The British government has appointed Richard Crowder as the new Head of the British Office in Sudan and UK Special Representative to Sudan, succeeding Giles Lever. Crowder brings a wealth of diplomatic experience from his 20-year career in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), including key postings in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Crowder took up his appointment as Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan in January 2017, handling complex diplomatic relations in the region until 2020. Prior to that, he led the EU Referendum Unit at the FCO during the historic Brexit vote. His previous assignments included postings in Moscow and Brussels.
Fluent in Russian and French, Crowder is currently learning Urdu. His most recent role, from 2022 to 2024, involved full-time Arabic language training in London and Amman, preparing him for his new post in Sudan. He also served as Deputy Director in the FCDO London from 2020 to 2022.
In addition to his diplomatic work, Crowder published a book in 2015 titled Aftermath: Makers of the Postwar World, exploring the period following World War II. He is married to Hilary, and the couple has two sons.
Crowder’s extensive experience and language skills are expected to be invaluable in his new role as the UK strengthens its diplomatic efforts in Sudan amidst ongoing regional challenges.
