Chair of the Building Safety Regulator, Former Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Launched the LFB’s First-Ever Professional Standards Unit & Awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal
Andy Roe’s Biography:
Andy Roe is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected public sector leaders, best known for serving as Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade and leading the organisation through a period of unprecedented scrutiny, reform and transformation. Recognised nationally for his leadership during some of the most challenging moments in modern emergency services history, Andy has built a reputation for calm decision-making, operational excellence and cultural change. His experience leading thousands of people in high-pressure environments, combined with his ability to communicate lessons on leadership, resilience and accountability, makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for organisations across the public and private sectors.
Andy began his career in public service after being commissioned as an officer in the British Army, serving with the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery and completing two operational tours in Northern Ireland, rising to the rank of Captain. He joined the London Fire Brigade as a frontline firefighter and steadily progressed through operational and leadership roles. His career culminated in appointments as Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Operations before becoming Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade. In this role, he led more than 6,300 staff and managed a budget exceeding £500 million. He also served as a Critical Incident Commander during the Grenfell Tower Fire, one of the most significant incidents in modern British emergency service history. Following his tenure at the Brigade, Andy was appointed Chair of the Building Safety Regulator and was later elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Roe of West Wickham.
Throughout his career, Andy has received widespread recognition for his leadership and commitment to public service. He was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for exceptional leadership during one of the most demanding periods in the London Fire Brigade’s history. Under his leadership, the Brigade fulfilled all Phase One recommendations arising from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and implemented major reforms, including the creation of its first Professional Standards Unit and an independent reporting line following an extensive Independent Culture Review. His insights on crisis leadership, organisational culture, accountability and operational decision making have made him a respected voice across government, industry and the wider public sector.
Why Hire Andy Roe?
Andy brings a unique perspective to keynote events, drawing on experience gained from military service, frontline emergency response and executive leadership at the highest levels. His presentations combine powerful real-world lessons from critical incidents with practical strategies for leading through uncertainty, building resilient cultures and driving meaningful change. Audiences value his authenticity, clarity and ability to translate complex challenges into actionable leadership principles, making him an outstanding keynote speaker for organisations seeking inspiration, insight and lasting impact.
Andy Roe’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Andy Roe’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer (Baron Roe of West Wickham)
- 2025 – Appointed by the UK government as the Chair of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)
- 2024 – Awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in the New Year Honours list for exceptional leadership through one of the LFB’s most challenging historic periods
- 2023 – Fulfilled 100% of the Phase One Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations
- 2022 – Launched the LFB’s first-ever Professional Standards Unit and implemented an independent reporting line following a rigorous Independent Culture Review
- 2020 – Appointed as the Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, taking charge of over 6,300 staff and a £510 million budget
- 2019 – Promoted to Deputy Commissioner and Director of Operations
- 2017 – Appointed Assistant Commissioner for the London Fire Brigade
- 2017 – Critical Incident Commander during the Grenfell Tower Fire
- 2002 – Joined the London Fire Brigade as a frontline, operational firefighter
- 1996 – Commissioned as an officer in the British Army, rising to the rank of Captain in the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery and serving two operational tours in Northern Ireland
Videos
Andy Roe’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Andy Roe is an exceptional keynote speaker who draws on a career spent leading through crisis, from frontline emergency response to overseeing one of the world’s largest fire and rescue services. His powerful insights on leadership, resilience, accountability and organisational culture resonate with audiences facing change and uncertainty, leaving them with practical lessons they can apply immediately.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Andy Roe‘s Official Keynote Topics:
- Leading a high-performing team
- Risk and Consequence
- Change and Transformation
How Much Does Andy Roe Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Andy Roe?
Andy Roe’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.