Gordon Corera

Gordon Corera is a respected security analyst, author, podcast host and academic, best known for his distinguished career as the BBC’s Security Correspondent. Having spent decades analysing intelligence agencies, cybersecurity, terrorism and international affairs, Gordon has become one of the UK’s most trusted voices on national security. His ability to explain complex global issues in a clear and engaging way makes him a highly sought-after speaker for corporate, public sector and educational events. Drawing on first-hand experience covering major world events and intelligence operations, he offers audiences valuable insights into leadership, decision-making, risk management and the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Gordon’s career began in politics, where he worked on Bill Clinton’s successful re-election campaign before joining BBC News as a researcher. He went on to work across some of the organisation’s flagship programmes, including Radio 4’s The World Tonight and BBC2’s Newsnight. After serving as the BBC’s State Department Correspondent in the United States and contributing analysis during the 2000 US Presidential Election, Gordon specialised in security and intelligence reporting. As BBC News Security Correspondent, he covered MI5, MI6, GCHQ and the CIA, while reporting on terrorism, cyber threats, espionage and international security. Today, he is a Visiting Professor with the Strand Group at King’s College London.

Alongside his journalism career, Gordon is an accomplished author whose work explores intelligence, espionage and modern security challenges. He has written six books, including Shopping for Bombs, MI6: Life and Death in the British Secret Service, Cyberspies, Secret Pigeon Service, Russians Among Us and the bestselling The Spy in the Archive. He is also co-host of the popular podcast The Rest is Classified, which examines intelligence history and global affairs. His expertise has been further showcased through documentaries and special broadcasts exploring the secret world of intelligence agencies.

Beyond broadcasting and writing, Gordon is recognised for his ability to connect historical events with modern challenges. His work bridges politics, technology, cybersecurity and international relations, helping audiences understand the forces shaping society today. Whether discussing intelligence failures, cyber warfare or geopolitical shifts, Gordon provides thoughtful analysis that is both informative and accessible, leaving audiences better equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Gordon Corera is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled ability to make intelligence, cybersecurity and global affairs understandable and relevant to diverse audiences. Drawing on decades of reporting from the front line of major international events, he delivers engaging presentations packed with real-world examples and practical lessons. A speaker at leading forums including Hay Festival and Intelligence Squared, Gordon combines compelling storytelling with expert analysis, helping audiences understand risk, resilience, leadership and decision-making in uncertain environments. His talks are insightful, thought-provoking and highly relevant to modern organisations.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Gordon Corera’s remarkable career across media and politics:

  • 2026 – Visiting Professor with the Strand Group at King’s College London
  • 2025 – Published ‘The Spy in the Archive’
  • 2024 – Became Co-Host of ‘The Rest is Classified’ Podcast
  • 2020 – Published ‘Russians Among Us’
  • 2018 – Published ‘Secret Pigeon Service’
  • 2015 – Published ‘Cyberspies’
  • 2011 – Published ‘MI6: Life and Death in the British Secret Service’
  • 2009 – Presented Radio 4 Programme ‘MI6: A Century in the Shadows’
  • 2006 – Published ‘Shopping for Bombs’
  • 2004 – Became the Security Correspondent for BBC News
  • 2001 – Served as a Foreign Reporter for Radio 4’s Today
  • 2000 – Worked as an Analyst for the BBC’s Coverage of the US Presidential Election
  • 1997 – Joined BBC News as a Researcher