Mark "Billy" Billingham

Mark "Billy" Billingham MBE is a former SAS Sergeant Major, bestselling author, and Chief Instructor on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins, also appearing as a DS on Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. Serving over 20 years in the SAS after passing selection in 1991, he executed strategic Tier 1 operations globally and received a Queen's Commendation for Bravery and an MBE from HM Queen Elizabeth II. His latest book, Further, explores ten key SAS lessons for living a more successful life, whilst his ongoing UK speaking tour empowers audiences to adopt elite military mindsets that strengthen resilience, leadership, and performance under pressure.

In 1991, Mark "Billy" Billingham passed one of the world's most gruelling selection processes and joined 22 Special Air Service, beginning a career in elite special operations that would span over two decades and earn him both a Queen's Commendation for Bravery and an MBE from HM Queen Elizabeth II. Before that defining moment, Billy had already established himself within the Parachute Regiment, serving since 1983 in roles ranging from Patrol Commander on worldwide operational tours to Training Instructor. His progression to the SAS marked the start of a distinguished military chapter, during which he trained, planned, and executed strategic Tier 1 operations at the highest level across the globe. Following his military service, Billy transitioned into close protection, safeguarding A-list figures including Tom Cruise, Sir Michael Caine, Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie, applying the same precision and discipline honed during his years in special forces.

Billy's expertise has reached millions through his role as Chief Instructor on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins and as a DS on the prime-time Fox series Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, where he challenges participants to confront their limits under extreme pressure. He has also presented his own BBC One series, SAS: Catching the Criminals, further cementing his reputation as a credible voice on resilience, mental fortitude, and high-performance mindset. As a bestselling author, Billy has written novels including Call to Kill and Survive to Fight, both drawn from his operational experiences. His autobiography, The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win, offers an unflinching account of his journey, whilst his latest book, Further, distils ten key lessons from the SAS that have shaped his approach to living a more successful and fulfilled life. Beyond the screen and page, Billy serves as an ambassador for Rebuild Globally, a charity supporting orphaned children through education and vocational training, and has been named the face of The Great Tommy Sleep Out campaign for 2026, championing veterans and those in need.

Billy's speaking engagements deliver practical strategies rooted in real-world pressure, equipping audiences with tools to strengthen leadership, build resilience, and perform under adversity. His upcoming UK tour, launching in October 2026, will take him from Swindon to Belfast and across England, Wales, and Scotland, offering organisations and individuals the opportunity to learn directly from someone who has operated at the highest levels of military and civilian life. Whether addressing corporate teams, leadership groups, or public audiences, Billy translates elite military principles into accessible, actionable insights that create lasting change. His authenticity, hard-won wisdom, and commitment to empowering others ensure that every audience leaves with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and the confidence to tackle their toughest challenges head-on.