His Royal Highness The Grand Prior has appointed Ms Susan le Jeune d'Allegeershecque CMG as the next Secretary General of The Order, with effect from 1 December 2021. Susan will succeed Vice Admiral Sir Paul Lambert KCB KStJ.

Susan is very much looking forward to taking up this new role and working closely with all St John Establishments across the world in our established work and to pursue the plans and actions emanating from the new Order strategy.Professor Mark Compton

Susan has recently completed her term as UK High Commissioner to Canada, a position she has filled since 2017. Susan has had a distinguished career in the British Foreign Service reaching one of the highest positions as Her Majesty's Representative in Canada, a G7 country. In this role she has led a large team and been instrumental in hosting Prime Ministers, Government Ministers, other heads of government and members of the Royal Family in Canada. She also has extensive experience of leading trade negotiations on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

Previously Susan has been deputy in the UK Embassy in Paris; HM Ambassador to Vienna; Permanent Representative to the United Nations and before that Head of Human Resources for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Susan has extensive international experience and has a strong track record in budget management.

In a message, our Lord Prior Professor Mark Compton thanked the current Secretary General Sir Paul Lambert for his service over the past years:

Sir Paul Lambert has been an outstanding Secretary General to The Order, having served in this post for 9 years. Sir Paul retires with our heartfelt thanks and sincerest congratulations on a job expertly and diligently done during his tenure. We wish Sir Paul and Lady Lambert every good wish in the next stage of their lives.Professor Mark Compton

7 September 2021

Image: © by Foreign and Commonwealth Office