Amb. David O’Sullivan

Ambassador O’Sullivan has a long and distinguished career that spans five decades.  He has served in a number of senior official posts in the European public service.

Prior to his appointment as EU Ambassador to the U.S., he was the Chief Operating Officer of the ‘European External Action Service’ and responsible for establishing this new EU diplomatic service.  The Service is one of the largest diplomatic networks with 140 delegations across the globe.

Ambassador O’Sullivan’s career includes a number of notable and senior positions within the European Commission: Head of Commission President Prodi’s Cabinet (1999-2000), Secretary General of the European Commission (2000-2005).  He has extensive trade experience as Director General for Trade (2005-2010) and Chief Negotiator for the Doha Development Round.  He was responsible for overseeing the launch of a number of free trade agreements and concluded the EU’s agreement with South Korea. Before joining the Commission, he started his career with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1977-1979).