Alan West

Admiral Lord West is a distinguished naval commander and security strategist with unrivalled expertise in risk management, intelligence, and national defence. He commanded HMS Ardent during the Falklands War, served as First Sea Lord, and led Britain's maritime response to 9/11 before joining government as Security Minister, where he authored the UK's first National Security Strategy and pioneering counter-terrorism frameworks. His sessions equip leaders and organisations with practical insights into strategic risk assessment, crisis decision-making under pressure, and building resilient security cultures that protect people, operations, and reputation in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

In 1982, Admiral Lord West commanded HMS Ardent through the waters of the South Atlantic, where his frigate was sunk during the successful recapture of the Falkland Islands. That action earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and the honour of leading the Victory Parade through the City of London, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that would see him shape Britain's approach to security, intelligence, and national defence at the highest levels. From his early days joining the Navy in 1965 to commanding carrier battle groups and leading the sixteen-ship withdrawal from Hong Kong, Lord West spent decades at sea, serving in fourteen ships and commanding three, building the operational expertise that would define his strategic vision.

His progression through the most senior roles in British defence reflects both the breadth and depth of his expertise. As head of Naval Intelligence and later Chief of Defence Intelligence, he provided critical intelligence during the Kosovo conflict. Appointed Commander-in-Chief Fleet and NATO Commander-in-Chief East Atlantic in 2000, he led the United Kingdom's maritime response to the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan. As First Sea Lord from 2002, he inspired and organised the Trafalgar Bicentennial Fleet Review and guided the Navy's crucial role in the initial invasion of Iraq. In 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown invited him to join the Government of All The Talents as Security Minister, responsible for national security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and Olympic security. During this tenure, Lord West produced the United Kingdom's first National Security Strategy and pioneering frameworks including the Contest 2 counter-terrorist policy, the national Cyber Security Strategy, and guidance for protecting crowded places. He established the foundational security construct for the 2012 London Olympics and chaired the National Security Forum, cementing his reputation as one of Britain's foremost strategic thinkers.

Today, Lord West translates decades of operational command and policy leadership into practical guidance for organisations navigating an increasingly volatile threat landscape. His sessions equip leaders with proven frameworks for strategic risk assessment, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities before they become crises. Drawing on firsthand experience of decision-making under extreme pressure, he demonstrates how to maintain clarity and effectiveness when stakes are highest. Audiences gain actionable insights into building resilient security cultures that protect people, operations, and reputation whilst remaining agile enough to adapt to emerging threats. Whether addressing boards confronting geopolitical uncertainty, security professionals managing complex risks, or organisations seeking to strengthen their crisis preparedness, Lord West delivers the strategic perspective and practical tools that transform how leaders think about, prepare for, and respond to the challenges that define our era.