In 1918 Rodwell was appointed Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, positions he held until 1924 when he was appointed Governor of British Guiana. During his term the Legislative Council of British Guiana was established and Rodwell did much to develop the economic resources of the colony.[2]
In 1928 Rodwell was appointed Governor of Southern Rhodesia, where he left a controversial legacy. Remembered fondly by the white settlers (in one case he was referred to as a "top-hole person"),[4] Rodwell's response to a plea by a Jesuit missionary for funds to build a hospital for the black community around Kutama College; "Why do you worry about a hospital? After all, there are too many natives in the country already", would have been concerning enough had it not been said in the presence of a young Robert Mugabe.[5] Mugabe later said that he never forgot nor forgave Rodwell's response.[5]
Rodwell returned to South Africa to work in the mining industry at the end of his term as Governor of South Rhodesia in 1934, serving on the board of directors of the oil company Ultramar. After retiring and moving to England Rodwell was appointed Controller of Industrial Diamonds in the Ministry of Supply in 1942, serving until 1945.[2]
Rodwell died at his home near Ipswich, survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters. He was appointed CMG in 1909, KCMG in 1919 and GCMG in 1934.[6]
