London, England, United Kingdom
As a seasoned Executive Director, Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor with 30+ years’ experience across governments, multilaterals, research institutes and the private sector, I have a deep expertise in security, geopolitics and defence. My career has been defined by the ability to forge global networks and partnerships, match complementary skills across organisations, and navigate complex and evolving environments. During my tenure as Director General of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) I have increased institutional capacity and enhanced RUSI’s global influence. Income grew significantly and the organisation expanded its international footprint, leading to Prospect Magazine’s 2020 award for Think Tank of the Year. I also led a successful fundraising campaign, raising £13m+ to restore and modernise RUSI's historic Whitehall headquarters. I serve as a Trustee for the National Archives Trust, a Senior Advisor to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, and an Advisory Board Member for the Brenthurst Foundation in South Africa. I am also a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council on Geopolitics. My passion for thought leadership extends to my frequent media appearances and speaking engagements at international colloquia. As the author of Democracy by Force: US Intervention in the Post-Cold War World, I continue to explore the intersections of great power competition, politics and security in a rapidly changing world. With a track record of driving organisational success, leading macro-strategic turnarounds, fostering strategic partnerships and innovative research, I am committed to navigating the complex challenges of the modern geopolitical environment while positioning organisations for long-term growth and impact. Specialities: ✔️ Strategy Formulation & Implementation ✔️Operational Infrastructure ✔️Governance / Due Diligence ✔️Risk Mitigation & Management ✔️Fundraising ✔️Financial Management ✔️Conflict & Crisis Management ✔️Innovation / Advanced Technology ✔️People Management / Leadership ✔️Training, Coaching & Mentoring ✔️Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ✔️Stakeholder Relationship Building ✔️Distilling and Disseminating Complex Information ✔️Negotiation & Influence ✔️Media Profile ✔️Public Speaking / Keynote Speaker
Arden supports clients as they navigate a changing geopolitical and security landscape, and engage with defence policy in the UK.