David McCloskey

David McCloskey is a Sunday Times bestselling novelist and former CIA analyst who spent years operating in field stations across the Middle East during the Arab Spring. During his distinguished intelligence career, he prepared the President’s Daily Brief, provided classified testimony to Congressional committees, and advised ambassadors, military leaders, and royalty. A specialist in counter-terrorism, he also served within the Agency’s Counterterrorism Center where he focused on activities in Syria and Iraq. Since transitioning to writing, he has authored acclaimed spy thrillers including Damascus Station, Moscow X, The Seventh Floor, and The Persian, with his work published in over twelve countries. Damascus Station earned recognition as a finalist for the International Thriller Writer’s award for Best First Novel. Beyond his books, David co-hosts the popular podcast The Rest is Classified, which attracts more than three million monthly downloads by exploring the intricate realities of global espionage. On the keynote stage, David provides a unique framework for understanding global trends, from the evolution of AI to competition with China. He translates the rigorous analytical methods used at Langley into practical strategies for modern leaders, demonstrating how storytelling and intelligence-gathering techniques can enhance communication and decision-making. Audiences book David for his ability to provide a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on geopolitics while teaching teams how to navigate complex international risks. On stage, David McCloskey is best known for talks on Communication, Risk & Risk Management and Politics & Geopolitics. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Politics & Government, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. David McCloskey is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Conference Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how David McCloskey would approach your audience.