In his new role, Mr Falconer will be the UK government’s expert on trade negotiation and strategy and advise Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, on trade agreements and market access deals.

He will also develop key strategic relationships with international partners and act as the new head of profession for trade negotiators within the UK civil service.

Mr Falconer said: “As the UK prepares to leave the EU, we have a huge opportunity to be a world innovator, striking trade deals outside of Europe, and to be an ambassador for free trade across the world.

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“With 90% of new trade to come from outside the EU in the next decades, this is an immensely exciting time to join the department, and I look forward to preparing for the important negotiations ahead.”

Mr Falconer has 25 years of public service experience in trade and foreign affairs.

He has New Zealand/UK dual-nationality and was previously professor of global value chains and trade at Lincoln University.

He was also deputy secretary (vice-minister) for international trade and foreign affairs in New Zealand’s foreign office and has served in the OECD – as New Zealand ambassador to the World Trade Organization – and has been a judge on over 15 WTO international trade disputes.

Mr Fox said: “Crawford Falconer brings a wealth of international trade expertise to our international economic department, ensuring that as we leave the EU, the UK will be at the forefront of global free trade and driving the case for international openness.

“His direct experience in global trade will prove invaluable as we build our future trading arrangements with the rest of the world.”