John Sawers

Sir John Sawers is the former Chief of MI6 and a leading authority on global security, geopolitics and cyber risk, advising businesses and governments on navigating today’s complex world.

Sir John Sawers is one of the UK’s most experienced figures in global security and international affairs, with a career spanning diplomacy, intelligence and strategic advisory at the highest level.

As former Chief of MI6, Sir John led the Secret Intelligence Service through a period of intense global risk – from terrorism and cyber threats to geopolitical upheaval. During his five-year tenure, he modernised the agency, introduced greater transparency, and helped reshape its relationship with the public, media and international partners.

Now Chairman and Partner at Macro Advisory Partners, Sir John works closely with global investors, corporations and governments to help them navigate the intersection of geopolitics, global markets and policy in an increasingly volatile world. He also holds positions as a Non-Executive Director at BP, a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, and a Senior Fellow at RUSI.

His previous roles include UK Ambassador to the UN, Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair, Ambassador to Egypt, and Political Director at the Foreign Office. He also served as Special Representative in Iraq during a critical period in 2003.

As a speaker, Sir John draws on over three decades of experience to provide rare and valuable insight into the forces shaping today’s world – from the rise of China and the war in Ukraine, to Middle Eastern dynamics, nuclear diplomacy, cyber threats and the growing challenges to international order.

He speaks with clarity, authority and calm – offering audiences a nuanced perspective on global risk, foreign policy, digital security and how organisations can respond strategically. With a focus on the practical implications for business and leadership, his talks explore how to manage uncertainty, prepare for disruption and adapt to fast-changing geopolitical realities.

A trusted adviser to governments and global firms alike, Sir John remains closely involved in current affairs, and is uniquely placed to help leaders understand what’s coming next – and how best to navigate it.