General Sir Patrick Sanders

General Sir Patrick Sanders is a distinguished military leader and keynote speaker, known for his strategic insight, operational experience and leadership at the highest levels of defence. He is a retired senior British Army officer and served as Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, during a period of heightened global instability. His most significant achievement includes leading the Army’s strategic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while shaping the future direction of UK defence.

Patrick’s journey began with his commissioning into the Royal Green Jackets in 1986 after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Early in his career he was deployed to Northern Ireland during The Troubles, where he gained firsthand experience of complex operational environments. He then undertook tours in Kosovo and Bosnia, further broadening his operational understanding. These formative years were marked by a blend of rigorous professional education and challenging field experience. Patrick later pursued a Master’s degree in defence technology at Cranfield University, an academic foundation that complemented his practical leadership abilities and helped shape his later strategic thinking.

Throughout his career Patrick held a succession of senior roles that reflected his operational skill and strategic vision. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets during its transition into the 4th Battalion The Rifles in the Iraq War, earning the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for leadership under fire. He went on to lead 20th Armoured Brigade in Afghanistan, for which he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). His promotion to Lieutenant General saw him take on the role of Commander Field Army, preparing forces for global deployment. He was later appointed Commander of Strategic Command, integrating cyber, intelligence, special forces and space capabilities. In 2020 he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB), and in 2024 he received the Commander of the Legion of Merit from the United States, recognising his international contributions.

Patrick speaks with authority on leadership, resilience, global security, technological disruption, modern warfare and the human element of high-stakes decision making. His talks draw on real operational examples to show how clarity, moral courage and adaptability define successful leadership. He brings authenticity and directness to audiences, making complex defence and strategic topics accessible and relevant. His insights are vital for organisations facing volatility and rapid change, and his presentations leave audiences better equipped to navigate uncertainty with purpose and confidence.