Press release

Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy: Stephen Hickey

Mr Stephen Hickey CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Italian Republic and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino, in succession to the Rt Hon Lord Llewellyn CVO OBE.

Mr Stephen Hickey CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Italian Republic and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino, in succession to the Rt Hon Lord Llewellyn CVO, OBE, who has transferred to a new appointment as FCDO Political Director and Director General Political. 

Mr Hickey will take up his appointment during June 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Stephen Benedict Hickey

Year Role
2022 to present FCDO, Director Middle East and North Africa
2021 to 2022 FCDO, Additional Director Europe (EU)
2019 to 2021 Baghdad, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2015 to 2019 UKMIS New York, Ambassador and Political Co-Ordinator
2013 to 2015 Cairo, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2012 Pretoria, Political Counsellor
2011 Benghazi, Head of UK Mission
2010 to 2011 Damascus, Deputy Head of Mission
2007 to 2010 FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2006 to 2007 FCO, Team Leader, Iran Bilateral, Regional and Reform Team, Middle East Directorate
2006 FCO, Team Leader, Near East Team, Middle East Directorate
2003 to 2006 UKREP Brussels, Second Secretary External Relations and Chairman of the EU’s working group on the Middle East and North Africa during the UK’s Presidency of the EU
2003 Nicosia, Second Secretary Commercial (North)
2003 UKMIS Geneva, UN Commission on Human Rights
2002 to 2003 UKREP Brussels, Second Secretary External Relations
2001 to 2002 FCO, Desk Officer – Asia Multilateral, South East Asian Department

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Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2026