Óscar Naranjo is a name that carries weight—not just in Colombia, but across Latin America. He’s been called the best police officer in the world, a transformative leader, and a mastermind of intelligence and security. But beyond the titles, Naranjo someone who understands the art of leadership, high performance, and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
As Director General of the Colombian National Police from 2007 to 2012, Óscar Naranjo played a crucial role in dismantling criminal networks, strengthening international cooperation, and modernising law enforcement. His work earned him global recognition, including being named the Best Policeman in the World in 2010.
In 2017, Naranjo stepped into national leadership as Colombia’s Vice President, where he focused on implementing the country’s historic peace process. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve security in post-conflict areas, combat organised crime, and foster social development in regions long affected by violence. Óscar Naranjo deep understanding of security strategy and governance made him a key architect of Colombia’s transition toward stability.
After retiring as a four-star general, Naranjo was invited to Mexico as a security advisor to President Enrique Peña Nieto. He’s also worked with the Inter-American Development Bank, shaping citizen security projects across Latin America. As an author, he chronicled Colombia’s decades-long fight against drug trafficking in books like They Thought They Were Untouchable and The Fall of Pablo Escobar. His writing providing an insider’s perspective on one of the world’s most notorious criminal battles.
Whether he’s discussing leadership under pressure, intelligence in the digital age, or lessons from the war on organized crime, Óscar Naranjo delivers with warmth, clarity, and a strategic mind. For event organisers looking for a speaker who has been in the trenches of history, shaped national security strategies, and understands the nuances of leadership at the highest levels, Naranjo is an unmatched choice.
