Óscar Naranjo is one of Latin America’s most respected leaders, with a career devoted to public service, citizen security, and institutional transformation. He served as Vice President of Colombia and led the National Police through a historic reform. An expert in intelligence, leadership, and geopolitics, he currently promotes peacebuilding and education through his roles at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja and IFIT’s Peace Treaty Initiative.
Naranjo spent 36 years in Colombia’s National Police, rising to become its only ever four-star General. He dismantled major criminal networks, enhanced international cooperation, and thoroughly modernized policing, work that began years earlier as intelligence chief of the special task force that tracked down Pablo Escobar in 1993. Named “Best Policeman in the World” in 2010, he was a key negotiator in Colombia’s peace talks with the FARC. He also advised Mexico’s president on security, joining Enrique Peña Nieto’s team as a consultant after retiring from the police in 2012, collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank, and authored books on drug wars and intelligence, a career later dramatized in the television series El General Naranjo. His influence spans the Americas, from Bogotá to Mexico City to Washington.
Óscar Naranjo’s talks blend high-level experience with a strategic mindset and a compelling delivery. His tone is clear, eloquent, and inspirational, addressing leadership, governance, intelligence, peacebuilding, and institutional trust. Audiences value his authenticity and insight, making his presentations highly impactful for leaders across both the public and private sectors.
Strategic insights on how to lead under pressure and uncertainty. Drawing from his roles as General and Vice President, Naranjo shares lessons on decision-making, institutional trust, and resilience.
A deep dive into how modern intelligence strategies combat crime and foster institutional modernization. Designed for leaders facing today’s complex challenges, drawing on the same intelligence work that eventually brought down the Medellín cartel.
An insider’s perspective on the peace process with FARC. Offers valuable insights on negotiation, reconciliation, and peacebuilding in post-conflict settings, drawn directly from his seat at the negotiating table.
If you are looking for a transformative, strategic and highly experienced speaker for your next event or conference on leadership, transformation or security, you can book Óscar Naranjo through Thinking Heads. As one of the most prominent figures in peace processes and change management, Óscar delivers a dynamic and professional presentation that ensures the best experience for your audience. Contact Thinking Heads today to learn more and secure their participation in your upcoming event or conference.
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