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Keynote SpeakerPeter Westmacott

Former British Ambassador to the U.S., France and Turkey

Sir Peter Westmacott was British Ambassador to the United States from January 2012 until January 2016. He then spent a semester teaching and writing at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He was British Ambassador to France from 2007-2012 and to Turkey from 2002-2006. His 43-year diplomatic career included four... Read more

Watch Peter Westmacott in action

Popular Talks by Peter Westmacott

  • International Relations
  • Brexit
  • US-Global
  • Geopolotics
  • US Election
  • EU

Biography

Sir Peter Westmacott was British Ambassador to the United States from January 2012 until January 2016. He then spent a semester teaching and writing at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He was British Ambassador to France from 2007-2012 and to Turkey from 2002-2006. His 43-year diplomatic career included four years in Iran before the 1979 revolution and a secondment to the European Commission in Brussels.

He was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Director Americas from 1997-2000 and Deputy Under Secretary of State for the Wider World from 2000-2001. From 1990-1993, he was Deputy Private Secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales. Peter was an Independent Non-Executive at EY from 2017-22 and Chair of Tikehau Capital UK from 2022-24.

Sir Peter Westmacott is a non-executive director of We.Soda, Ciner Glass, Glasswall Holdings and Volex Plc. He is a Distinguished Ambassadorial Fellow at the Atlantic Council, a Senior Adviser at Chatham House, and the author of “They Call it Diplomacy – Forty Years of Representing Britain Abroad.”

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What clients say about Peter Westmacott

“Peter is a very effective, impressive and interesting speaker. He is knowledgeable, thoughtful and analytical while at the same time, very good at taking the broader view. His command of French and his beautiful British English offer the opportunity of both analogies and comparisons, which, coupled with an exquisite sense of humor and a degree of self-criticism, keep any listener awake even after lunch or a long dinner. I have seen it firsthand and can only recommend him warmly!” Director, the IMF
“There are few ambassadors who can match Sir Peter’s breadth of vision…It’s his ability to see the whole picture—to take into account the economic, cultural, political and security dimensions of any issue and solve problems before they hit fever pitch—that defines his legacy.” John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State
“A tremendous ambassador to the United States and a great bridge between our two counties with our wonderful historic partnership and special relationship. We could not have wished for or asked for a better ambassador during some very important and telling times.” US National Security Advisor
“I have had the pleasure of listening to and learning from Ambassador Westmacott for a number of years. He is a wonderful speaker—always informed, equally comfortable talking about the East or the West, always original, always with a dash of fun.” Foreign Affairs Columnist, The New York Times

How to book Peter Westmacott as a keynote speaker

How do I book Peter Westmacott for a keynote speech?

You can book Peter Westmacott through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Peter's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Peter Westmacott's speaking fees?

Peter Westmacott's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Peter tailored to your event.

What topics does Peter Westmacott speak about?

Peter Westmacott speaks on America, Brexit, Business & Management, Europe, Government & Politics. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Peter to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Peter Westmacott available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Peter Westmacott for events worldwide, subject to Peter's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Peter Westmacott deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Peter Westmacott is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Peter Westmacott?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Peter can accommodate.

Can Peter Westmacott tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Peter Westmacott on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Peter can offer.

What languages does Peter Westmacott present in?

Peter Westmacott delivers keynotes in English, French. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Peter Westmacott a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Peter Westmacott's areas of expertise include America, Brexit, Business & Management, Europe, Government & Politics. To get a clear sense of Peter's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Peter Westmacott speak at?

Peter Westmacott can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in America, Brexit, Business & Management, Europe, Government & Politics is relevant. Details of Peter's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Peter Westmacott offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Peter Westmacott is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Peter Westmacott?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Peter Westmacott, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Peter's current availability for your dates.