During his 30 year career as a Diplomat, Sir Stephen Bridges has served the Government of the United Kingdom in both Africa and Asia. He was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 1998, an order of knighthood awarded in recognition of personal service to the monarchy. He served as British Ambassador to Cambodia (2001 to 2004) and Acting and Deputy High Commissioner, Consul General, and Trade & Investment Director to Bangladesh (2005 to 2007).
Stephen served as the UK Consul General in Chicago for four years until August 2017 and is currently Managing Director in the Advisory Team at Grant Thornton. He has extensive private sector experience and holds an International Relations degree from the University of London and an MA in Asian Pacific Studies from the University of Leeds. An ardent human rights advocate, Stephen is passionate about the fight against human trafficking and the dog meat industry in Asia. He serves on the board of the Soi Dog Foundation.