He served as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans (December 2021–March 2025), undertaking a cross-national diplomatic role that reinforced stability, EU integration, and governance reforms within a complex regional landscape.

Between June 2018 and June 2021, Lord Peach served as the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, ascending to the most senior military role within the alliance. In this capacity, he provided counsel to the NATO Secretary General and member states, facilitated the adoption of NATO’s Military Strategy, and directed military advice amid heightened geopolitical tension.

Before taking on NATO leadership, he served as the Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK from July 2016 to June 2018, acting as the professional head of the British Armed Forces. Before this, he held the positions of Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff from 2013 to 2016, Commander of the UK Joint Forces Command from 2011 to 2013, and Chief of Joint Operations from 2009 to 2011.

His operational commands included intelligence leadership, NATO Air Commander in Kosovo, and strategic coordination in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

He brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• International security & defence governance – leading military strategy at the intersection of NATO and UK defence

• Geopolitical diplomacy & stabilisation – advancing Western Balkan reforms at the national and alliance level

• Institutional transformation & crisis oversight – steering command structures and readiness during multi-theatre operations

• Public policy & parliamentary oversight – shaping defence policy through his non-partisan peerage and advisory roles

Educated at the University of Sheffield (BA) and holding an MPhil from Cambridge, Lord Peach is a Knight of the Garter (2024), Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (2016), and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (2009). He has received valour distinctions from the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and others. Serving as a Deputy Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and a Fellow of numerous institutions, he embodies the interface between disciplined military leadership, strategic diplomacy, and board-level stewardship.