General David Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, is a retired British military leader who served as the Chief of the Defence Staff. He led successful operations in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. His most notable achievement was in Sierra Leone in 2000, where he creatively interpreted his orders to achieve more than expected, ultimately defeating the RUF rebels and preventing bloodshed in Freetown. He later commanded NATO forces in Afghanistan and became the strategic commander and military advisor to the Prime Minister as the Chief of the Defence Staff. He played a significant role in the Libyan campaign and the development of the UK's strategy for Afghanistan. General Richards retired in 2013 and has received numerous awards for his service, including a Mention in Despatches, Commander of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Order, and Knight Commander of the Bath. He was also honored with the annual Churchillian Award for leadership in 2011 and was appointed as Baron Richards of Herstmonceux in 2014, sitting in the House of Lords. He holds various academic and advisory positions, including being a visiting Professor at Exeter University and an Honorary Fellow at King's College London and Cardiff University. He is currently a Senior Adviser to the International Institute of Strategic Studies and serves as an adviser to governments and commercial businesses.