Claire Doole

Former BBC correspondent, international spokeswoman and communication trainer. Based in Geneva.

As a moderator, Claire uses her storytelling skills to lead a conversation that is clear and compelling for the audience. She immerses herself in the subject matter so that she can ask the pertinent questions, connect the dots and effectively bring out the insights of the speakers. 

Claire is passionate about European and world affairs, drawing on many years as a BBC correspondent in Berlin, Brussels, Geneva and London. She reported from Washington on the September 11th attacks, from Paris on the death of Princess Diana and regularly from the annual World Economic Forum in Davos.

During her career, Claire has interviewed some of the world’s leading statesmen including Nelson Mandela, Emmanuel Macron and Antiono Guterres. 

As a former spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency, International Federation of the Red Cross and WWF International, Claire specialises in humanitarian, environmental,  health and development issues. She has a good understanding of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, as well as the EU Green Deal. 

She is able to think on her feet, keep a discussion on track and is known for her charismatic stage presence, warmth and humour.

Claire, impact in action

Q&A with Claire

  • Having President Emmanuel Macron drop in on a panel on pay parity after I was only allowed to meet him 10 mins before. But he understood my humour and the panel received a massive round of applause from the audience.

  • Being mistakenly muted by a member of the remote audience during a hybrid event and not having the technical support at the event to get me turned back on. The organisers eventually found a solution, but it required some humour to get through.

  • Seeing a discussion as a story that I steer and signpost in a clear and compelling way with a dash of humour.

  • Advising clients on creative event formats that are engaging, interactive and audience-centric.

  • In the art of talking to the media, speaking in public, storytelling, speechwriting, panel moderating and preparing panelists.

Top topics

Climate & energy

Biodiversity

Health

Humanitarian response

Gender & inclusion

Human rights

Education

Postgraduate Diploma, Broadcast Journalism

City University, London

BA, Modern Languages

Oxford Brookes University

Languages

English - native

French - fluent

German - good

What they say

  • “Claire’s excellent moderation at the International Forum on Women and Trade ensured the exchange between speakers and the audience was engaging and informative.”

    Cecilia Malmström, EU Trade Commissioner

  • "Claire’s meticulous preparation and skill in driving the panel discussion forward played a key role in the success of our event."

    Guy Ryder, Director General International Labour Organization, Geneva

  • “Claire expertly moderated our virtual panel discussion. She is dynamic, personable, and well-prepared.”

    Caitriona Hennessy, Head of Communications, Africa, Roche

  • “Claire’s background as a BBC presenter shined through during our world summit as she managed the demands of live broadcasting with professionalism and flair.”

    Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Geneva

  • “Claire was a charismatic and assured MC for the European Commission at one of the largest development events in the world. She put everyone at ease with her well-judged remarks, sense of humour and professionalism.”

    Nicolas Esgain, Managing Director, Phrenos Event and Communication Agency, Brussels

  • "Claire is among the best moderators I’ve worked with over the last 15 years. She is rigorous in researching session issues and preparing her speakers. Her great gift is to combine this with outstanding onstage session leadership.”

    Jennifer Milliken, Programme Director, Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society

Taking the stage at the Global Fragrance Summit
Moderating for the European Enterprise Network
Leading a hybrid event for the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA)
In talks with CEOs of Pfizer, Astrazeneca. and GSK
Moderating at the UN World Data Forum
Moderating at a DG Justice event in Brussels