Former Chief of The General Staff, Lieutenant General, Commander of The 3rd (United Kingdom) Division & Renowned Military Strategist
General Sir Patrick Sanders’s Biography:
General Sir Patrick Sanders is a highly respected military leader and keynote speaker, recognised for his strategic judgement, operational credibility and leadership at the highest levels of defence. As the former Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, Patrick led the organisation through a period of exceptional global volatility. Most notably, he oversaw the Army’s strategic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, shaping force readiness, deterrence and the future direction of UK defence, while consistently emphasising the human dimension of leadership in complex environments.
Patrick’s career began with his commissioning into the Royal Green Jackets after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His early operational deployments to Northern Ireland during The Troubles exposed him to the realities of leadership in politically sensitive and high-risk settings. Subsequent tours in Bosnia and Kosovo further developed his understanding of multinational operations and stabilisation missions. Alongside frontline experience, Patrick pursued advanced professional education, including a Master’s degree in defence technology at Cranfield University, laying the intellectual foundation for his later strategic roles.
Across his career, Patrick held a succession of senior command and leadership appointments. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets during its transition into The Rifles in the Iraq War, earning the Distinguished Service Order for leadership under fire. He later commanded 20th Armoured Brigade in Afghanistan, where he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. As a Lieutenant General, Patrick served as Commander Field Army before leading Strategic Command, integrating cyber, intelligence, space and special forces capabilities.
Beyond his formal roles, Patrick is widely regarded for his clarity of thought, moral courage and ability to lead through uncertainty. His experience across conventional warfare, technological disruption and alliance leadership gives him a rare, authoritative perspective that resonates far beyond defence audiences.
Why Hire General Sir Patrick Sanders?
Patrick is hired as a keynote speaker for his ability to translate real-world leadership under pressure into powerful, practical insights. Drawing on senior command experience and global coalition leadership, he speaks with credibility on resilience, decision making, geopolitics and organisational adaptability. His presentations are direct, authentic and highly relevant, equipping leaders to navigate uncertainty, complexity and rapid change with confidence and purpose.
General Sir Patrick Sanders’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define General Sir Patrick Sanders’s inspirational career:
- 2025 – Appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Herminius Strategic Intelligence
- 2024 – Awarded Commander of the Legion of Merit by the United States
- 2022 – Appointed Chief of the General Staff, British Army
- 2020 – Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
- 2019 – Promoted to General and appointed Commander of Strategic Command
- 2016 – Promoted to Lieutenant General and named Commander Field Army
- 2012 – Awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- 2008 – Received Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for leadership in Iraq
Videos
General Sir Patrick Sanders’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Patrick delivered an outstanding keynote that combined strategic clarity with genuine authenticity. His insights into leadership under pressure, decision-making in uncertain environments and the human impact of change were deeply compelling. The audience was fully engaged throughout, and many senior leaders described his session as one of the most valuable they had attended.” – David Simms, Talent Agent
“Patrick’s keynote was authoritative, thoughtful and immensely relevant. He brought complex global security and leadership challenges to life with clarity and precision, making them accessible to a non-military audience. His calm, measured delivery and real-world examples left delegates with practical lessons they could immediately apply in their own organisations.” –Amelia Neate, Talent Agent
Speaking Topics
General Sir Patrick Sanders’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Cyber, AI and Technological Change
- Geopolitics and Modern Warfare
- Global Security and Defence Strategy
- Leadership in High-Pressure Environments
- Mental Health and Resilience
- Organisational Transformation and Culture
How Much Does General Sir Patrick Sanders Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire General Sir Patrick Sanders?
The cost of hiring General Sir Patrick Sanders varies depending on the event format, location, audience size and duration of appearance. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.