While serving as Bishop of Cariboo, Dean took leave from his diocese (but retained the See) in order to serve as Executive Officer of the Anglican Communion, based in his native London from 1 November 1964;[5][6] that role, and his leave, ended in May 1969 and Dean returned to British Columbia.[7] In 1971, he was additionally appointed Metropolitan of British Columbia, which post he held with his diocesan See; while Metropolitan he was customarily called Archbishop of Cariboo, rather than Bishop of Cariboo.[8] He resigned both posts in December 1973 to take a parish post in South Carolina.[9]