Press release
Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen
Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen
| Year | Role |
|---|---|
| 2023 to 2025 | Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador |
| 2019 to 2023 | FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department |
| 2016 to 2019 | FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa (National Security) |
| 2013 to 2016 | Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs |
| 2012 to 2013 | FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate |
| 2009 to 2012 | FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate |
| 2006 to 2009 | Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs |
| 2004 to 2006 | Cairo, First Secretary, Political |
| 2004 | Joined FCO |
| 1996 to 2004 | Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training |
Media enquiries
Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7008 3100
Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Updates to this page
Published 10 April 2025