People

Chris Voss

Chris Voss

Formal First Name
Christopher (Chris)
Dates
1942 - present

Chris Voss is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Black Swan Group. He is a famous negotiator and entrepreneur highly regarded for his high-profile FBI career. He utilizes his many years of experience in international crises and high-stakes negotiations in developing a unique program that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world. Voss helps companies secure and close better deals, save money, and solve internal communication problems between senior management and employees.

Professional Experience


Academic History

CURRENT APPOINTMENTS


NEGOTIATION

  • He has developed negotiation tactics throughout his lengthy professional career, gaining respect from individuals across disciplines.

  • His primary philosophy in his negotiation processes surrounds the premise that individuals want to be understood and accepted, and that collaboration and empathy are at the core of good negotiations.


CAREER AT FBI

  • Voss had a 24-year tenure in the FBI.
  • He worked approximately 150 kidnappings worldwide over 24 years with the FBI.
  • He served as the lead Crisis Negotiator for the New York City Division of the FBI. 
  • He was a member of the New York City Joint Terrorist Task Force for 14 years.
  • He was the case agent on such cases as TERRSTOP and the TWA Flight 800 catastrophe.
  • He negotiated the surrender of the first hostage taker to give up in the Chase Manhattan bank robbery hostage-taking.
  • He was the FBI’s hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council’s Hostage Working Group.
  • He represented the U.S. Government at two international conferences sponsored by the G-8 as an expert in kidnapping.
  • He is a recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service.


ACADEMIA


MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS

  • Voss has been featured in famous publications, including TIME, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and Fortune.
  • He has appeared on numerous TV programs, including Squawk Box, CNN, and ABC News.