Tod D. Wolters keynote speaker

General Tod D. Wolters is a retired four-star United States Air Force general and one of the most experienced military leaders to have commanded NATO forces in Europe. He served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) from 2019 to 2022, while simultaneously leading United States European Command (EUCOM). His career offers a distinctive perspective on international security, geopolitical risk, strategic decision-making and leadership under pressure.

During his tenure, General Wolters was responsible for overseeing military planning, readiness and operations across NATO's European command structure. Working with senior military and political leaders from Allied nations, he helped coordinate collective defence and deterrence during a period of growing tension between Russia and the West.

His leadership became especially significant in 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As NATO's senior military commander in Europe at the time, he was closely involved in the Alliance's military response, including strengthening deterrence and defence along NATO's eastern flank. His experience offers audiences a first-hand understanding of how international alliances respond to rapidly evolving security crises.

Before becoming SACEUR, General Wolters served as Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, as well as Commander of Allied Air Command. These roles placed him at the centre of air operations, multinational military cooperation and strategic security challenges across Europe and Africa.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he built his career as a fighter pilot and operational commander, flying aircraft including the F-15C Eagle and F-22 Raptor. His military experience spans combat operations, strategic planning, training, organisational leadership and the management of complex multinational operations.

Across more than three decades of military service, General Wolters developed expertise in building high-performing teams, aligning organisations around shared objectives and making consequential decisions in uncertain environments. His leadership experience extends beyond the military, offering valuable lessons for business executives facing disruption, risk and rapidly changing competitive landscapes.

As a keynote speaker, General Wolters brings together geopolitical insight, operational experience and strategic leadership lessons. He is particularly relevant for audiences seeking to understand the evolving security environment, the importance of international partnerships and what it takes to lead large organisations through periods of extraordinary uncertainty.