General Sir Richard Shirreff, a man of remarkable military and strategic acumen, has seamlessly transitioned his extensive experience into the realm of geopolitical, political, and strategy keynote speaking. His distinguished career, which has spanned several decades, has provided him with unparalleled insights into the complexities of international relations, leadership, and crisis management.
Sir Richard's early military career saw him serving in a variety of locations, including Germany, Canada, Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Hong Kong, and Brunei. His command positions, such as leading The King’s Royal Hussars and later, the 7th Armoured Brigade and 3rd (UK) Division, have honed his leadership skills and strategic thinking to a fine edge.
During his tenure as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2011 to 2014, Sir Richard reached the zenith of his military career. This prestigious role, the highest that a European can attain within NATO, entailed strategic operations and collaborations with allied governments, NGOs, and international organisations. It was in this capacity that he adeptly navigated the intricate maze of international politics and military strategy, demonstrating an exceptional ability to unify diverse stakeholders with often competing priorities. His engagement with governments, the European Union, and various organisations in planning and executing campaigns, especially in Afghanistan, was instrumental in generating the required force levels and fostering intellectual, cultural, and practical support for NATO’s operations and its broader transformation agenda. He was appointed KCB in 2010.
His book, ‘War with Russia’, a Sunday Times bestseller published in 2016, underscores his deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics and security issues, having been translated into eight languages. As a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Strategia Worldwide, and Executive Vice Chairman of Sigma7, he continues to play a pivotal role in global risk and strategic advisory, further solidified by his honorary position at Oxford University OTC.
Sir Richard is a fervent advocate for values-based leadership, underscoring its significance across all sectors. His unique experiences offer profound insights into strategy, resonating deeply with audiences at academic institutions like the London Business School. General Sir Richard Shirreff’s transition from a decorated military officer to a leading figure in geopolitical and strategic discourse exemplifies his remarkable ability to adapt and apply his military knowledge to a wider array of contexts. His enduring influence on leadership, strategic insights, and global affairs continues to inspire and guide leaders across various domains.
In March 2024 we sat down virtually with Sir Richard Shirreff and discussed the future of 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.
