Andrew Pike CBE

Andrew Pike is a strategic adviser, leadership and communications expert who spent over two decades working at the top of UK government, security and diplomacy. Having served in roles at Number 10 and the Cabinet Office, GCHQ, embassies around the world, and the BBC, he now works with senior leaders on strategic planning, crisis communication, reputation management and leadership development

Andrew explores leadership in an era of unprecedented complexity and disruption. Drawing from his experience navigating challenges from Brexit to terrorism threats, international crises to the accountability of security agencies, he considers what modern leaders must confront. Whether it’s managing uncertainty, maintaining trust, making decisions with incomplete information, or balancing competing demands from multiple stakeholders, he provides a practical look at leadership. He examines how leaders can build resilient organisations, communicate effectively during crises, and develop the strategic clarity needed to guide teams through profound change.

In his varied career, Andrew served as Director of No 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office's GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign, the world's most successful overseas nation branding initiative. Prior to that, he served in the Northern Ireland Office's senior leadership, including as member of its board and Executive Committee as Director of Communications and Engagement, with particular focus on the UK's transition from the European Union, political stability, the Union and Northern Ireland-related terrorism. He was the first Director of National Security Communications at No 10 and the Cabinet Office, leading the cross-government communications response to the Russian poisonings in Salisbury and the Gulf tanker crisis. As GCHQ's first-ever Director of Communications and Engagement, he led an unprecedented engagement programme designed to increase understanding of the agency's work whilst maintaining the vital aspects of its security.

A diplomat by professional background, Andrew's postings included almost six years at the British Consulate General in New York, serving as Consul with special responsibility for Northern Ireland and the British Government lead on the Northern Ireland peace process with the White House, Capitol Hill and the US Government. Other assignments included posts in Ireland, Poland, Vanuatu, Libya, Brazil and Yemen. He also briefly led communications for the BBC in England. Andrew chairs a leadership programme at Windsor Leadership under the patronage of the King, is chair of the board of trustees for Take a Moment, is a trustee of the British Forces Foundation, and senior adviser to Made by Dyslexia.