Sir John Sawers

Former Chief Of MI6 Secret Intelligence Service, Former British Permanent Representative To The United Nations, Former Director-General for Political Affairs at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office & BP Global Non-Executive Director

Sir John Sawers’ Biography:

Sir John Sawers is one of Britain’s foremost authorities on security, intelligence and geopolitics. Best known for serving as Chief of MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service, from 2009 to 2014, John spent decades at the forefront of British national security and international diplomacy. Throughout his distinguished career as an intelligence officer, civil servant and diplomat, he played a prominent role in addressing some of the world’s most complex geopolitical challenges, including the conflict in Syria. As a speaker, he offers unparalleled insight into global security, intelligence gathering, international relations and the evolving geopolitical landscape, making him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for business and government audiences alike.

John began his career at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1977 after studying Physics and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham. He further broadened his academic experience through studies at the University of St Andrews, the University of the Witwatersrand and Harvard University. Early in his career, he served as Private Secretary to the Minister of State and Desk Officer in the European Union Department. He later became Principal Private Secretary to Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd and served as HM Ambassador to Egypt. Over the following years, John held several senior positions, including Director-General for Political Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and British Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Throughout his career, John worked on many of the defining international issues of the modern era, including the Kosovo War, the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Iraq sanctions policy and the Good Friday Agreement. In recognition of his exceptional service to national security, he was appointed both Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) and later Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).

Since retiring from MI6, John has remained active in business, academia and international affairs. He has served as Partner and Chairman of Macro Advisory Partners, Executive Chairman of Newbridge Advisory and Non-Executive Director of BP. As a Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, he continues to share his expertise on geopolitics, Brexit, security risks and global investment trends with audiences worldwide.

Why Hire Sir John Sawers?

Sir John Sawers provides audiences with a rare perspective gained from decades of operating at the highest levels of intelligence, diplomacy and international affairs. Drawing on experience leading MI6 and representing Britain on the global stage, he delivers authoritative insights into geopolitical risk, emerging security threats and the impact of global events on business and investment. His presentations help organisations understand an increasingly complex world, offering practical analysis of international developments and strategic challenges. Combining real-world experience with engaging storytelling, John equips audiences with valuable knowledge to navigate uncertainty and change.

Sir John Sawers‘ Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Sir John Sawers’ remarkable career:

• 2014 – Retired as Chief of MI6 after leading the Secret Intelligence Service through a pivotal period of global security challenges.
• 2014 – Became Partner and Chairman of Macro Advisory Partners, advising organisations on geopolitical and strategic risks.
• 2014 – Appointed Executive Chairman of Newbridge Advisory, supporting clients with international risk and political analysis.
• 2014 – Joined BP as a Non-Executive Director, bringing expertise in global affairs and security.
• 2009 – Appointed Chief of MI6, leading the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service until 2014.
• 2007 – Served as British Permanent Representative to the United Nations, representing UK interests on major international issues.
• 2003 – Appointed Director-General for Political Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• 2001 – Played a key role in international diplomacy relating to issues including Iraq sanctions, Kosovo and the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
• 1999 – Served as HM Ambassador to Egypt, strengthening diplomatic relations during a critical period in the region.
• 1977 – Joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, beginning a distinguished career in diplomacy, intelligence and public service.