Derek Leatherdale

Derek Leatherdale is a true pioneer of geopolitical risk management within the corporate sphere. As the founder and Managing Director of GRI Strategies Ltd, he helps companies to thrive in what Derek describes as a volatile world. Derek is the Lead Instructor and Course Developer for the DCRO Institute’s Geopolitical Risk Governance course, which teaches senior leaders how to develop corporate resilience. As of May 2022, he is also a Visiting Scholar at the London Institute of Banking and Finance’s Centre for Governance, Risk and Regulation. Unlike other political speakers, Derek links geopolitical developments to the impact on corporate firms and teaches business leaders how to manage global changes. Geopolitical tensions are a fact of life, so prepare your business for the inevitable with a knowledgeable and influential speaker like Derek Leatherdale.

Companies of all shapes and sizes, particularly multinational organisations, are impacted by global events like conflict between countries, national recessions, and political rivalries. Derek is committed to helping businesses improve their approach to corporate governance and manage geopolitical risk exposure, using the knowledge and experience he gained as a founding member of HSBC’s group geopolitical risk function. The group devised expert risk management strategies and improved the bank’s governance. From investment to corporate banking, Derek’s expertise spanned all facets of finance.

Later, Derek spearheaded HSBC’s global government affairs campaign, using his experience in UK national security and intelligence roles to engage with international bodies like G7 and G20. When booked for corporate events, this outstanding keynote speaker has the industry knowledge and tangible passion for geopolitics to supply relevant and trusted guidance.

Applying his global knowledge to the literary world, Derek co-authored The Extra G – ESG2, a practical guide to the role of ESG in geopolitical risk. With many ESG strategies ignoring the impact of geopolitics, Derek’s book is a must-read for boards, risk committees, risk functions or business owners wanting to prepare their companies for the future. Additionally, Derek has authored several guides and articles on thought leadership, resilience in business and decision-making in our geopolitically contested world.

At events, Derek can offer meaningful insight into business management as well as a comprehensive analysis of geopolitics. This combined approach makes him a stand-out speaker, who regularly helps corporate audiences identify the impact of geopolitics on companies and investors. Derek can also provide advice on what boards or management teams should do in response to rising geopolitical instability – a must-know in business. With an MA Distinction in International Politics from King’s College London, Derek has the academic, professional, and personal experience to leave your audience with a new outlook on geopolitical risk.