David Richards (Lord Richards) was appointed Head of the British Army in October 2010, and became Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of Britain’s armed forces and their strategic commander as well as the Prime Minister’s principal military adviser. Earlier in his career, he commanded British operations in... Read more
David Richards (Lord Richards) was appointed Head of the British Army in October 2010, and became Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of Britain’s armed forces and their strategic commander as well as the Prime Minister’s principal military adviser.
Earlier in his career, he commanded British operations in East Timor in 1999 and Sierra Leone in 2000. His mission in Sierra Leone – during which he persuaded then Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to allow him to run a bigger intervention in order to finish off the job successfully – saw him awarded a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership and “moral courage”. He also became a CBE for the operation he commanded in East Timor.
In 2006, he was appointed to command NATO’s successful expansion throughout Afghanistan. This was the first time a British general had commanded American troops at this level since 1945. His tour of duty earned him an operational KCB – a knighthood – the first since WW2.
During his time as the Chief of the Defence Staff he had the vision and leadership skills required to navigate the UK political waters. He has a grasp of grand-strategy that is rarely found on either side of the Atlantic. He ensured the successful implementation of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, he guaranteed the defence of the Falklands, played a leading role in the Libyan operation as well as other minor operations, and was a strong believer in maintaining Britain’s nuclear deterrent. Under his leadership he helped raise the UK’s international profile and influence, and ensured that the MoD took back its rightful place as the UK’s military strategic headquarters.
Lord Richards now gives advice to leading corporations and governments all over the world. His presentations draws on the strategic and leadership decisions he had to make throughout his career as well as at the very top of the UK armed forces and of government.
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You can book David Richards through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with David's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
David Richards's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for David tailored to your event.
David Richards speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with David to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book David Richards for events worldwide, subject to David's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether David Richards is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what David can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief David Richards on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what David can offer.
David Richards delivers keynotes in German. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
David Richards's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of David's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
David Richards can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of David's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what David Richards is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with David Richards, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check David's current availability for your dates.