Ambassador Fernández previously served as ambassador to the United Kingdom (2002-06), to Spain (2000-02), to Italy (1992-94) and to the European Community (1990-92), as well as vice minister of foreign affairs (1994-2000). In addition, he was a researcher and member of the executive committee of the Centre of Studies for Development from 1982 to 1990.

After joining the Chilean Foreign Service in 1967 and serving as third secretary at the Chilean Embassy in Germany, Ambassador Fernández went into exile in Germany from 1974 until 1982, during which time he was chief editor of two German news agencies. He was also later an editorial board member of several Chilean newspapers and magazines.

Ambassador Fernández holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Santiago and is married to María Angélica Morales and has three children.