Frederick Pitcher

Frederick William Pitcher (born 5 February 1967) is a Nauruan politician and diplomat who served as the President of Nauru from 10 to 15 November 2011.

In December 2007, Pitcher was appointed Minister of Finance of Nauru, to serve in the Administration of President Marcus Stephen. Pitcher became the President of Nauru on 10 November 2011, following the resignation of his predecessor, former President Marcus Stephen. He lost a parliamentary vote of confidence and lost the presidency on 15 November 2011 after only 6 days in power.

Pitcher became the permanent representative of Nauru at the United Nations Office at Geneva in January 2025. He became ambassador from Nauru to Switzerland in May 2025.

Background and earlier career Pitcher attended Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia from 1988 to 1991. He obtained a bachelor of arts degree in Pacific studies. He also served as minister for commerce, industry and environment from 2004 to 2010 in the administration of President Ludwig Scotty. On 28 March, Adeang ordered Pitcher and another minister, Kieren Keke, to vacate their seats in Parliament, since they both hold dual Nauruan and Australian citizenship. The two ministers refused to do so, and Adeang suspended the sitting.

President of Nauru On 10 November 2011, incumbent Nauru President Marcus Stephen resigned from the presidency amid corruption allegations. Stephen called the charges "unwarranted and mischievous."

Out of Parliament Former President Pitcher was defeated for re-election to Parliament in elections held in June 2013. He was again defeated in a parliamentary election in 2016.

Pitcher presented his credentials to the director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva on 28 January 2025, becoming the permanent representative of Nauru at that office. Pitcher presented his credentials to Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter as Nauruan ambassador to Switzerland on 3 May 2025.