Chris Seed – Ambassador

Chris Seed took up the position of Ambassador in January 2026 and presented credentials to President Trump on 19 February.

He previously served five years as New Zealand’s Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, finishing in January 2024.

His diplomatic career included Deputy Secretary appointments in Wellington with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2009-2013) and the Ministry of Defense (2004-2008).

He also served offshore, including as High Commissioner to Australia (2013-2018) and Papua New Guinea (2001-2003). Earlier, he was posted in Tehran, Canberra, London, and briefly the Solomon Islands.

He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 King’s Birthday honors list for services to the state.

He is accompanied in Washington DC by his wife, Cecilia Warren.