David Handley is an independent consultant, working with a variety of organizations for whom he provides guidance and strategic planning on today’s most pressing global challenges and opportunities, with an emphasis on the Middle East.

From 2012 to 2014, Handley served as managing director for Europe for Veracity Worldwide. Prior to that, he was head of Group Strategic Analysis for BAE Systems, the United Kingdom’s largest defense and aerospace company. In that role, he tracked international defense politics, monitored the changing military, security, and threat environment, and produced world-class analysis and assessment on the global challenges facing the defense industry.

Handley’s career began in the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI-6), where he served for nearly three decades with postings in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South America. He then held a number of senior management positions in London, including a posting to the UK Security Service (MI5). He served as the director for the Middle East and Africa and main board director responsible for finance, personnel, and technology issues.

As a member of IDS International’s Advisory Board, Handley contributes his extensive experience advising government and private sector institutions on key matters related to the international security landscape, specifically in regards to Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Handley received a joint honors degree in politics and economics from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He was awarded the Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in 2000.