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David Petraeus

WSB Exclusive Speaker

General, US Army (Ret.); Partner, KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute; Former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan; Former Director of the CIA

A highly decorated general and one of the most prominent combat commanders in American history, Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.) has dedicated his life to public service, leading military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan and then serving as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

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David Petraeus Profile Photo

General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.) is one of the leading battlefield commanders and strategists of our time. He served over 37 years in the US military culminating his career with six consecutive commands as a general officer, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. He subsequently served as Director of the CIA, following confirmation by the Senate by a vote of 94-0, during a period of significant achievements in the global war on terror.

General Petraeus is now a Partner with the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, which he established in 2013. He also serves on corporate boards, is a strategic advisor to multiple firms, is a member of the Simon and Shuster Advisory Board, and is a personal venture capitalist, invested in over 30 startups. Additionally, he is the Kissinger Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School and is the co-author, with Andrew Roberts, of the award-winning, New York Times best-selling book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.

General Petraeus graduated with distinction from the US Military Academy, earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University in international relations and economics, completed a fellowship at Georgetown, and has held academic appointments at 5 universities (USMA, USC, Harvard, CUNY’s Honors College, University of Birmingham (England)) in addition to his current position at Yale.  He is the only person in Army history to be the top graduate of both the demanding US Army Ranger School and the year-long Command and General Staff College Course. He is also Co-Chairman of the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Global Advisory Council, Senior Vice President of the Royal United Services Institute, and a member of the Trilateral Commission, Council on Foreign Relations, and Aspen Strategy Group. 

His awards include four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, two NATO Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Action Badge, the Ranger tab, and Air Assault and Master Parachutist wings. He has also been decorated by 14 foreign countries and is believed to be the only person in uniform to throw out the first pitch of a World Series game and do the coin toss for a Super Bowl. He was runner-up to Vladimir Putin for Time Person of the Year in 2007, the 2007 Daily Telegraph Man of the Year, twice a Time 100 selectee, three times a Foreign Policy top public intellectual, Prospect magazine’s Public Intellectual of the Year, one of US News and World Report’s Top 25 Leaders, Princeton University’s Madison Medalist, and sanctioned by Russia (in 2022).

Featured Videos

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

Gen. David Petraeus: The Four Tasks All Leaders Must Perform to Succeed

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

How Defending Ukraine is Deterrence Against America’s Rivals

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

Gen. David Petraeus on Security in a Shifting Landscape

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

Cyber-Insecurity: How to Improve America’s Digital Defenses

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

David H. Bernstein Forum Launch with Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

Nuclear War with North Korea? With Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

FOCIS 10th Anniversary lecture series with Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

National Security in the Age of ‘America First’

David Petraeus Profile Photo
David Petraeus

National Security in the Age of ‘America First’

Gen. David Petraeus: The Four Tasks All Leaders Must Perform to Succeed

How Defending Ukraine is Deterrence Against America’s Rivals

Gen. David Petraeus on Security in a Shifting Landscape

Cyber-Insecurity: How to Improve America’s Digital Defenses

David H. Bernstein Forum Launch with Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

Nuclear War with North Korea? With Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

FOCIS 10th Anniversary lecture series with Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

National Security in the Age of ‘America First’

David Petraeus’ Speech Topics

  • Leadership in the Face of Adversity

    A highly decorated general and one of the most prominent combat commanders in American history, Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.) dedicated his life to public service, ultimately leading the military campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the greater Middle East, and then serving as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. As one of the most effective military leaders in recent U.S. history, General Petraeus led US and Coalition Forces in the most significant global challenges of the post-9/11 period and is regarded as one of the “great battle captains of American history.” In this conversation, he draws on his 38-1/2 years of public service experience and his subsequent 7 years in the private sector to share his strategic insights and perspective on leading in the face of adversity and guiding organizational change to help you address the most pressing challenges facing your organization. Whether you are an up and coming leader within your organization or a seasoned C-suite executive, General Petraeus will provide you with the leadership ideas, intellectual construct, and techniques necessary to make tough decisions in the face of adversity and be a resilient, effective strategic leader.

  • Business Consulting from Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.): Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century

    Bringing in a business consultant can challenge you and your organization to think differently about your business. Whether you are a new leader seeking a renewed vision for your company or a seasoned C-Suite executive exploring new trends in the marketplace, they provide the deep, strategic insights and much-needed perspective to help you make confident and profitable decisions.


    One of the most effective military leaders in recent U.S. history, General David H. Petraeus has addressed the most significant global challenges of our time — including ongoing international security issues, macroeconomic trends, and the tasks of strategic leadership in the 21st century. Widely credited for changing the course of two wars, and regarded as one of the “great battle captains of American history,” Gen. Petreaus was instrumental in reshaping American military doctrine. He leans on his distinguished public service experience to help your executive leadership team address the most pressing challenges facing your organization.

    His advisory topics include:

    • Corporate Security Strategies
    • Crisis Management
    • Cyber Security Solutions
    • Global Economic Insights
    • Global Opportunities
    • Harnessing Big Data
    • Leadership
    • National Security Insights
    • U.S. Foreign Policy

  • Conversation with Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

    General Petraeus invites audiences to participate in a moderated question and answer session where he addresses the significant global challenges facing countries and organizations today, including ongoing international security issues, macroeconomic trends, energy policy and the tasks of strategic leadership in the 21st century. Audiences are given unprecedented access to one of the most effective military leaders in recent U.S. history as he takes questions from the interviewer and the audience for an engaging, dynamic and thought-provoking discussion.

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

I want to share some thoughts on our recent engagement with General David Petraeus. He lives up to the accolades of being one of the most brilliant military leaders in modern history. His insights on strategic leadership, understanding of the world, and encyclopedic-detailed knowledge are all truly amazing. Gen. Petraeus really connected with our CEOs, was personable and approachable, and had done his homework to apply the lessons he learned from his leadership experiences to the challenges faced by insurance executives. Not surprisingly, he was the absolute hit of our Annual Meeting and the perfect opening keynote address.

Insurance

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

Gen. Petraeus engaged graciously and genuinely with attendees at both the reception and during the conference break. He shared very interesting insights during his fireside chat and backstage interview. I?d recommend him to clients in the future.

Engineers

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

Everything went GREAT last night!! Gen. P has been the BEST speaker we’ve had! Everyone was so thrilled with his comments. Such a SMART guy, and on a totally different level then us.

Legal

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General Petraeus was fantastic on the podium in the Debate Chamber at Old Parkland. We had a full house because of his presentation.

Real Estate

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The segment with Gen. Petraeus went very well. He is an impressive and charismatic guy, and his intellectual incandescence is very obvious.

Utility

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

Overall this was an outstanding event that got rated a 9.4 out of 10 from our chapter – high marks! General Petraeus was gracious and flexible on-site and his answers during the moderated conversation (a perfect format) were very thorough – a credit to his knowledge. The comments we received regarding his presentation were nothing but positive and we consider the event to be a huge success. Thanks to WSB for helping us put it together!

YPO/WPO/Young Entrepreneurs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The general was a significant hit and our inboxes are full of positive feedback and we’ve received a lot of calls as well. He’s the right speaker for so many reasons.

Open-ticketed

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

We were elated with General Petraeus’ performance at our event. He arrived fully prepared and put his powerful eloquence and intellect on full display. He made the audience think – and laugh. People went home not just better informed, but inspired. We were also very impressed with how personable General Petraeus is with whomever he interacts, and how easy and enjoyable is to work with him. He is both a great man and a great guy.

Non-Profit

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The General was fantastic. It was truly a great event. The group loved him.

YPO/WPO/Young Entrepreneurs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The YPO event was just wonderful. Petraeus really is astounding in his encyclopedic breadth intellectually, obviously in his experience, but he tours the world so succinctly and insightfully. It was something special.

YPO/WPO/Young Entrepreneurs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The General was great! Everyone really liked him at the YPO event.

YPO/WPO/Young Entrepreneurs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General Petraeus provided an incredible experience for our YPO membership to kickoff our season. His insights on global issues, macroeconomics and geopolitical views captivated us all as well his views on the tasks for strategic leadership. “Winter is always coming” he said, “as leaders we must be prepared.” He commanded a record attendance and provided for a truly “Only-in-YPO” experience for our membership.

YPO/WPO/Young Entrepreneurs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General Petraeus was wonderful and our members and guests were delighted with the event. He was gracious during the reception and brilliant on stage.

World Affairs Groups

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The General delivered a masterpiece. His insights on diplomacy, security, economics and leadership were utterly captivating. Seeing our large dinner audience remain at attention for the whole conversation and hearing many rave reviews since then tells me that mine is a consensus opinion.

Legal

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General Petraeus was gracious, eloquent and a real draw for the Houston community. His insight on the geopolitical issues of the day, understanding of the peoples and cultures involved, and ability to assess varying perspective, is truly unmatched. We had substantial attendance for our luncheon event and received superb feedback all around.

World Affairs Groups

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

Frank…incredibly dedicated.. deeply engaged in our conversation (re note-taking)…shame he’s not in the Administration…very generous with his time.

Financial Services

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

We have heard only positive feedback from all those who felt extremely privileged to listen to the enlightening views shared by General Petraeus and the panel.

Financial Services

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General David Petraeus is one of the most fascinating personalities of present history which was clearly reflected in his inspiring speech delivered at the international Negotiation Conference in Zurich. General Petraeus has the unmatched ability to communicate tough truths in a positive and personal manner, allowing the audience to connect with him and follow his vision. Listeners experience 100% Petraeus leadership, tested in battle, when he talks about how to develop a big idea, how to guarantee commitment, how to oversee execution, and how to systematically refine the strategy for a continuous strive towards excellence. It has been a greatest honor to welcome the General at our conference and it would be our greatest delight to have him again.

Education Programs

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

Special thanks to General Petraeus for participating in our recent Tate Lecture Series. We were overwhelmed by the rave reviews and positive feedback we received from the sold out crowd. We particularly appreciated him sharing the challenges he faced early in his career, his experience leading the surge, and how he’d counsel the President if he were part of the administration. General Petraeus provided our subscribers with an experience to remember and reflect upon for years to come.

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

The visit by General David Petraeus to Colgate University was the high light of Family Weekend for the fall of 2017. He packed the Colgate Chapel and two overflow rooms, and he gave an excellent 40 minute address on “Strategic Challenges in US Foreign Policy and National Security,” followed by a lively Q and A from the audience for another 50 minutes. The reaction from parents, students, and local citizens was enthusiastic – with high praise for his knowledge of world affairs and warm rapport with the audience. He was also very gracious at dinner and with his time afterward for drinks. I personally was very impressed with his detailed and sophisticated understanding of the world situation and with his character as a military leader and genuine human being. ‘Outstanding,’ as they say in the Army.

Universities & Colleges

What other organizations say about David Petraeus

General Petraeus comes across in the media as an impressive, candid, and intelligent scholar-warrior. An American hero. In person, in small group meetings with undergraduates, graduates, and faculty, and then in a large group event, he is even more impressive. He had many interesting insights into the events of the past dozen years, events he personally played a pivotal role in shaping. But he may have had even more interesting insights into what the next several dozen years might look like, by virtue of his new perch at KKR.

Universities & Colleges

Works by David Petraeus

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David Petraeus Topics & Types

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