General Sir Richard Shirreff

General Sir Richard Shirreff is a distinguished former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, bestselling author, and co-founder of the global strategy consultancy, Strategia Worldwide. One of the most senior European officers ever to serve within NATO, he has operated at the highest levels of international defence and security. Today, he is widely recognised for his ability to translate decades of military experience into practical lessons on leadership, risk management, and decision-making under pressure, making him an influential speaker for businesses, institutions, and academic forums worldwide.

Commissioned from Sandhurst into the 14th/20th King’s Hussars in 1978, Richard’s early career took him across the globe, from Germany and Canada to Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Hong Kong and Brunei. His rise through the ranks was marked by leadership of The King’s Royal Hussars, command of the famed 7th Armoured Brigade, and later, responsibility for the 3rd (UK) Division. Along the way, he was decorated for valuable service and honed a leadership style that balanced operational rigour with adaptability in diverse and challenging environments. These formative years laid the foundation for his subsequent strategic roles.

From 2011 to 2014, Richard held the position of NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the most senior appointment open to a European officer. In this role, he worked closely with allied governments, international organisations, and NGOs, particularly in coordinating the alliance’s campaign in Afghanistan. His leadership was central to generating force levels and fostering cultural and political alignment across NATO members. Following his military career, he applied this expertise to the corporate world, co-founding Strategia Worldwide and later becoming Executive Vice Chairman of Sigma7, while also publishing ‘War with Russia’—a Sunday Times bestseller translated into multiple languages that demonstrated his foresight on international security.

Richard is sought after as a speaker for his profound insights into leadership, resilience, and strategy. His experience in motivating and uniting teams in extreme conditions resonates with both military and civilian audiences. A passionate advocate for values-based leadership, he has inspired students at leading institutions such as the London Business School and guided executives facing complex global challenges. Audiences engage him because his perspective bridges the worlds of defence, geopolitics, and business, offering rare wisdom on navigating risk and leading with purpose.