Speakers

Raised in the north-west of England and educated at Birkenhead School, Paul Stroude joined the Royal Navy in 1991. Following basic sea training he read Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, graduating with Honours in 1995.

During an extensive and varied subsequent seagoing career as a surface warfare officer he served in all of the world’s oceans, and accumulated operational experience in a diverse spectrum of theatres ranging from Hong Kong, to Northern Ireland, Iraq, and the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, co-operating with numerous allies and partners along the way.  He commanded the Northern Ireland patrol vessel HMS BRECON, the Type 23 frigate HMS ARGYLL and, as Captain Anti-Submarine Warfare, the Type 23 frigate HMS PORTLAND.  Most recently, in 2023, he commanded Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean Sea during the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.  

Early broadening roles encompassed the UK Maritime Battle Staff, Directing Staff on the UK Advanced Command and Staff Course, and in the MOD’s Operational Capability auditing team.  He completed the Higher Command and Staff Course in 2019.

Since 2017 he has specialised predominantly in capability development and the management of Defence, undertaking tours as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff to the Maritime Capability division of Navy Command Headquarters, and as both Captain Navy Plans and Head of Joint Plans within the MOD’s Finance and Military Capability team.  He assumed the role of Director Capability in UK Strategic Command on promotion to Rear Admiral in 2024.

Paul now lives in Hampshire with his wife and two daughters and, when able, enjoys sailing, DIY, reading and skiing.