Misha Glenny

Formerly The Guardian’s & Later The BBC’s Central European Correspondent, Author of ‘McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Crime Underworld’ & Recipient of the Sony Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting

Misha Glenny’s Biography:

Misha Glenny is one of the world’s leading authorities on cybersecurity, geopolitics, organised crime and international affairs. An award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster, Misha is renowned for his unparalleled analysis of the forces shaping global security and political stability. As the former Central European Correspondent for both The Guardian and the BBC, he gained international recognition for his reporting on the Yugoslav Wars and the political transformation of Eastern Europe. Today, he is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, advising governments, law enforcement agencies and organisations on cybersecurity threats, digital crime, misinformation and geopolitical risk.

Misha’s career began following his studies at the University of Bristol and Charles University in Prague. Developing an expertise in Central and Eastern European affairs, he went on to cover some of the most significant political and military conflicts of the late twentieth century. His reporting from the Balkans earned widespread acclaim and established him as a trusted commentator on international security. Over time, his interests expanded into organised crime, cybercrime and the evolving relationship between technology, politics and criminal networks, making him one of the foremost voices on these critical issues.

Throughout his career, Misha has received numerous accolades for his contributions to journalism and broadcasting. In 1993, he was awarded the Sony Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting in recognition of the impact of his international reporting. He has also been named BT Information Security Journalist of the Year. A prolific author, Misha has written several influential books, including ‘McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Crime Underworld’, which was translated into more than 30 languages and later adapted into a major BBC and AMC television drama. In 2000, he received an honorary doctorate from The American University in Bulgaria.

Alongside his writing and broadcasting work, Misha has held prestigious academic positions, serving as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, Columbia University and University College London. Between 2020 and 2022, he was a Research Fellow at the Berggruen Institute in Los Angeles. He has delivered acclaimed TED Talks on organised crime and cybersecurity, including ‘The Real Story of McMafia’ and ‘Hire the Hackers’. Since 2026, he has presented In Our Time on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service, continuing to inform audiences on the complex challenges facing the modern world.

Why Hire Misha Glenny?

Misha brings frontline journalistic experience, academic expertise, and strategic insight to some of the most pressing issues facing organisations today. Drawing on decades of investigating cybercrime, global criminal networks, political instability and digital threats, he delivers thought-provoking and highly relevant presentations. His speaking engagements are enhanced by his extensive advisory work with governments and law enforcement agencies. Having delivered internationally recognised TED Talks and spoken at major conferences worldwide, Misha provides audiences with practical perspectives on risk, resilience and the future of global security.

Misha Glenny‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Misha Glenny’s remarkable career:

• 2026 – Became presenter of In Our Time on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service.
• 2020 – Served as a Research Fellow at the Berggruen Institute in Los Angeles.
• 2011 – Delivered the TED Talk ‘Hire the Hackers’, exploring cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
• 2009 – Presented the TED Talk ‘The Real Story of McMafia’, examining the rise of global organised crime.
• 2008 – Saw ‘McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Crime Underworld’ gain international acclaim, later inspiring a major BBC and AMC television drama adaptation.
• 2000 – Received an honorary doctorate from The American University in Bulgaria for his contribution to journalism and international affairs.
• 1990s – Served as Central European Correspondent for The Guardian and the BBC, reporting extensively on the Yugoslav Wars and Eastern Europe.
• 1993 – Awarded the Sony Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting for his impactful international reporting.
• Career Achievement – Named BT Information Security Journalist of the Year for his work covering cybersecurity and digital threats.