Sir Richard Moore

Former Chief Of MI6 Secret Intelligence Service, Former Director-General, Political at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & Chair of the Kennedy Memorial Trust

Sir Richard Moore’s Biography:

Sir Richard Moore is a distinguished British intelligence officer, diplomat and civil servant best known for serving as Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from 2020 to 2025. As the head of the UK’s foreign intelligence agency during a period of significant geopolitical uncertainty, he played a central role in shaping British national security strategy and strengthening international intelligence partnerships. Renowned for his expertise in diplomacy, intelligence and global affairs, Richard is a highly sought-after speaker who offers unique insights into leadership, security, international relations and navigating complex global challenges.

Richard’s career began when he was recruited to MI6 as an intelligence officer in 1987. Following his studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Worcester College, Oxford, and postgraduate education at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government as a Kennedy Scholar, he embarked on a distinguished intelligence career. His early postings took him to Vietnam, Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia, while he also served in London as Desk Officer for Iran. Over the following decades, he developed extensive expertise in intelligence gathering, diplomacy and foreign policy, culminating in senior leadership positions across government.

Throughout his career, Richard has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to British foreign policy and national security. He attended the prestigious Stanford Executive Program in 2007 and was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to UK-Turkey relations. In 2023, he was further honoured as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for services to national security and British foreign policy, formally earning his knighthood.

Beyond intelligence leadership, Richard has held several influential diplomatic and strategic positions. He served as British Ambassador to Turkey, Deputy National Security Advisor, and Director-General, Political at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office until 2020. Since leaving MI6, he has continued to contribute to public life as Chair of the Kennedy Memorial Trust and, in 2026, was appointed Senior Strategist at Sixth Studio, advising organisations on leadership, geopolitics and strategic risk.

Why Hire Sir Richard Moore?

Sir Richard Moore delivers unparalleled perspectives on intelligence, leadership, geopolitical risk and international diplomacy drawn from nearly four decades at the highest levels of government. Having led MI6 through a transformative period in global security, he provides audiences with practical lessons on decision-making under pressure, strategic thinking and managing uncertainty. His extensive experience across intelligence, diplomacy and foreign policy enables him to translate complex international developments into clear, relevant insights for business leaders, policymakers and global organisations seeking to understand an increasingly volatile world.

Sir Richard Moore‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Sir Richard Moore’s remarkable career:

  • 2026 – Appointed Senior Strategist at Sixth Studio, advising organisations on strategy, leadership and geopolitical risk.
  • 2025 – Appointed Chair of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, supporting educational and leadership development initiatives.
  • 2023 – Awarded a KCMG and knighted for services to UK national security and British foreign policy.
  • 2020 – Became Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), leading the organisation through a period of global geopolitical change.
  • 2018 – Appointed Director-General, Political at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
  • 2018 – Served as Deputy National Security Advisor (Intelligence, Security and Resilience) at the Cabinet Office.
  • 2017 – Awarded a CMG in the New Year Honours for services to UK-Turkey relations.
  • 2014 – Appointed British Ambassador to Turkey, strengthening diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations.
  • 1987 – Recruited to MI6 as an intelligence officer, beginning a distinguished career spanning intelligence, diplomacy and national security.

“Sir Richard Moore delivered a fascinating and highly insightful keynote that captivated our audience from start to finish. Drawing on his unparalleled experience leading MI6 and serving at the highest levels of British diplomacy and national security, he provided a unique perspective on global affairs, leadership and strategic decision-making in an increasingly complex world. Professional, articulate and incredibly knowledgeable, Sir Richard was a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. We would highly recommend him to any organisation seeking a world-class speaker on leadership, security, intelligence and international affairs.” – David Simms