Alex Ellis (diplomat)

Sir Alexander Wykeham Ellis, is a British diplomat who has served as British Ambassador to Spain since September 2024. He has previously been High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to Brazil and before that Ambassador to Portugal. In addition, he was the Deputy National Security Adviser for the Integrated Review on diplomacy, development and defence. He also served as Director General of the Department for Exiting the EU.

Early life

Ellis was educated at the Dragon School in Oxford, then at Winchester College and subsequently at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Career

Ellis taught history at St Edward's School, Oxford, before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990. He was British ambassador to Portugal 2007–10 and Director of Strategy at the FCO 2011–13 before being appointed ambassador to Brazil. In November 2016 it was announced that Ellis would become Director General at the Department for Exiting the European Union.

Honours

Ellis was appointed as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours. Subsequently, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order in the King's Birthday Honours for 2024.