Sir Robert succeeds Sir Francis Richards KCMG CVO and takes up his new post this month.

His appointment marks a return to the tradition of military governors at a time of change within the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar.

Born in 1948 and educated at Eton College and the University of East Anglia, he has had a long and distinguished military career spanning 30 years.

Sir Robert joined the Royal Marines in 1972 and served in 40 and 42 Commandos, eventually rising through the ranks to become Commandant General Royal Marines from 1998 to 2001.

In 2001 he moved to the MoD as an Equipment Capability Manager and on June 3rd 2003 was promoted to Lieutenant General on appointment as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Equipment Capability.

Sir Robert is married to Midge and they have two sons aged 27 and 25.
His interests are primarily sporting, though they include military history, the theatre and music.

He plays golf sporadically and is President of the Royal Navy Cricket Club, the RM Cricket Club, RM Rugby League and the RN & RM Sport Parachuting Association, as well as being a Vice President of RN Rugby Union.