LONDON — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has appointed Hannah Cockburn-Logie to lead communications for Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia.

Cockburn-Logie had most recently served as private secretary to HRH The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, since 2020. She was previously a senior British diplomat, including holding posts as political affairs and engagement lead for the UK’s permanent representation to the EU in Brussels, and being head of political and bilateral relations for the British Hugh Commission in India from 2014 to 2018.

Before that, Cockburn-Logie held a variety of senior communications roles at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Cockburn-Logie will replace Emily Floeck – who has been with the foundation since 2015, latterly as interim deputy director of communications for Europe, the Middle East and East Asia based in Germany – after a handover period. 

On the appointment, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation managing director Joe Cerrell said: “We are delighted that Hannah is joining the foundation. Hannah’s wealth of experience will bring a unique perspective to the foundation, and she will play a key role in supporting us in fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world.”