General Sir Richard Shirreff

General Sir Richard Shirreff, a man of remarkable military and strategic acumen, has transitioned his vast experience into the realm of geopolitical, political and strategy keynote speaking. His illustrious career, spanning several decades, has equipped him with unique insights into the complexities of international relations, leadership, and crisis management. Commissioned from Sandhurst into the 14th/20th King’s Hussars in 1978, his early military career saw him serving in diverse locations like Germany, Canada, Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Hong Kong and Brunei. He commanded The King’s Royal Hussars and later, the 7th Armoured Brigade and 3rd (UK) Division, experiences that honed his leadership skills and strategic thinking.

Sir Richard’s tenure as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2011 to 2014 marked the pinnacle of his military career. This role, the highest a European can attain within NATO, involved strategic operations and collaborations with allied governments, NGOs, and international organizations. It was here that Sir Richard mastered the art of navigating the complex web of international politics and military strategy. In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional skill in building unity among diverse stakeholders, often with competing priorities. He effectively engaged with governments, the European Union, and various organisations in planning and executing campaigns, particularly in Afghanistan. His leadership was instrumental in generating the necessary force levels and building bridges - intellectually, culturally and practically - to support NATO’s operations and broader transformation.

Post-military, Sir Richard has leveraged his extensive experience in strategy, negotiation, communication and leadership into the corporate world. He draws intriguing parallels between the military, NATO and the business realm, particularly in decision-making, scrutiny and change management in high-stakes environments. His insights into team-building, leadership and motivation in extreme situations are invaluable for both military and corporate leaders. His book, ‘War with Russia’, published in 2016 and a Sunday Times bestseller, reflects his deep understanding of the geopolitical climate. The book, translated into eight languages, showcases his foresight in international relations and security issues. As a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Strategia Worldwide, and Executive Vice Chairman of Sigma7, he continues to influence the fields of global risk and strategic advisory. He has also served as the Honorary Colonel of Oxford University OTC, a role that symbolizes his continued involvement and influence in military education.

Sir Richard is also a passionate advocate for values-based leadership, emphasising its importance in every sector. His experiences offer a unique perspective on strategy, resonating profoundly with students and corporates at institutions like the London Business School. In summary, General Sir Richard Shirreff's journey from a military officer to a prominent geopolitical and strategic speaker is a testament to his extraordinary ability to adapt and apply his military expertise to broader contexts. His leadership, strategic insights, and experiences continue to inspire and guide leaders across various sectors.

In March 2024 we sat down virtually with Sir Richard Shirreff and discussed the future on NATO, the importance of geopolitics in the modern world and how the US and UK Elections will have significant influence on the Ukraine-Russia war. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Sir Richard Shirreff.