For communication to James Morrison: Mandatory Cc to his assistant: rtd-b-assist@ec.europa.eu
James Morrison was appointed Director Healthy Planet in DG Research of the European Commission in September 2025. Prior to this he was Director of the European Commission's Regulatory Scrutiny Board from July 2021 having been Principal Advisor to the European Commission Secretary General on Security Union issues including cyber security, cyber defence and counter terrorism. From September 2016 until December 2019 he was Head of Cabinet of the Commissioner for Security Union covering the same issues. Prior to this, from November 2014, he was Policy Director in the Secretariat-General of the European Commission covering a portfolio including international trade, counter terrorism, cyber security, the digital single market, migration and development. From November 2009, James was the Chief of Staff of the first EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission. Before this he was Head of Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Trade. Before joining the European Commission James was a British diplomat with 20 years of experience. He was Policy Advisor to the Minister for Europe in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 2007-2008. From 2006-2007, he was on loan to Ashridge Business School in Hertfordshire, UK. He twice served at the UK Representation to the EU (1994-1999 and 2004-2006) covering two UK Presidencies of the Council (1997 and 2005) and representing the UK on EU Committees dealing with trade with N, S and SE Asia and Central and Latin America. James Morrison has occupied a number of other posts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He was FCO spokesman on EU issues from 1999-2000, Private Secretary to the Minister for Europe (2000-2002), European Correspondent and Head of the CFSP Department (2003-2004). James began his UK Civil Service career in the Home Office (1989-1991). James is an experienced multilateral negotiator with extensive EU and diplomatic experience. James Morrison holds a Masters degree in Business Administration. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2015 New Year's Honours.
