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Available to book

BBC security correspondent & author

Frank Gardner

Level up security understanding with Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent and terrorism expert. Frank equips organisations to navigate geopolitical threats and build resilience through firsthand conflict zone insights. OBE recipient for journalism, bestselling author, and survivor who returned to frontline reporting after surviving an Al Qaeda attack.

Trusted by Reed & Mackay, Pool Reinsurance, Dauntsey's School, DISA, Brewin Dolphin, Threadneedle Asset Management

Frank Gardner, Speaker | BBC Security Expert
Frank Gardner

Frank Gardner

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Frank

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Frank Gardner's biography

At a glance

  • BBC security correspondent reporting from global conflict zones
  • Author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Blood and Sand
  • Terrorism expert who survived Al Qaeda attack
Frank Gardner OBE is the BBC's security correspondent and one of Britain's leading voices on international security, terrorism, and Middle Eastern affairs. A former investment banker turned frontline journalist, he combines deep regional knowledge with first-hand experience of global conflict. Frank joined the BBC in 1995, becoming Middle East Correspondent in Cairo before taking on his current role as security correspondent. He has reported from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay and covered global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In 2004, he survived a near-fatal Al Qaeda attack in Saudi Arabia that left him permanently paralysed from the waist down. He returned to frontline reporting the following year. Drawing on his harrowing experience in Saudi Arabia, Frank recounted his story in the bestselling memoir Blood and Sand. He went on to write his first spy thriller, Crisis, which became a Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller, while Far Horizons also earned acclaim for its vivid travel stories. Frank contributes regularly to the Economist, Sunday Times, and Daily Telegraph, and has been awarded an OBE for services to journalism. A natural storyteller and engaging host, Frank brings wit, charm, and insight to interviews, panel discussions, and live events, and has been recognised with the University of Southern California’s Tommy Trojan Trophy for distinguished speaking. He shares first-hand experiences from the frontlines of global conflict, combining personal anecdotes with a deep understanding of the Middle East, international security, and the art of survival. Book Frank for unique perspective, compelling storytelling, and a front-row perspective on international security, terrorism, and the Middle East.

Frank's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Frank

Book Frank Gardner to gain rare insights from a leading BBC Security Correspondent who blends gripping frontline stories with deep expertise in global security and the Middle East. Secure your event’s success by inviting a speaker whose wit, humanity, and real-world experience will captivate and inform your audience.

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Trusted by Reed & Mackay, Pool Reinsurance, Dauntsey's School, DISA, Brewin Dolphin, Threadneedle Asset Management

Testimonials

Frank was the perfect chairman for their event and his knowledge of security and terrorism was impressive. I really enjoyed listening to him speak... and his presence made the event.

Reed & Mackay

Frank provided a fascinating and unique insight into some of the geo-political and security challenges that we face. I would most strongly recommend Frank as a speaker for similar events to ours.

Julian Enoizi

CEO, Pool Reinsurance

Frank was a great public speaker: open, humorous and honest and his extensive knowledge... shone through all that he said.

Joanne Sagers

Dauntsey's School

Featured Projects

Blood and Sand
Crisis
Far Horizons

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Frank Gardner for my next event?
Email frank.gardner@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Frank's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Frank Gardner's speaking style like?
Frank delivers insightful, candid presentations with humour and authority. His engaging style, deep expertise, and personal anecdotes consistently impress audiences, making complex security topics accessible and memorable. Highly recommended as a speaker.
What topics does Frank Gardner specialise in?
Frank Gardner specialises in discussing international security, politics, middle eastern affairs and more.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

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Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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