Timothy Hitchens (72-79) LVO, who serves as Director Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, was awarded the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the New Years Honours. During a distinguished career in HM Diplomatic Service, his appointments have included postings to Tokyo, Islamabad and Paris, and four years as Assistant Private Secretary to HM The Queen. He was Head of the Africa Department (Equatorial) at the Foreign Office between 2003 and 2005, and served as Director of European Political Affairs before taking up his current role.