Major General (Ret.) Gary Deakin CBE

Founder Kingfisher Consulting Ltd

Founder of Kingfisher Consulting Ltd, an innovative and forward looking consultancy focused on supporting high performance teams across the public and private sector maintain and improve resilience, adapt and transform to changing contexts, and exploit opportunities for success. An internationally experienced leader who turns strategy into winning plans with people at the centre. Able to work at the speed of relevance, and expert in achieving unity of effort and delivering integrated collaborative solutions to deliver a CEO's vision.

After finishing a 36 year military career as Chief of Staff in a NATO Joint Force Command in 2021, responsible for the planning and execution of NATO operations across Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East initially moved to Logan Energy, an integrated hydrogen energy company leading the company through a scale up. He then moved on to be Managing Director for GardaWorld Consulting UK. Responsible for the successful delivery of over £100m in diplomatic, development, defence and commercial contracts in the Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine, involving some 2000 staff. Played a pivotal crisis management leadership role in the successful resolution of a major crisis in 2023.

A highly versatile leader with significant experience in challenging and high tempo environments. Decorated for leadership, results driven, with expertise in taking vision, developing strategy and delivering success.