Bob Kilford is a senior Health and Safety professional with an extensive engineering background gained in the land and offshore oil & gas drilling industry, deep coal mining, power generation and aircraft operational roles. Kilford spent the early part of his career in the Royal Air Force. After training, he... Read more
Bob Kilford is a senior Health and Safety professional with an extensive engineering background gained in the land and offshore oil & gas drilling industry, deep coal mining, power generation and aircraft operational roles.
Kilford spent the early part of his career in the Royal Air Force. After training, he worked as a junior engineering manager on the Nimrod maritime reconnaissance aircraft before moving to Germany for 3 years to manage the storage and servicing of air-to-air missiles and other explosive ordinance. He then underwent further technical training and for the next few years worked as a technical analyst assessing the capabilities of foreign aircraft before returning to work on Nimrods in a more senior role. Throughout this time he was exposed to many hazardous operating environments and gained a good grounding in engineering principles and procedural discipline which have helped him to manage safety ever since.
On leaving the Air Force Kilford moved into the power generation industry, initially in an engineering capacity but then transferring into safety to eventually head up the Health & Safety organisation for EDF Energy’s non-nuclear activities in the UK. After 5 years in this role Kilford was asked to join UK Coal to lead the safety improvement strategy for the UK’s few remaining deep coal mines after a period when they had had several fatalities and regulator interventions. Unfortunately, a catastrophic underground fire shortly after he Joined UK coal, combined with a downturn in world coal prices, meant an earlier than planned end to this company.
Kilford moved on to become the Global Head of Health, Safety, Security & Environment for KCA Deutag’s international oil and gas drilling operations. Amongst the initiatives Bob is spearheading there is the redesign of their safety management system to ensure KCA Deutag managers can always answer the question How do You Know?
Currently he is Director of Health Safety and Environment at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology since january 2016 and previously was Global Head of HSSE at KCA Deutag Drilling Ltd for a year until 2015.
Kilford has a degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters in Aero Systems Engineering and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management. He is a keen cyclist and when he gets the chance he also likes to sail his 16ft catamaran. He has two adult children and maintains his link to aviation through his son who is a Boeing 737 pilot.
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You can book Bob Kilford through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Bob's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Bob Kilford's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Bob tailored to your event.
Bob Kilford speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Bob to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Bob Kilford for events worldwide, subject to Bob's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Bob Kilford is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Bob can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Bob Kilford on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Bob can offer.
Bob Kilford delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Bob Kilford's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Bob's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Bob Kilford can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Bob's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Bob Kilford is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Bob Kilford, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Bob's current availability for your dates.