Baroness Catherine Ashton

Former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, The First Vice President of the European Commission, Former Leader of the House of Lords & the Lead Negotiator on the Iran Nuclear Deal

Catherine Ashton’s Biography:

Catherine Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, is a distinguished British diplomat and politician who served as the inaugural High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the first female Vice President of the European Commission. Recognised globally for her diplomatic leadership, she played a central role in shaping EU foreign policy and led the international negotiations that resulted in the landmark Iran nuclear agreement. Her career spans senior roles in both the UK government and European institutions, making her one of the most influential British figures in modern international diplomacy.

Catherine began her political career in 1999 when she was created a Labour life peer as Baroness Ashton of Upholland. Soon after entering the House of Lords, she joined the UK government, becoming Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education and Skills in 2001. She later served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, before being appointed to the Privy Council. In 2007, she joined Gordon Brown’s Cabinet as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council.

Her career then moved onto the international stage when she became European Commissioner for Trade in 2008. In 2009, she was appointed the inaugural High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and First Vice President of the European Commission. In this role, she helped establish the EU’s diplomatic service and played a key role in international negotiations, most notably acting as the lead negotiator in the P5+1 talks with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Beyond public office, Catherine has remained an influential voice in diplomacy and global affairs. She serves as Chancellor of the University of Warwick and has received numerous honours for her contribution to international relations, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom by BBC Woman’s Hour. In 2023, she published her book ‘And Then What? Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy’, offering rare insight into high-level global negotiations.

Why Hire Catherine Ashton?

Catherine is hired as a speaker for her unparalleled insight into international diplomacy, negotiation and global leadership. Having led major diplomatic initiatives at the highest levels of the European Union, she provides audiences with a rare perspective on how international agreements are built and how governments cooperate during complex geopolitical negotiations.

Her talks draw on decades of experience in global diplomacy, covering themes such as international relations, crisis negotiation, European politics and leadership in global institutions. Through personal stories and reflections from her diplomatic career, Catherine offers audiences a behind-the-scenes understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape international cooperation.

Catherine Ashton’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Catherine Ashton’s distinguished career:

• 2025 – Chaired the House of Lords inquiry into the UK’s engagement with the global space sector, examining how Britain can strengthen its role in the emerging space economy.
• 2023 – Published her book And Then What? Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy, offering insight into high-level global negotiations.
• 2023 – Appointed a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in recognition of her public service.
• 2022 – Appointed Chancellor of the Order of St Michael and St George.
• 2019 – Appointed King of Arms of the Order of St Michael and St George.
• 2017 – Appointed Chancellor of the University of Warwick.
• 2015 – Appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to international diplomacy.
• 2013 – Named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom by BBC Woman’s Hour.
• 2009 – Appointed the inaugural High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
• 2008 – Appointed European Commissioner for Trade in the European Commission.
• 2007 – Appointed Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet.
• 1999 – Created a Life Peer as Baroness Ashton of Upholland and entered the House of Lords.