Sacha Deshmukh

Sacha Deshmukh led high-profile organisations working in politically complex, sensitive and scrutinised areas around the world. In roles including as Chief Executive of Unicef UK, and of Amnesty International UK, he dealt with international conflict, foreign policy and public controversy. As CEO of Smart Energy GB, he led efforts to revolutionise infrastruture and individual behaviours. Sacha was also CEO of the corporate reputation division of communications agency MHP Group, Chair of the global NGO War Child, and Executive Director of the UK's Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman, providing him with a wide and varied understanding of decision-making, risk and politics.

A leadership and business strategy expert, Sacha explores how geopolitical developments shape organisational strategy and how they can successfully plan for and navigate an increasingly turbulent world. Drawing from his experience of foreign policy developments, including at the UN and international courts, he examines decision-making in international affairs, both in front of cameras and behind closed doors. He addresses the professional and personal lessons for practising strong, calm leadership under scrutiny and pressure, particularly for organisations operating in high-risk environments and facing intense media attention. His insights span developments in China, across the Middle East, in the US and Europe, and how these factors affect both businesses and public policy.

After studying Social & Political Sciences, and then International Relations at Cambridge University, Sacha started his career in an entrepreneurial start-up that was ultimately sold to become part of the UK's largest independent corporate communications and marketing group. As Senior Partner & Chief Executive, he led the growth of MHP Group's corporate reputation division for nine years. He then became Executive Director of the UK's Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman, focusing on modernisation of complex investigations into public service delivery across UK Government and the NHS. The Government then asked him to help start Smart Energy GB as its first Chief Executive, growing the organisation whilst delivering what Parliament described as the UK's "largest public engagement campaign for a generation." Sacha was then appointed Chair of the global NGO War Child, leading its expansion across central Africa and the Middle East, with teams working in some of the world's most high-risk and complex conflict situations. He subsequently served as Chief Executive of Unicef UK, leading the organisation through its response to the Covid pandemic, before becoming Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK.