Professional Background & Current Focus:

Chris Badia (*1963) was in his last military assignment (2022 – 2025) Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, making him the highest-ranking German soldier in the Alliance. The four-star general has left the Bundeswehr after more than 40 years of service and is now owner of his own strategy consultancy. His four-decade career in the Bundeswehr spanned from commands and staff positions, including leadership of Fighter Wing 71 “Richthofen,” Commander of the European Air Transport Command and Director of Planning at the German Ministry of Defence. At NATO, he played a central role in shaping the transformation of the Alliance and developing strategies for future warfare. His expertise includes military strategy, defence planning, and civil-military cooperation, with deep insight into the capabilities and technologies that will be decisive in the conflicts of the future.