Sir (Arthur) Hilton Poynton (1905-1996) was educated at Marlborough College and at Brasenose College, Oxford, entering the Civil Service at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, 1927. In 1929 he transferred to the Colonial Office as Assistant Principal. He became Private Secretary to the Minister of Supply and Minister of Production, 1941-1943, reverting to the Colonial Office in 1943. He was Deputy Under-Secretary of State in charge of the Economic Division, 1948-1959, and Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, 1959 to his retirement in 1966.

After his retirement he served as a member of the Governing Body, SPCK, 1967-1972 and as a member of the Court of Governors, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 1965-1977. He was also a member of the Conservative Commonwealth and Overseas Council's Policy Study Group dealing with The Future of the Dependent Territories. He was Treasurer, Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1967-1976 and Director, Overseas Branch, St. John Ambulance, 1968-1975. He was awarded the GCMG, 1964 and made a Knight of the Order of St. John, 1968. In 1946 he married Elisabeth Joan Williams, with whom he had two sons and one daughter.