Nicholas Hopton

Nicholas Hopton is a distinguished British diplomat and keynote speaker, widely respected for his deep understanding of foreign affairs and international strategy. Over a remarkable 35-year diplomatic career, Nicholas has served in some of the world’s most volatile regions, offering unparalleled insight into Middle Eastern geopolitics and global security. A calm and authoritative voice in times of change, he is best known for becoming the first British Ambassador to Iran since 2011, a landmark posting that showcased his expertise in rebuilding critical diplomatic relationships. Today, he shares his extensive knowledge as a sought-after speaker, delivering impactful talks to governments, businesses and global forums.

Nicholas’s journey began with a strong academic foundation at St Peter’s School, York, followed by reading History at Magdalene College, Cambridge. His career in diplomacy started in 1989 when he joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Early postings in Paris, Rome, Rabat, and Nouakchott shaped his global outlook, while his time as Private Secretary to four UK Ministers for Europe gave him an insider’s view of EU and British relations. In 2008, Nicholas played a pivotal role in drafting the UK’s first National Security Strategy, a foundational moment in the country's approach to global threats. A period as a Visiting Academic at St Antony’s College, Oxford further enriched his expertise.

Throughout his diplomatic service, Nicholas held several key ambassadorial roles, including British Ambassador to Yemen, Qatar, Iran, and Libya. He was also appointed Director for Afghanistan Relocations during a critical humanitarian period. At home, he held major leadership roles including Director of Multilateral Policy, Director for EU External Relations on Brexit, and Deputy Director of the Progressive Governance Summit at No. 10. Now in a new chapter of his career, Nicholas serves as Director General of the Middle East Association and is the Founder of Belmont Advisory Limited, offering strategic geopolitical consultancy to governments and business leaders. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Audiences value Nicholas for his ability to demystify complex geopolitical landscapes and offer practical insights into global trends, especially in the Middle East. His keynotes explore themes such as international diplomacy, security policy, risk under a new Labour government, and strategic leadership in crisis zones. As the world enters an era of geopolitical flux, his experience at the heart of British foreign policy is both timely and vital. Nicholas Hopton’s talks empower organisations to make informed decisions amid uncertainty - making him an essential voice for forward-thinking leadership events.