Jorge Martin-Almagro is UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for international affairs and Deputy Director for the Global Animal Health and UK SPS Assurance Office. He was appointed on 15 March 2024, having been working as the interim UK Deputy CVO and Deputy Director since June 2023.

Jorge has worked in Defra since September 2019, leading the International Market Access team and representing the UK in a number of Central Competent Authority negotiations, which culminated in successfully opening markets like lamb to US and Taiwan, pork to Mexico and Chile, and pork and poultry to Vietnam.

Prior to joining Defra, Jorge led the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) bovine TB (bTB) field veterinary team, developing and leading the implementation of a number of cattle and wildlife control policies from March 2017 until August 2019. Following a brief period of working in private practice in Spain and in the UK, Jorge developed a strong passion for veterinary public health and worked as an Official Veterinarian in the Midlands region, leading the Food Standards Agency (FSA) veterinary teams in charge of regulatory standards at food establishments. He also headed the FSA’s Consumer Protection team, leading investigations of food safety incidents and food fraud in Wales.

Jorge qualified from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Madrid, Spain. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, fitness, and training for endurance races.