Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller

Eliza Manningham-Buller is a leading figure in international security, widely known for her experience with MI5 and her expertise in all things security, terrorism and international affairs. Having been involved with many prominent secret intelligence missions and counter-terrorist actions, Eliza has received countless honours in reward of her service. In 2024, she was appointed the first female Chancellor of the Order of the Garter by King Charles III. Eliza has been frequently booked as a speaker for corporate events to share her expertise in security and leading in high-pressure environments along with topics such as women in business and ownership.

Best known for her tenure within the Secret Service, Eliza was formerly the Director-General of MI5. Appointed to the role in 2002, Eliza enjoyed multiple years at the forefront of counter-terrorism and national security, dealing heavily in operations regarding Al-Qaeda and the Lockerbie bombing in Libya. She also saw the organisation through a prominent change in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in America and led MI5 efforts to combat the Provisional IRA. Having since stepped down from MI5, Eliza has now taken on responsibilities as the Co-President of Chatham House and speaking at a number of corporate conferences country-wide.

Eliza originally worked as a school teacher before becoming a member of the Secret Service. Hitting the ground running, Eliza made the decision to specialise in counter-terrorism and combat acts of terrorism that posed a threat to the globe. She also worked in the US Intelligence community during the Gulf War, in Irish counter-terrorism efforts and was the director of surveillance and technical operations before ultimately becoming the Director-General. In reward for her commitment to the Secret Service, Eliza was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of Bath and Life Peer Baroness Manningham-Buller of Northampton in the County of Northamptonshire.

Since leaving MI5 in 2007, Eliza has enjoyed several other prestigious roles. She is known for becoming the first female Chair of the Wellcome Trust and for her election to the Court and Council of the Imperial College London, and then her later role as Chairman. She has also made significant contributions as the Co-President of Chatham House and was involved in delivering the iconic BBC Reith Lectures. Eliza is highly regarded for her work throughout her career and has also been appointed Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter. She is also remembered for being one of the few people to know of Oleg Gordievsky’s double-agent status. In 2025, Eliza was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society.

Having enjoyed a prominent career in security and international relations, Eliza is now often booked as a speaker for corporate events. Having worked in countless high-pressure environments, Eliza is perfectly positioned to speak on handling responsibility and performing in pressurised environments. She is also booked to promote women in business, having worked in an organisation that is stereotypically male-dominated. She is also sought to speak about how you can create teams with ownership and transparency, and shares her expertise in everything security. A highly influential and inspiring individual, Eliza Manningham-Buller is the perfect speaker for a variety of events.