Chris Oliver

Chris Oliver is a highly respected keynote speaker whose credibility is built on lived experience at the very highest level of military operations. A former Special Forces Operator in the Special Boat Service and Royal Marines Mountain Leader, Chris is recognised for his calm authority, discipline, and uncompromising standards. His biggest achievement is not a single medal or title, but a career spent operating under extreme pressure and then successfully translating those lessons into leadership insight for today’s organisations. Now known to wider audiences as Directing Staff on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Chris brings rare authenticity to the stage, shaped by years where decisions carried real consequences.

Chris grew up in the North East of England and committed to a military career from a young age, joining the Royal Marine Commandos at just 16. Those early years were defined by structure, resilience, and relentless physical and mental training. He progressed through some of the Armed Forces’ most demanding courses, qualifying as a Royal Marines Mountain Leader, a role requiring exceptional navigation, endurance, and leadership in hostile terrain. After nine years as a Royal Marine Commando, Chris undertook selection for the Special Boat Service, a process known for its intensity and attrition. These formative experiences shaped his approach to leadership, preparation, and accountability, values that continue to underpin his work on stage and in the boardroom.

Chris went on to spend 16 years serving in UK Special Forces, deploying on high-risk operations across Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland, and Oman. Operating in volatile, unpredictable environments, he developed a deep understanding of decision-making under pressure, teamwork, and risk management. After leaving active service in 2015, Chris transitioned seamlessly into civilian leadership roles. He became Directing Staff on SAS: Who Dares Wins, where he has appeared across multiple series and earned a reputation as a firm but fair presence. Appearing alongside fellow Directing Staff members Jason Fox and Rudy Reyes, Chris is recognised for bringing credibility and clarity to the screen. Alongside his television work, Chris now holds the position of Non-Executive Director at Frankton and works as a Director within a global financial institution, leading international teams responsible for executive protection, travel security, and event risk management.

Chris is hired as a keynote speaker because his message is practical, grounded, and immediately relevant. He speaks on leadership under pressure, resilience, adaptability, high-performance teamwork, and risk management, topics that matter in fast-moving, high-stakes business environments. His approach is direct and story-driven, drawing clear parallels between military operations and everyday organisational challenges. Audiences leave with tools they can apply straight away, from staying calm during critical decisions to setting standards that hold under stress. Whether addressing senior leaders, operational teams, or entire organisations, Chris delivers insight forged in the toughest environments and refined for modern leadership challenges.