Obituary: Sir Thomas Harris, KBE, CMG
Posted by: Lauren Barnes | Posted on: October 20th, 2021
Sir Thomas Harris and Lady Harris at the Korean Ambassador’s 2015 reception for the BKS
It is with great sadness that I have heard of the recent death of Tom Harris, my predecessor as Ambassador in Seoul and a great friend of mine and of the British Korean Society.
After graduating from Cambridge, Tom’s civil service career started in the Department of Trade and Industry, before postings to Washington, Tokyo and Lagos saw him securely in the Diplomatic Service. He served as Ambassador in Seoul from 1993 to 1997, before taking on the key job – again in the DTI – of Director-General for Export Promotion from 1997 to 1999. His final job in the FCO was as Consul-General in New York where crucially he had to lead the UK’s response on the ground to the tragic events of 11 September 2001. It was no surprise that he had been awarded a CMG in 1995 and then the KBE in 2002 in recognition of his work in New York.
Retirement was not a concept that was familiar to Tom. After leaving government employment, he joined Standard Chartered Bank as Vice-Chairman and held non-executive roles with a string of companies with important links to Asia. He also served on a variety of governmental and advisory boards and panels relating to Asia, such as Asia House, the Taiwan Britain Business Council and the UK India Business Council. In all of these, he brought his characteristic energy and focus.
Tom and Mei-Ling have been stalwart supporters of the Society over the years and frequent attendees at the Society’s events. We send heartfelt sympathy to Mei-Ling and the family.
Stephen Brown
BKS Joint President
Exceedingly sorry to learn of Tom’s passing . I always enjoyed his vibrant company and powerful intellect on the many occasions that I found myself travelling with him on visits by respective Lord Mayors of London including that to Seoul.
Dear Mei- Ling
So sorry to find out today that Tom had passed in 2021. I was trying to find Tom to let him know that David Rudland, a very old friend of Tom’s passed away on November 2nd. I believe he visited with you in New York a few years ago. Tom, my husband David and David Rudland were all teenage friends, in fact my David was Best man at your wedding, I was there also. you both have had a very interesting and exciting life, we are so very sad that Tom is no longer with you. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Madeleine