Robin Barnett became British Ambassador in Bucharest in June 2006. He previously worked twice in Poland. Firstly, in the early 1980's under communism and later as Deputy Head of Mission from 1998 to 2001 when Poland joined NATO and was preparing for EU membership. Robin has also served in Vienna where he helped negotiate the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and in the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations in New York. Robin has significant experience of supporting the efforts of national and local public administrations to increase their capacity and effectiveness, including in Poland before EU accession. He hopes to make a contribution in this area here in Romania.

Robin continues to work hard on his Romanian. He was helped by three weeks in Iasi, which was good for the language and an enjoyable introduction to Romania. He appreciates Romanian food. His interests include travel, films, cooking and football - Robin is a lifelong fan of Manchester United, the English Premier League club.