New UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer appointed

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has today (Friday 15 March) welcomed the appointment of Jorge Martin-Almagro as the new UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (DCVO) for international affairs.  

Jorge was appointed on an interim basis in July 2023 but will now take on the role permanently with immediate effect. He will combine the role of UK DCVO with a wider international animal health policy portfolio.

Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

It is a privilege for me to serve in this role, working with Christine, Ele, UK government officials and stakeholders from all over the world to protect animals and the public.

I look forward to securing new market access opportunities for UK producers, whilst upholding our position as a global leader in animal health and welfare in line with the One Health approach.

Professor Christine Middlemiss CB, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

I am delighted to be working with Jorge. I am confident that he will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to myself and Ele Brown, our other UK Deputy CVO, on veterinary and technical issues.

Jorge will be a great asset to UK veterinary services, leading the development of our priority international market access opportunities. Already, he has successfully overseen a number of accomplishments in this area, including agreements on exporting British pork to Mexico, lamb to the US and Taiwan, and poultry and pork to Vietnam. These are real successes for UK producers.

Jorge Martin-Almagro

Jorge is an accomplished veterinarian, with experience in a variety of roles across Defra Group and at the Food Standards Agency. Jorge has previously been involved in International Trade Policy affairs, leading several successful market access negotiations whilst working as a front-line veterinarian across all parts of the supply chain.