Warren Stephens confirmed as UK Ambassador

Stephens Inc. Chairman Warren Stephens was confirmed Tuesday (April 29) as the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

President Donald Trump nominated Stephens in December. Stephens received a 59-39 confirmation vote.

“For many years, Warren and his wife, Harriet, have also served their Arkansas community with their time, talents, and generosity. They led a major, multi-year fundraising campaign that transformed the Arkansas Arts Center into the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., in a floor speech on Tuesday in support of Stephens.

“He is the right person to lead our strong, special relationship with the United Kingdom, I am pleased to support his nomination,” added Cotton.

Stephens led Stephens Inc. as CEO for 38 years before stepping down last year and handing responsibilities for running the company to his three children.

Stephens Inc. is a privately held, independent financial services firm headquartered in Little Rock. Stephens has 28 offices worldwide and employs more than 1,200 people. It has offices in London, England and Frankfurt, Germany, two of the largest financial centers in Europe.

The first U.S. ambassador to the U.K. was John Adams, who was appointed in February 1785. Other notable U.K. ambassadors include James Monroe, John Q. Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Buchanan, Joseph Kennedy, and Averell Harriman.