Sir William Patey KCMG joined the Diplomatic Service in 1975 with postings in Abu Dhabi Libya and Australia before being appointed Deputy Head of United Nations Department. From there he moved to Riyadh as Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General (1995 -1998). Following a posting as Ambassador in Sudan (2002) he was appointed Ambassador to Iraq and then returned to Saudi Arabia in 2007, this time as Ambassador. Among various positions he has held since retirement, he is a Trustee of the Turquoise Mountain Trust.
