Edward John Palmer
Tiverton,Devon
Summary
Strategic and results-driven leader with 20+ years of expertise in visa and immigration policy, government solutions, and operational excellence. Adept at developing and implementing digital immigration systems, optimizing regulatory frameworks, and driving policy transformation to enhance efficiency, compliance, and security. Proven track record in leading high-profile government initiatives, managing stakeholder relations, and delivering innovative visa and immigration solutions to support economic growth and national security.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director of Visa & Immigration
NEOM
, Saudi Arabia
09.2022 - 02.2025
- Designed and developed NEOMs first fully digitized and contactless visa & immigration system, reducing resource requirements by 75% and ensuring best-in-class user experience.
- Developed future-state target operating models leveraging automation and AI for visa processing, digital IDs, border control and enforcement.
- Led policy development and regulatory frameworks to attract internal businesses, talent, and investors.
- Partnered with the ministries of the government of Saudi Arabia to align immigration reforms with national strategic goals.
- Spearheaded a phased transition from Base Economy to NEOM Authority, ensuring full legal compliance.
Senior Director, EMEA Operations
Fragomen Immigration Law Firm
London, United Kingdom
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Led a multi-jurisdictional team, ensuring seamless immigration processing across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Provided strategic immigration consulting to multinational corporations, streamlining visa applications and compliance.
- Developed a digital strategy and automation roadmap to enhance visa and immigration services.
- Established an Operational Excellence Framework, reducing inefficiencies by 25% through process optimization and automation.
Associate Vice-President
VFS Global
London, United Kingdom
09.2018 - 10.2021
- Led UK Government Home Office global account, successfully negotiating a 2-year contract extension and improving service delivery.
- Introduced new revenue streams, increasing profits by 20% through mobile biometric initiative, premium visa services and online solutions.
- Implemented digital transformation initiatives, streamlining visa processing systems.
- Partnered with the UK Director of Visas & Citizenship to align operational processes with immigration law changes.
Deputy Regional Head, Americas Region
VFS Global
Miami, USA
11.2012 - 08.2018
- Expanded VFS Global's operations from 1 to 21 client governments, driving revenue growth to 12m annually.
- Established VFS Global legal entities in 7 new countries.
- Grew regional headcount from 5 to 350 in four years whilst ensuring operational excellence.
- Led and secured £420m UK Government global outsourced visa services contract.
Deputy Director of Visa Services - UK Visas & Immigration
Her Majesty's Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Chicago, New York, London, Miami
05.2002 - 10.2012
- Managed visa operations across the Americas, overseeing a £10m budget.
- Delivered a 35% cost reduction as part of UK Government spending review while maintaining high service levels.
- Led the implementation of first government visa outsourcing programme and biometric visa systems, enhancing security and compliance.
- Negotiated a landmark data-sharing agreement between the UK and US.
- Represented the UK government on the Five Country Conference (FCC) for cooperation on migration and border security.
Education
Leadership and Change Management -
AZTEC
London Nov 2023 - 12.2023
PMP Certified - Project Management
Project Management Institute
Pennsylvania2012
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of West of England
Bristol1999
Skills
- Immigration Policy & Compliance: Visa laws, regulatory frameworks, border control
- Digital Transformation & Automation: e-visas, biometrics, digital identity, AI driven immigration solutions
- Government Relations & Stakeholder Management: KSA, UK, USA, INZ, LATAM, Caribbean, Canada & Schengen entities, and global agencies
- Operational Strategy & Process Optimization: Cost reduction, efficiency improvements
- Project & Change Management: PMP-certified, large-scale immigration reform initiatives
- Contract Negotiations & Business Development: Public-private partnerships, government contracts, third-party providers
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- Secretary, Sharma Meadows Golf Club, NEOM (2022-2025)
- Associate Member of the Finance Committee, Brent Council (2019-20)
- Member, British American Business Association (2008-18)
- VFS Global Leadership Award (2017)
- UK Border Agency “Recognizing the Best” award for Value for Money (2010)
Additional Information
- Languages: English (Fluent), Spanish (Conversational)
- Volunteer Work: Teaching in Uganda & South Africa (1995-1996)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Visa & Immigration
NEOM
09.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Director, EMEA Operations
Fragomen Immigration Law Firm
10.2021 - 09.2022
Associate Vice-President
VFS Global
09.2018 - 10.2021
Deputy Regional Head, Americas Region
VFS Global
11.2012 - 08.2018
Deputy Director of Visa Services - UK Visas & Immigration
Her Majesty's Foreign and Commonwealth Office
05.2002 - 10.2012
Leadership and Change Management -
AZTEC
Nov 2023 - 12.2023
PMP Certified - Project Management
Project Management Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of West of England
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