OVERVIEW
 

Henry Bolton OBE operates at the intersection of security, diplomacy and public service, bringing over four decades of senior-level experience across military operations, intelligence, policing, international advisory roles and political leadership.

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Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 for services to international security, he has advised governments, international organisations and senior decision-makers across more than 60 countries.

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He is also a regular contributor to UK and international media, providing commentary on national security, foreign affairs and defence matters.

OPERATING AT THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS
 

Henry has served in senior advisory and leadership roles within some of the most politically sensitive and operationally demanding environments internationally and in the UK.

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These include:

• UK Diplomatic Observer Mission Liaison Officer to the Serbian Security Forces during the Kosovo war

• District Governor (District Administrator) in post-war Kosovo

• Director of Field Operations for international ceasefire monitoring in Macedonia

• Crisis Management Adviser to the Albanian Prime Minister

• Senior Adviser to the Secretary General of the OSCE

• Joint civil-military, UK-US Coalition Stabilization Leader - Helmand, Afghanistan

• Head of EU Crisis Response Team, Ukraine

 

He has worked directly with governments of 57+ countries at ministerial level, including the United States and Russian Federation, as well as with the European Union, United Nations and NATO at secretary general and ambassadorial level on strategic matters, strategic, operational and crisis planning, and security and defence policy.

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He led:

• UK intelligence and tactical operations targeting transnational organised crime in the Southern Balkans

• Joint UK/US civil-military stabilisation teams in Afghanistan

• The EU’s Crisis Response and Operational Planning Team in Ukraine

MILITARY AND OPERATIONAL FOUNDATIONS

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Henry began his career in the Royal Hussars, later serving in the Territorial Army after passing the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Commissioning Course.

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He:

• Directed British Army and NATO strategic intelligence on operations in Bosnia

• Qualified as a French Commando

• Is a 'Skill at Arms' (weapons) instructor

• Is a Mountain Expedition Leader 

• Is a NATO Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Instructor 

• Designed and led multinational ceasefire operations in the Balkans

• Is a militarily qualified joint civil/military operations planner

• Designed and led multinational ceasefire operations in the Balkans

 

He has operated in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia, Ukraine and other theatres of war and conflict.

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During his policing career, he served as Head of International Police Monitors in Central Croatia and Western Slavonia, subsequently advising the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Director of Security and Counter Intelligence of an allied country on national security matters.

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LEADERSHIP EDUCATION & STRATEGIC INSTRUCTION

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Henry founded and lectured at the International Border Management Staff College, instructing mid and senior-ranking border security personnel from 63 countries.

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He has also delivered lectures, talks and mentorship for:

• The governments of Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and Austria

• The European Union Senior Leadership Course

• The UK Military Command and Staff Course

• Durham University

 

His instruction has focused on strategic and operational planning, leadership in complex environments and institutional reform.

HONOURS & AWARDS

 

• Top Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), awarded in 2013 for services to international security

• Chief Constable’s Commendation for Outstanding Bravery, awarded during service with Thames Valley Police

• Operational & Campaign Medals for military and civilian service with UK, NATO, EU and UN missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Ukraine