These expert speakers help companies navigate potential risks and opportunities. Therefore, businesses can make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and anticipate market shifts, ultimately improving their competitiveness and resilience as global companies.
At Great Business Speakers, our Political, Current Affairs, and Geopolitical experts can help organisations understand how global events may influence their workforce, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. By keeping executives, employees, and stakeholders well-informed, businesses can mitigate risks, avoid surprises, and position themselves as proactive and adaptable in an ever-changing world. Their insights can be critical for strategic planning, forecasting, and maintaining long-term sustainability in finance, technology, and international trade.
Discover our Political, Current Affairs and Geopolitical Speakers below, or contact the team at Great Business Speakers to enquire or book. +44 1753 439 289
Sir Vince Cable is a distinguished British politician, economist, and author. He is the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Member of Parliament for Twickenham.
Vince first became involved in politics in the 1970s as a Labour councillor. In 1982, however, he switched to the newly formed Social Democratic Party, which later amalgamated with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats.
Sir Vince’s influence within the Liberal Democrats was significant. He served as an MP from 1997 to 2015 and then again from 2017 to 2019. He was the party’s Treasury spokesperson and in 2006 was elected as Deputy Leader. In 2010, he was appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the coalition government with the Conservative Party, a position he held for five years.
In 2017, Sir Vince became the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and two years later led them to their best national electoral performance since 2010. He stood down as Leader in 2019 and retired from Parliament at the 2019 general election.
Renowned for his critical stance on banks and his accurate prediction of the financial crisis, he is a leading voice in British and European economic affairs. His influence is further demonstrated through his several books and regular appearances in broadcast media and print, as well as his role as a columnist for the Economist and the Independent.
Pippa Crerar is a multi-award-winning political journalist who has covered Westminster and international politics for more than two decades, reporting on six general elections, seven prime ministers, and many major news stories, from the Iraq war and the financial crash to Brexit and parliamentary scandals.
She is currently the political editor at The Guardian and previously held the same position at the Daily Mirror, where she exposed the Partygate scandal during the Covid lockdown.
A familiar face across major broadcast outlets like Sky News, ITV, Channel 4, and the BBC, where she presents Radio 4’s The Week In Westminster, Pippa has even been depicted in Michael Winterbottom’s six-part drama This England, focussed on Boris Johnson and his government.
As a multi-award-winning journalist, she holds titles such as Journalist of the Year from the London Press Club, the Society of Editors, and the British Journalism Awards. Her impressive accolades include Political Journalist of the Year, Scoop of the Year, Investigation of the Year, the Hugh Cudlipp Award, and Women In Journalism’s Woman of the Year.
A warm, witty, and authoritative speaker, Pippa is an accomplished presenter at events in the political world and beyond.
Nick Bridge CMG has over 25 years of experience as a British diplomat, focussed latterly on the global climate and environmental crisis.
For six years, he was the UK Government’s Special Representative for Climate Change, having previously been one of the youngest ever British Ambassadors.
He brings his unique experience of global politics and the climate and environmental crises, as well as his working with six British Prime Ministers and eight Foreign Secretaries, working on global political, business, and civil problems.
Now a popular keynote speaker, Nick loves to connect deeply with his audience and speaks with passion, wit, and strategic insight about the solutions to our environmental problems.
He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the Order of the Knighthood (CMG) in the late Queen’s 2022 Honours for services to tackling global climate change; he received his honour from King Charles in 2023.
Lizzy Burden is UK correspondent and anchor on Bloomberg TV, hosts Bloomberg Radio and Bloomberg UK Politics Podcast.
Lizzy Burden has interviewed big names from the world of politics, business and economics, including the UK Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, Bank of England policymakers and FTSE 100 CEOs, as well as Nobel Laureate economists.
She previously worked as a reporter for The Times and The Daily Telegraph. In 2020, while writing for The Telegraph, Lizzie was named one of MHP’s 30 journalists to watch.
Lizzy Burden has reported from Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, the Band of England and the Élysée Palace, covering monetary policy decisions, the careers of multiple UK prime ministers, the death and funeral of Elizabeth II and Brexit, and chronicled the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the British economy.
She also hosts events, including recently at Conservative and Labour Party conferences, the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, the CBI’s annual conference, Chatham House and Founders Forum.
Katty Kay is a Washington DC-based Special Correspondent, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author.
She has given global perspectives on American politics and global affairs, and has experience working in Europe, Japan, the Middle East, South Africa, and the U.S throughout her career. She has worked for the BBC for over three decades, and has covered everything from financial crashes to world trouble spots, sex scandals, global affairs, politics, and six U.S Presidential elections.
She is currently a contributor to MSNBC, and U.S Special Correspondent for BBC Studios, and frequently works from the U.S and Europe.
Katty Kay has co-authored a number of books, four of which have been New York Times’ bestsellers. She is also a popular and engaging keynote speaker, moderator, interviewer, and event host.
John Kampfner is a renowned author, political commentator, journalist, and keynote speaker, who works with global audiences to understand and interpret geopolitical issues that have shaped society.
In a 40+ year career, John has had a front-row seat at many of the world’s biggest events.
On top of his writing and speaking duties, John is a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a Chair of Young Königswinter, and a Chairperson at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.
In 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bath Spa University for his services to the arts, and was named one of the 1,000 most influential Londoners in the Evening Standard Progress 1,000 survey, in 2015, 2016, and 2017!
Gareth Rees, Kings Counsel, is a leading barrister with over 40 years practising in business crime and regulation with experience as a UK Regulator and as a partner in two global US law firms.
His unusual and diverse legal background allows him to stand back and see the bigger picture for corporate clients and leading business individuals going beyond the constraints of legal rules.
He now enjoys giving an oversight and his own reflections on the way law and regulation has impacted on global business and where we are likely to head next relying on experience giving advice in the UK, US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. In this arena all legal advice has to be given against a variety of cultural and political factors.
He has also provided UK sanctions advice to large global financial institutions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and was a member of the firm’s global steering group on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues advising on Modern Slavery Act issues, UK regulatory requirements on sustainability disclosures, and on Human Rights and other issues in the supply chain
Felipe Calderón is a Mexican politician who was president from 2006 to 2012. He is now also a globally recognised leader in climate action and sustainability transformation.
As the Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy & Climate, he has been at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development. His leadership in this area extends beyond policy, influencing international dialogue and driving innovation in environmental strategies.
During his presidency, Felipe’s policies elevated Mexico’s position in the global economy, turning the country into a powerful player on the world stage. His economic reforms and commitment to sustainable development have been widely praised, making him an influential figure in global politics.
Felipe is internationally admired for his role in strengthening the rule of law in Mexico, a key achievement that helped stabilise the country in a challenging period.
Felipe Calderón has received numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions, including being named Statesman of the Year by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and Champion of the Earth by the United Nations. TIME Magazine also listed him among the Top 100 Influential People in the World.
In addition to his work in climate and sustainability, Felipe serves as President of the Environment & Sustainability Commission for the International Automobile Federation, where he continues to drive environmental progress across industries.
Charlotte Briere-Edney is an accomplished TV News Anchor and Correspondent who has over 15 years of broadcasting experience at leading UK and global broadcasters.
She is recognised for her skill in delivering authoritative live coverage to global audiences and breaking significant global stories. She has interviewed and conducted insightful discussions with world leaders, experts and stakeholders facilitating informed discussions on topics of global significance.
Charlotte, who speaks French, Russian, Spanish and English, is currently a News Anchor for TRT World based in Istanbul. Previously she has worked for ITV, the BBC and Sky News.
In addition to being an outstanding News Anchor and Presenter, Charlotte is also an MC at international conferences and chairs panel discussions with VIP guests.
Baroness Ruth Hunt is an influential communicator, Director, and former CEO, who helps audiences of all sizes understand how they can build better cultures that work and bring minority voices into the room.
She has over two decades of experience leading campaigns for the LGBTQ+ community, and in 2019 she became the youngest crossbench peer in the House of Lords, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ communities.
Throughout her career, Ruth has received many accolades, including making it on The Independent on Sunday’s Pink List as the fifth most influential LGBT Person in Britain in 2013, and then made it to third place in 2015.
Anna-Joy Rickard is a thought leader, podcaster, and speaker who specializes in world affairs, leadership, and personal development.
As the host and producer of The Great British Foreign Affairs Podcast, she explores geopolitical trends, international affairs and travel inspiration, offering listeners unique insights into global issues.
Previous clients include The University of Cambridge, The Fabian Society, Tony Blair Institute, Sahel Alliance, Brussels, Halo Trust, SID-Washington.
Anna-Joy speaks on the dual themes of world-shaping ideas and world-shaping leadership. Her expertise spanning a broad range of geopolitical topics, makes her an ideal speaker for events focused on global trends and international relations.
Alexander Wood’s journey has taken him from the heights of the classical music world to the depths of criminal life and on to a respected role in the Counter Fraud profession.
Alexander’s early career was in the music industry. From the age of 13 he toured the world as a violin soloist and performed under the greatest conductors of the modern era. He was awarded prestigious scholarships to attend the Purcell School, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, won an array of prizes along the way and became a regular guest at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
At the age of 24 his career was abruptly halted by the onset of repetitive strain injury (RSI) in his right hand and, faced with mounting debts and no source of income, his criminal career began. His life spiralled out of control, culminating in several years spent in prison for a number of dishonesty offences – everything from impersonating the 13th Duke of Marlborough to committing multi-million pound cyber-crime.
Since his release in early 2022, Alexander Wood has dramatically transformed his life, becoming a leading figure in the fight against fraud. His expertise is now in high demand across both public and private sectors, where he offers unique insights into the mindset of a criminal. In recognition of his work, Alexander has been nominated for the 2024 Public Sector Fraud Awards in two categories: Newcomer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution.
He is a respected keynote speaker, and his speeches, such as Inside the Mind of a Criminal, provide invaluable insight into topics like social engineering and underworld banking.’
While incarcerated, Alexander Wood’s story captured the attention of world-leading literary agent Andrew Lownie. His life is now being chronicled in a major documentary currently in production by acclaimed filmmakers Chris Atkins and Louis Theroux of Mindhouse Productions.
From a celebrated musician toa convicted criminal and now a powerful voice in the fight against fraud, Alexander Wood’s story is one of redemption and resilience, offering valuable lessons for both individuals and institutions alike.
Alan Johnson is one of the most respected MPs of recent time, with positions including Secretary of State for Education and Skills (2006-07), Health (2007-09), Home Secretary (2009-10), and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (2010-11).
In 2023, he was appointed as Chancellor of the University of Hull.
He is now an award-winning author and broadcaster. He has been a regular guest on This Week, Have I Got News For You, as well as a surprise hit on The Masked Singer (2020). He has also been involved with documentaries including Alan Johnson: The Post Office and Me, and The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number 1.
Professor Trevor Williams is an author, academic and consultant, analysing and providing insight into how politics, demographics and trade shape economies and economic trends. For 30 years he worked as an economist in the City, including ten years as Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank.
From patterns in inflation and earnings to trade deals and stock markets, Trevor analyses what is going on within the economy and the significance for organisations and individuals.
Trevor Williams provides analysis of the risks businesses and governments face and how the economy will react, as well as looking at the political economics of climate change and possible energy shortages, alongside the risks and costs to businesses and consumers.
Focussing on ‘big data’, Trevor has written and spoken extensively on how data can be used to analyse trends in macro-economic individual company performance.
Born in 1954 in County Durham, Lord Kim Darroch is a retired UK civil servant and life peer in the House of Lords. His diplomatic career spanned over four decades, where he primarily focussed on national security issues and European policy.
Lord Darroch initially studied Zoology at Durham University, before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1976. Two years later, he married his wife Vanessa, who went on to have two children.
Through his time in diplomatic service, Lord Darroch gained experience in international negotiations, national security issues, and European affairs, as well as being a senior advisor to no less than four UK Prime Ministers, and a representative of the UK Government in the US and the EU.
Susannah Streeter is a leading broadcaster and financial commentator who has anchored flagship business news programmes on TV and radio and hosted major summits, conferences and events, around the world.
She is a hugely popular host and moderator, who has worked with banks, governments, and other organisations, focussing on international business themes and challenges, resilience, leadership, and team building in a fractured world, as well as micro-economics, the armed forces, energy, sustainability, defence, and artificial intelligence.
Since 2020, Susannah has been a Senior Investment and Markets Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. As Head of Money and Markets for Hargreaves Lansdown Susannah keeps investors updated about the latest economic and financial moves, how it’s affecting listed companies and how investors should manage portfolios amid the turmoil.
Stephanie Prentice is a news reporter, presenter, and events host who specialises in world news for the BBC.
She has worked across EMEA and North American markets for major news outlets, including ITV, ITN, Reuters, CBC News Toronto, Entertainment Tonight Canada, Global News, 5 News, and News UK.
She also hosts events in the non-profit and arts sectors, including the Global Citizen Forum.
Former BBC Newsnight Economics Editor, Stephanie Flanders is an economist, journalist, broadcaster, presenter, former Senior Advisor to the US Treasury Secretary, and current Senior Executive Editor for Economics at Bloomberg.
One of the foremost authorities on economics across the globe, Stephanie’s experience and personable nature make her an impressive keynote speaker for any event.
Stacey Dooley is a candid journalist known for her hard-hitting and often controversial BBC documentaries.
Her work has taken her around the world, uncovering the truth about sex trafficking in Cambodia, the fashion trade in India to all female juvenile prisons in the United States.
Channel 5 news presenter Matt Barbet has hosted an array of news shows and topical events programmes such as Breakfast, BBC London News (BBC 1), The Cycle Show (ITV 4), The Wright Stuff, The 5 O’clock Show (Channel 5) and News Hour (Daybreak).
Matt has a wealth of television experience both in the studio and on location having reported from Afghanistan, Haiti and Ethiopia. He has also fronted live events such as Channel 5’s coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and hosted live from the Oscars on two separate occasions.
Matt is an experienced corporate speaker, from facilitating discussions and conducting interviews with the likes of Fujitsu UK and the Cartus Home Sale Network, to hosting Frontier Magazine’s Travel Retail Awards in Cannes.
Maryam Moshiri is a Chief News Presenter on the BBC’s global news channel BBC World News, broadcasting to over 100 million viewers a week. She presents many of the flagship programmes, including Impact, The Briefing, Global, Newsday and World News Today.
Maryam is both a main news and business news specialist. She worked as a Lead Business Presenter on BBC News for 16 years, presenting all the BBC’s flagship business programmes, including World Business Report, Talking Business and the Business Briefing.
Maria Ramos is a leading international journalist and TV News Anchor at TRT World London. Anchoring the flagship news programme News Hour, she delivers breaking news and global headlines; her recent coverage includes Trump’s tariffs, the U.S. presidential elections, the Gaza conflict, and the Russia–Ukraine war.
Ramos’ journalism career spans global outlets including BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Bahrain TV, and UNICEF. She’s reported across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
As well as English, Maria speaks French, Italian, Spanish, and basic Arabic.
Marc Edwards is a bilingual Welsh/Chinese Television Presenter. Speaking both English and French fluently he is uniquely placed in the marketplace.
Marc has worked with some of the world’s most recognised broadcast outlets including the BBC, China Central Television, France 24, London Live and Eurosport.
Sohail is an award-winning news anchor and correspondent at Al Jazeera.
Since joining the network in 2005 his work as a correspondent in Asia has won many commendations, including international awards and an Emmy nomination for his coverage of ‘Nepal In Ruins’.
