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Early life and education. Key was born on 7 November 1965 [3] He was educated at Bromsgrove School, a private school in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. [4] [5] [6] He studied physics at Royal Holloway, University of London, [7] graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in 1988. [8]
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- Biography
- First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff
Educated at Bromsgrove School, Ben Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a University Cadet, subsequently graduating in Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London. He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a Principal Warfare Officer and as a junior officer saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
He has been privileged to command four ships: the mine hunter HMS SANDOWN, the frigates HMS IRON DUKE and HMS LANCASTER, and the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS.
Shore appointments have included Resources and Plans in MOD, an advisor to the Iraqi Director Joint Staff in Baghdad, the UK’s Permanent Joint HQ, and HQ Air Command. He has also served as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff. From April 2013 to July 2015 he was Flag Officer Sea Training, responsible for recruiting as well as individual and operational training across the Royal Navy.
Promoted to Vice Admiral in February 2016, he was the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander from then until March 2019. He then served as the Chief of Joint Operations, prior to his appointment as First Sea Lord in November 2021. He was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad, appointed CBE in 2016 and KCB in 2021.
The First Sea Lord is the professional head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council. He is responsible to Secretary of State for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service.
As a member of the Defence Council, the First Sea Lord supports the Secretary of State in the management and direction of the Armed Forces through prerogative and statutory powers. As a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, he advises CDS on maritime strategy and policy. He has a collective responsibility for providing strategic direction to the department, managing performance and ensuring that defence delivers the required outputs.
At KEY our approach to building a team begins with the values of intelligence, passion, and innovation. We look for like-driven people who bring an agility, enthusiasm, and an ability to pioneer new concepts to the organization that inspires and ignites abilities in all of us.
Our desire to serve as positive role models, preparing our students with lifelong educational foundations, makes KEY’s vision a guiding force in North American admissions guidance. (604) 638-5398
An advocate for educational enrichment and giving families that edge, Ben co-founded KEY Education in 2011 alongside fellow St. George's graduates. He has guided hundreds of families to help them find their school of right fit and strategize to achieve their goals.
Oct 17, 2023 · And I want to give a particularly warm welcome to our guest today, Admiral Sir Ben Key, who assumed his post as first sea lord and chief of the naval staff in November of 2021. He joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet, subsequently graduating in physics from Royal Holloway University of London.
