Stephen Hitchen

Stephen Charles Hitchen (born 1969) is a British diplomat who served as Ambassador to Iraq between July 2023 and February 2025. A specialist in the politics of the Middle East, he was appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in August 2025.

Early life Hitchen was born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. His father was a lawyer and Methodist lay preacher. He was educated at Ashville College, Harrogate and Durham University where he studied history. Shortly after graduating, he walked the route of the medieval pilgrim trail from York to Jerusalem with his future wife. He completed an MA at Leeds University and a PhD on the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Career Hitchen joined the Ministry of Defence in 1996 and completed full time language training in Arabic from 1999-2001.

His appearance on the Bestoon Show caused controversy when he criticised the role of Iranian-backed militias in Iraqi society.

His appointment as British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia was announced in May 2025.