Skip to main content
New Year's Conference 2 min read time

General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith - Global Security and Geopolitics Expert

17 December 2025

Few people are better placed than General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith to understand the implications of geopolitical developments. As the former Head of the British Army, he will deliver unique insights into how power and conflict shape the world we invest in, at SKAGEN’s New Year’s Conference 2026.

In 1990, Mark Carleton-Smith passed the SAS Selection Course, and served in various conflicts around the world. As Commanding Officer of 22 SAS Regiment, Carleton-Smith commanded the special forces operations in Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan.

Beyond his practical experience as a soldier, Carleton-Smith also has extensive experience within the British military establishment. He has, among other roles, served as Deputy Director of Policy Planning, giving him deep insight into how the politics of war are shaped.

Continuing to serve in senior roles, he became Director of Special Forces, where he held overall responsibility for the United Kingdom’s three special forces. In 2018, he became Head of the British Army, which included directing the response to Russia’s invasion of Crimea and the continuous military support for Ukraine.

General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith was educated at Durham University and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In addition to being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire, he holds several honours and distinctions, including a knighthood. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at CT Group.

With markets increasingly exposed to geopolitical uncertainty, resilience and risk management have become ever more important. If you want a sharper focus on this, Mark Carleton-Smith’s perspective will bring clarity at our New Year’s Conference.

Date: 17/12/25

Historical returns are no guarantee for future returns. Future returns will depend, inter alia, on market developments, the fund manager’s skills, the fund’s risk profile and management fees. The return may become negative as a result of negative price developments. There is risk associated with investing in funds due to market movements, currency developments, interest rate levels, economic, sector and company-specific conditions. Returns may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Prior to making a subscription, we encourage you to read the fund's prospectus and key investor information document which contain further details about the fund's characteristics and costs.