Dr Keith Dear

Dr Keith Dear is a leading authority on artificial intelligence, national security and strategic technology, currently serving as CEO and Founder of AI strategy start-up Cassi. With a rare combination of frontline military experience, government advisory roles and deep academic expertise, he is hired as a speaker for his ability to interpret how AI is reshaping defence, policy and global power dynamics. His work sits at the intersection of emerging technology, ethics and security, making him a trusted voice for organisations navigating complex technological change.

Keith’s career began in the Royal Air Force, where he served as an Intelligence Officer and later became a Group Captain with 601 (Reserve) Squadron, leading on science, technology and academic engagement. His operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, three tours of Afghanistan, and international assignments with the United Nations in Georgia and alongside French forces in Mali. He also served as a subject matter expert on the Russian Air Force while on exchange with the United States Air Force. This foundation provided him with a deep understanding of global security, intelligence and defence strategy.

Transitioning into industry and government, Keith spent three years at Fujitsu, where he developed, launched and led the £22 million Centre for Cognitive Technologies, focusing on applied AI and advanced digital systems. He also worked extensively on UK-Japan strategic technology collaboration and held roles as Senior Adviser, Global Distinguished Engineer and AI Subject Matter Expert. He later served as an Expert Adviser to the Prime Minister on science, technology, space and modernising defence, contributing to national-level strategy. His expertise is further recognised through positions including Chair of TechUK’s Digital Twin Steering Board, membership of the Digital Twin Hub Advisory Board, and advisory roles with organisations such as the UK space start-up Moonscribe and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research’s RAISE initiative.

Keith’s academic credentials are equally distinguished, holding a PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford, an Executive MBA from the University of Cambridge, an MA with distinction from King’s College London and a BA from Lancaster University. He has been recognised with academic awards across disciplines including macroeconomics, innovation and ethics, and holds multiple fellowships across leading institutions such as RUSI, the Changing Character of War Programme at Oxford and Cambridge Judge Business School. Keith is hired as a speaker because he combines strategic insight, operational experience and academic rigour, enabling audiences to understand not only the potential of AI, but its implications for security, governance and the future of global stability.