Former 22 SAS Officer & Counterterrorism Specialist

Colin Richardson MBE is a distinguished former 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) officer with a decorated career spanning counterterrorism, special operations, and high-pressure leadership roles across the globe. Renowned for his operational command in volatile regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia, Colin has shaped some of the most important special forces counter-insurgency and counterterrorist missions of modern times. His ability to translate elite military experiences into practical leadership lessons makes him a powerful keynote speaker on resilience, teamwork, and operating under pressure.

Credentials & Impact

After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Colin Richardson was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment before joining the SAS. Throughout his career, he held multiple command roles within UK Special Forces, serving as Commander of UKSF Covert Proxy Units, Commander of the 22 SAS Targeting Cell, Commander of the 22 SAS Special Reconnaissance Unit, and UKSF Lead on Selection and Training operations worldwide. He also played a pivotal role as UKSF Lead on Resistance Forces Development and Training, as well as Unconventional Warfare across the globe. His leadership extended to high-profile operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan, in addition to low-profile missions in Africa, South America, and Europe. Colin was instrumental in developing large-scale proxy forces, designing organic covert targeting capabilities, and working with both national and international security structures to counter global threats.

Publications & Media

Colin Richardson MBE is a respected commentator on national security, leadership, and resilience. He has written extensively on the impact of geopolitics on operational strategy and advises multinational corporations on building resilient leadership networks. His analysis has been featured in leading defence publications, and he is regularly consulted on matters of international security and counterterrorism. In addition, Colin brings humour and relatability to his talks, offering audiences engaging anecdotes from his years in special operations, including his lighter reflections in talks such as “Four Afghans for Christmas.”

Why Hire Colin Richardson MBE?

In recent years, Colin has inspired audiences at leadership forums, corporate gatherings, and private events, where he shares lessons on teamwork, decision-making, and adaptability. His engaging delivery blends personal stories with practical insights, offering a unique perspective drawn from competing at the highest level of motorsport.

Colin’s ability to connect with diverse audiences, from senior executives to aspiring leaders, ensures his talks leave a lasting impression. He provides not just inspiration, but also actionable lessons for business and life.

To book Colin to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.