Nicholas Hopton is an accomplished diplomat and global affairs expert with over 35 years of experience at the forefront of British foreign policy. He has held some of the UK’s most strategically sensitive ambassadorial posts, including British Ambassador to Libya, Iran, Qatar, and Yemen, bringing deep insight into the political, economic and cultural complexities of the Middle East. His diplomatic service also extended to postings in Paris, Rome, Morocco and Mauritania, where he built a reputation for calm leadership, integrity and cross-cultural fluency in high-pressure environments. With a uniquely informed view of international affairs, Nicholas is now a sought-after motivational speaker, offering audiences unparalleled perspective on leadership, diplomacy, and resilience in an unpredictable world.
Throughout his career, Nicholas has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex geopolitical terrain and build trust with international partners. In Tehran, he was the first British Ambassador to Iran in over five years, reopening the UK embassy and overseeing one of the most sensitive diplomatic re-engagements in recent memory. At home, he held pivotal roles in government, including leading the team that drafted the UK’s first National Security Strategy, serving as Private Secretary to four UK Ministers for Europe, and representing Britain at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth. These experiences shaped his deep understanding of policymaking at the highest level and gave him exceptional insight into international negotiation, national security, and strategic planning.
Nicholas’s presentations draw on this wealth of experience to explore how strong leadership, cultural intelligence and principled decision-making can guide individuals and organisations through periods of volatility and change. He speaks candidly about the challenges of diplomacy, from building alliances in conflict zones to navigating Brexit’s impact on UK-EU relations and offers practical frameworks for operating in uncertain environments. Today, as Director General of the Middle East Association and Managing Director of Belmont Advisory, he continues to advise governments and businesses on strategy, stability, and global opportunity.
Known for his clear, insightful and accessible communication style, Nicholas delivers keynotes and panel sessions that are as thought-provoking as they are inspiring. His message resonates widely - from corporate leaders managing risk in global markets to public sector audiences focused on international cooperation and security. With his rare combination of frontline diplomatic experience and strategic foresight, Nicholas equips his audiences with the tools to think globally, act decisively, and lead with purpose.
