Marketing speakers

Ajaz Ahmed is the “Chief Provocateur” at “CUT THE CR*P”, a provocateur is a person who deliberately behaves controversially in order to provoke argument or other strong reactions. He also gives talks, interviews and sits on business panels at events all over the world.

Currently CEO of Digital Brand Services and works with over a dozen clients in the public and private sectors. Senior Consultant Digital Strategy for TEAM AG, UEFA’s exclusive commercial partner for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, the world’s most popular annual sporting event. Alex is also a member of the Digital Advisory Board the the UK Government Digital Service and on the Commission of English Heritage.

Alex is a noted public speaker, appearing all over the world at major industry events such as ad:tech, Future of Web Apps , Thinking Digital, Marketing 2.0, CIO Connect, iStrategy, Tech4Africa, MARKA, and Internet World. He’s also spoken at private events for organizations such as Cisco, Deloitte, Infosys, Procter & Gamble, O2, Nationwide, CapitalOne, and the BBC.

Allan Leighton is an English businessman, former CEO of Asda and former non-executive Chairman of the Royal Mail. He is currently the CEO of the Danish jewellery company Pandora.

Anders Knutsen is the former President of Bang & Olufsen. Anders headed the Personnel and Working Environment Department for three years, before moving up through the company. In 1992 he was appointed President and CEO, a position he held for 11 years. His main achievement was to help turn the company into a thriving business “without destroying the heart and soul”.

Andrew McMillan spent 28 years working for the John Lewis Partnership, starting as a management trainee to becoming responsible for customer experience across the department store division. Andrew's aim is to make individuals and organisations happier and more fulfilled through a sense of collective purpose, so they engender trust, loyalty and advocacy from their customers while becoming more productive and, as a consequence, more profitable. He helps organisations join up their own internal dots to create their unique link between employee engagement and consistently great customer experience.

Barnabas started working in Lloyd’s in 1975. After five years as a broker he then spent 20 years underwriting a wide range of Marine and Non-Marine classes. At Limit (previously Janson Green) he started Syndicate 1215 for the 1994 year of account and was the Active Underwriter. Following the syndicate’s merger into Syndicate 79 he concluded his underwriting career as Active Underwriter of the merged syndicate. Barnabas was a member of Lloyd’s for the underwriting years 1984-1998 and served as a member of the Lloyd’s Market Board as of 2000.

Benjamin Zander is known throughout the United States as one of the most inspiring teachers and trainers of young musicians, as well as a musician at the cutting edge of interpretation of music of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Now as well regarded for his work as a speaker as for his teaching and conducting, Zander has been invited to share his knowledge and experience with organisations the world over. As a lecturer to corporations, he reveals the distinctions of leadership, teamwork, creativity and coaching gained in a life-time of conducting.

BJ Cunningham is a serial entrepreneur and council member of Business Superbrands. He demonstrates through experience and knowledge that authentic branding is vital to building and retaining customer loyalty.

A mobile and consumer marketing veteran with more than two decades experience working with some of the most innovative brands, Bob Borchers is currently a General Partner at Opus Capital - an early stage venture capital fund. Bob was part of the original iPhone team and has worked for Nokia. His experience in technology leaves Bob with a great deal of experience in marketing, branding, and innovation.

Founder and CEO of Storkey Media, an integrated marketing agency, Caleb works internationally with a wide range of businesses, from multinationals through to highly disruptive and fast growth tech start-ups.

Chris Hughes is an American entrepreneur who co-founded and served as spokesman for the online social directory and networking site Facebook.

Christian Majgaard is best known for gifting the world with LEGO as the companies Senior Director. Christian was responsible for their global brand, product and campaign development of their core business (toys) as well as their Theme Park and Media divisions. Acclaimed by Fons Tompenaars as one of 21 leaders for the 21st century, Christian is a highly respected figure in marketing and innovation. At Lego Christian's 25 year career with the company took in positions including Head of International Market Research and Head of EU Marketing. Christian now divides his time between creative and brand consulting, non-executive roles, writing and speaking.

Clare Bailey, The Retail Champion, is one of the most well-known and respected retail experts in the UK. Clare is renowned for her quick thinking, and an ability to backup her arguments with facts and figures. With unrivalled knowledge in retail, high streets and consumer matters, she offers unbiased and independent content.

Until late 2014, Dan spent over 8 years at Google. For the last three years he was Managing Director, UK & Ireland – the biggest market for Google outside the US and the most advanced major country in terms of e-commerce and online advertising spending.

David Clive Price is a global executive coach who is passionate about leadership and management development, talent and engagement, he brings 30+ years experience of senior leadership coaching, strategic advisory and change management roles to his delivery of global leadership programs.

In July 2017 David was appointed by Warner Bros and the Blair Partnership (agents for JK Rowling) in what is set to be a landmark role leading digital innovation across the Wizarding World franchise, including Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Prior to that David was Managing Director of Membership, Marketing and Consumer Revenue at the Guardian, responsible for all reader revenue. David played a key role in two of Britain's most high-profile campaigns: Director of Marketing at the London 2012 Olympic bid, and Director of Commercial and Marketing at the England 2018 FIFA World Cup bid.

Dr. Margaret Heffernan is the CEO of five businesses and blogs for Huffington Post and Inc.com.

Dumi Oburota is the Nigerian-British entrepreneur credited for engineering Patrick Okogwu AKA Tinie Tempah's rise to stardom. He is also attributed to being behind strong acts like WizKid and asides music, he boasts a clothing label under his "Disturbing London" company. Now he is on a mission to make Disturbing London "a stamp of coolness for millennial, urban culture".

Eamonn Quinn is currently an Executive Chariman of Kelsius Limited and has a wealth of experience within the food retail sector.

Ellis has headed a national newspaper business, turned around the Greyhound Bus operation in the US and ran Simon Cowell’s Syco Corporation before he took charge of Scottish media group DC Thompson, steering them into the digital age with interests from local newspapers to cloud computing. Highly engaging speeches, full of original thinking and humour, Ellis shows how to deal with disruptive forces, create a positive culture and inspire enthusiasm throughout the organisation.

After overseeing Eurostar’s move to St Pancras, Greg Nugent took on the enormous challenge of marketing London 2012 – with 60 million stakeholders and media waiting to pounce on every slip. He initiated a regular dialogue with the public and 23,000 local community leaders, renamed volunteers Gamesmakers – and supervised thousands of branded items.

A true rags-to-riches story, Herman Mashaba created the cosmetics brand Black Like Me. He started by selling his products from the boot of his car, and it mushroomed into the multimillion Rand enterprise it is today. Recently, he has also started up operations in the UK.

James speaks with passion about entrepreneurialism, brand development and chocolate. James made his name in chocolate, founding Gü Chocolate Puds and turning it into a £30m business. The idea for Gü came from living in Brussels where James was inspired by patisseries and chocolate shops. He formed a joint venture with a patisserie company back in London and developed the company’s first three products: two chocolate mousses and a chocolate soufflé in glass ramekins. James sold the business in 2010 (circa £30m) and has since continued to nurture and support future entrepreneurs.

Jo Fairley is co-founder of the pioneering organic chocolate company Green & Black’s, which has gone from a niche organic and Fairtrade brand to a global chocolate name - voted ‘Coolest Food Brand in the UK’ for the sixth year running, by Coolbrands. Engaging and passionate, Jo never fails to inspire – and is always happy to network with attendees, offering more direct input to individuals.

Jo Wimble-Groves is a successful business woman, runs a blog called 'guilty mother’ which has over 26,000 followers, she’s a writer, featured in numerous magazines and newspapers and she’s a key note speaker who’s recently joined forces with former England Women’s Rugby captain Catherine Spencer to create Inspiring women workshops to encourage women to have the confidence to succeed in business.

Joe McEwan is a knowledgeable keynote speaker who tells the inspiring story of his journey from a university student to the Head of Digital and Communities for Innocent smoothies.

Joel Harrison plays a strategic role in the company, focusing on the development of all B2B Marketing's content, products and services.

John was instrumental in Starbucks’ growth from a single premises in Seattle to a colossal global brand. He then headed marketing at Whole Foods Market. Given the value of word-of-mouth to any successful brand, John emphasises the need to use social media to engage fully with your customer base.

John Petter is the head of BT’s Consumer division and specialises in consumer proposition development, marketing and commercial strategy and call centre management.

A BAFTA Games Awards judge, former marketer and serial entrepreneur, Jude Ower founded her gaming-for-good company Playmob in 2011. The startup works with games studios like Niantic, EA, and Rovio to engage millions of players to take positive social action. The London-based company has raised millions for charities and non-profits like WWF, Oxfam and The Cybersmile Foundation. Jude was Awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to entrepreneurship

Lord Karan founded Cobra Beer in 1990 when he was £20,000 in debt and up against all odds. Since that time, Cobra has grown into an operation with offices on four continents and exports to over 45 countries, with brewing operations in five countries. Cobra Beer is now one of the fastest growing beer brands in the UK and one of the most innovative young companies in the country. Karan is widely respected for his entrepreneurial spirit. He is one of the first two Visiting Entrepreneurs ever appointed at Cambridge University and serves as National Champion of the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship.

As a CEO, chairman, founder and investor Kevin has enjoyed success in sectors including automotive, data, technology, manufacturing, brand marketing and professional services. He has repeatedly led teams to achieve extraordinary performance in companies ranging from 7 to 7,000 employees. One recognised as the best private equity investment of the year, another nominated as the World’s 7th most innovative company. Passionate about the development of leadership skills he is frequently sought to reinvigorate teams and companies.

In 2006, Levi became a Dragon Slayer; he won the heart and investment of Peter Jones with his Reggae Reggae Sauce pitch. Since then, the sauce has become a nationally loved product, seeing Levi venture into releasing cook books and recipes with his new-found culinary acclaim.

Liz Jackson is an inspirational figure with an extraordinary story, as many would have discovered when she was featured in Channel 4’s ‘Secret Millionaire’. Honoured by Her Majesty the Queen, Liz was awarded an MBE in the 2007 for services to business, and in 2012 she was bestowed with an honorary doctorate by Staffordshire University for her business achievements and for inspiring others.Liz is also an accomplished author, having published her book StartUp! which provides invaluable help and advice to entrepreneurs everywhere.

When thinking of Lord Alan Sugar it is difficult not to imagine the dreaded words ‘you’re fired’. However, it’s good to learn that although he doesn’t mince his words and definitely doesn’t suffer fools gladly, Lord Sugar is actually a considerate man and a philanthropist. He says what he means and can come across as abrupt at times, but his sense of humour is evident, as is his genuine desire to improve both the business and life experience of others.

Marc’s Funny Business, S.A.L.E.S. and Inspirational Communication programmes have inspired audiences to seek out opportunities, tackle challenges and improve their communication and influencing skills.

Maria Kempinska is an award-winning businesswoman, a mother of two and a tireless charity worker.

Mark Cuban is an American businessman, investor, and owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and Magnolia Pictures, and the chairman of the HDTV cable network AXS TV.

The former Marketer of the Year now advises other rapid growth consumer businesses. Mark advocates outsourcing to increase speed, investing in brand as opposed to machinery. He also argues that nobody should be afraid of niche markets.

Marty’s keynotes and workshops are rammed full of scientific knowledge and takeaway tips and strategies, but they are delivered with countless hilarious stories that can keep even the most cynical audience on side.

Mel Carson is the founder of Seattle-based consultancy – Delightful Communications - his mission is to educate and inspire businesses and individuals make the most of the explosion of digital media and technology and successfully apply strategies that focus on Social Media, Content and Influencer Marketing, Digital PR and Personal Branding.

Former IKEA Creative Director Michael looks at the lessons the furniture giant can teach from embracing creative thinking and simplicity to maintaining a customer focus.

Over his speaking career, Michael has successfully presented at over 2500 conferences in the last 15 years as a speaker at events around the world. As a professional speaker Michael shows audiences how to clearly understand the future of their own role in business, the changing requirements of the workplace and how to connect more with their company and colleagues.

Michelle Mone is the creator of Ultimo, the UK's leading designer lingerie brand. Listed as one of the top 3 female entrepreneurs in the UK, Michelle has built a hugely successful career on an incredibly simple concept: giving today's women what they want. 2009 was a giant milestone for Michelle professionally; not only was Ultimo the first UK lingerie brand to debut on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week, but she opened 20 'shop in shops' within Debenhams in key cities throughout the UK and landed a mammoth deal with Tesco clothing to develop, design and manufacture 'Diamond Boutique' lingerie.

Nick Jenkins is the founder of Moonpig.com, the online greeting card website – an idea that started whilst at university.

Richard Branson is best known as the founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies. His first business venture was a magazine called Student at the age of 16. In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores. Richard's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic and expanded the Virgin Records music label. Richard is now the 6th richest person in the UK, according to the Forbes 2013 list of billionaires, with an estimated net worth of £2.8 billion.

Rita Clifton CBE has been called ‘Brand guru’ by the Financial Times and ‘The doyenne of branding’ by Campaign magazine. She is a writer, keynote speaker, conference chair & practitioner on all aspects of brands, branding and business leadership.

He is the internationally bestselling author of two major books on strategy and enterprise innovation, which have been published to date in over 20 languages. Rowan is co-founder of www.innovationexcellence.com – the online home of the global innovation community. The portal, which builds on an international group of around 5,000 members from over 150 countries, offers an arsenal of resources from today's innovation thought leaders and practitioners that is aimed at helping every company achieve innovation excellence.

Rupert Gavin is the former CEO of the Odeon Cinema Group, the largest cinema group in Europe. Prior to that he was head of BBC Worldwide, responsible for all their commercial activity whilst overseeing a huge and controversial programme of diversification.


Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is a British entrepreneur of Greek origin, resident in Monaco. Stelios is the founder of easyJet, a low-cost airline and the Stelmar shipping line. EasyJet's foundation in 1995 marked the beginning of a series of ventures marketed under the "easy" brand, managed by easyGroup and chaired by Sir Stelios.

By the time Sir Terry Leahy stepped down as Chief Executive of Tesco in 2011, the company had become an international retail phenomenon. Attracting one in every eight pounds spent in Britain, it's now the UK's biggest supermarket chain and the third biggest in the world - with 350,000 employees and 2,000 stores.

A consultant to FTSE 100 and multi-national companies in the UK, USA and beyond at CEO level, Stephen is well placed to provide commentary on business, economic and business trends and offer insightful perspectives on the changing nature of the world economy and corporate world. Stephen talks both in the capacity of an advisor to businesses and from the perspective of a business owner and someone who has set up and sold businesses in the past – he provides an impartial, diverse and highly experienced voice.

Steve is one of the country’s leading experts on grassroots sales and marketing strategies. An exceptional business mentor and sought after motivational business speaker who draws upon his own first hand experiences. Steve is not “yet another theorist or a guru”, but someone who has “been there and done it”.

Timo Kiuru is a true global citizen having worked in cities as diverse as Seoul, Istanbul, San Diego, New York, Miami, Barcelona, Paris, Seattle, Tokyo, Helsinki, Abu Dhabi, London, Kazan, Stockholm, Porto, Toronto, Las Vegas, Tallinn, Moscow and St. Petersburg.

With a career spanning four decades in the design industry, Wayne Hemingway has a fair few stories to tell and lessons to give - and people love to hear them. His talks are insightful, thought-provoking, inspiring, often hilarious and always truthful, warts and all.