Meet Robert

Ambassador O’Brien brings unparalleled national security, policy and government operations expertise to the Board. His senior advisory roles at the highest levels of U.S. government provide critical insight into defense, intelligence and global security environments central to Booz Allen’s mission.

His experience navigating complex geopolitical, policy and institutional landscapes enhances the Board’s strategic oversight and governance capabilities.

Ambassador O’Brien is the co-founder and chairman of American Global Strategies LLC, a position he has held since 2021, and a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board in the second Trump administration, following his service as U.S. national security advisor from 2019 to 2021. Before serving as U.S. national security advisor, Ambassador O’Brien was special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with the personal rank of ambassador from May 2018 to October 2019, co-chairman of the U.S. Department of State Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2009 under both Secretaries of State Rice and Clinton, and a presidentially appointed member of the U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee from 2008 to 2011. In 2005, Ambassador O’Brien was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a U.S. representative to the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Earlier in his career, Ambassador O’Brien was a senior legal officer for the UN Security Council commission and a major in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Ambassador O’Brien has deep expertise in U.S. national security, policy and the defense industrial base. He brings extensive government experience and public policy skills to our Board, providing invaluable insights into government operations and strategic planning. Ambassador O’Brien’s expertise in national security and various advisory roles makes him a strategic asset in navigating the U.S. government and global defense, intelligence, technology and business landscapes. His experience in high-level advisory positions further augments the Board’s capabilities to address complex security challenges and influence policy at the highest levels. As a member of our Compensation, Culture and People and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, Ambassador O’Brien’s corporate governance skills and leadership skills contribute to our Board’s strategic oversight.