Frank Gardner OBE

BBC's Security Correspondent & Author

Frank spent nine years as an investment banker in New York, London and Bahrain before switching to journalism and joining the BBC in 1995. Frank has reported extensively on the global ˜War on Terror' in Guantanamo Bay, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. In 2004 Frank survived being shot six times at close range by Al-Qaeda terrorists in a Riyadh suburb in Saudia Arabia. He went on to write his best-selling memoir Blood and Sand (Bantam, 2006). Far Horizons was published in 2009, a much praised account of his life as an inveterate traveller and explorer. His first novel, Crisis was a No.1 bestseller. Awarded an OBE for services to journalism, Frank has also written for the Economist, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Time Out and has been published in The Best of Sunday Times Travel Writing. In 2018 he was awarded the University of Southern California's Tommy Trojan Trophy for distinguished speaking.

As a career broadcaster and a witty and gifted communicator, Frank shares his passion for the Middle East, travel and adventure. He draws on a unique perspective and understanding of both domestic and international security. Frank's own personal story of survival combined with his extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern history and politics make for a compelling event.

Themes

Adventure, Adversity, International Affairs, Politics & Current Affairs, Fear & Risk, Security




Slideshow Items

  • I have lost track of the number of people who said how brilliant you were and, as one person said: "If Frank could bottle that positive attitude he could make a fortune."

    Mrs Sarah Soar
    Director, Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited

  • We were honestly delighted... it was one of the best presentations I have heard. Frank was relaxed and straight forward in his delivery.

    Francesca Corsini
    Threadneedle Asset Management

  • Frank was the perfect chairman for their event and his knowledge of security and terrorism was impressive. I really enjoyed listening to him speak... and his presence made the event.


    Reed & Mackay

  • Frank provided a fascinating and unique insight into some of the geo-political and security challenges that we face. I would most strongly recommend Frank as a speaker for similar events to ours.

    Julian Enoizi
    CEO Pool Reinsurance Company Ltd

  • 'Frank was a great public speaker: open, humorous and honest and his xtensive knowledge... shone through all that he said.

    Joanne Sagers
    Dauntsey's School

  • An enormous thank you for giving us such a wonderful talk. We've been inundated with positive feedback from those who attended.


    Professional Services Network