General Nick Parker was commissioned in 1973. After early service in the Infantry he commanded the 2nd Battalion the Royal Green Jackets from 1994-1995.

His staff training includes the Army Staff Course in 1986 and the Higher Command and Staff Course in 1996. He has held two staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence. He commanded 20th Armoured Brigade from 1997 to 1999, this included some time in Bosnia, and he was GOC 2nd Division and Governor of Edinburgh Castle from 2002-2004. He has been both the Deputy Commandant (1999-2001) and the Commandant of the Joint Staff College (2004-2005).

Recent operational tours include the commander of UK Joint Task Force and advisor to the President of Sierra Leone in 2001 and Deputy Commanding General (UK) Multi-National Corps Iraq from August 2005 to February 2006. He took over as GOC Northern Ireland in July 2006, UK Commander Regional Forces in August 2007 and took over as Deputy Commander ISAF in November 2009.

He is married to Beccy and has two sons. His interests include fishing and Coronation Street.