the departing Kirsty Hayes, who “will be transferring to another diplomatic service appointment,” said the release

 

Like the current post-holder, Cairns – a former UK ambassador to Sweden – brings extensive diplomatic and corporate experience to the role.