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Keynote SpeakerChris Hirst

Change Agent, former Global CEO Havas Creative Group and author of UK Business Book of the Year, No Bullsh*t Leadership

Chris Hirst is a change agent, widely recognised as an innovative and inspirational leader and speaker. He is the former Global CEO of Havas Creative Group and UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP). After more than a decade in CEO positions he has a proven track record of leading... Read more

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Popular Talks by Chris Hirst

  • No Bullsh*t Leadership

    Based on the best-selling and award-winning book of the same name.

    Leadership is difficult but not complicated. Chris wipes aways the guff and bullshit to get to the heart of modern leadership: the life-changing, career-transforming power to get stuff done.

  • Revolution: Leading Change

    The only constant we now face is change, and the demand for those who can grasp its opportunities has never been greater.

    Drawing on over a decade of experience leading successful change programmes around the world, Chris shares his proven strategies for team, organisational and cultural transformation.

  • Superpower: What culture is and why it matters

    Culture is the environment the leader creates in order for their teams to out-perform. The defining experience for people in organisations big and small is the culture yet it is so often miss-understood, or even forgotten about all together. Culture is the environment the leader creates in order for their…

Biography

Chris Hirst is a change agent, widely recognised as an innovative and inspirational leader and speaker. He is the former Global CEO of Havas Creative Group and UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP). After more than a decade in CEO positions he has a proven track record of leading successful transformation programmes, guiding his businesses to record growth, product reinvention, reputational change and a culture of enduring success. He is founder of leadership consultancy Dogsbody Group, speaker, columnist and author.

His first book, No Bullsh*t Leadership (Profile Books, 2019) has been a No.1 best-seller for over 36 months and is available around the world. It was named UK Business Book of the Year in March 2020. Based on his hard-won experience this smart, engaging book wipes away the bullshit that surrounds conventional leadership theory and is a proven step-by-step working manual on how to lead – for anyone. Full of universally applicable and direct advice, it demystifies an over-analysed subject to get to the heart of modern leadership: the life-changing, career-transforming power to get stuff done. A recommended essential read in the FT, it was described by Sir Clive Woodward as, ‘a brilliant set of leadership tools that will help you succeed, whatever your goals.’

As Global CEO, Havas Creative Group Chris led more than 10,000 people across all Havas’ global territories, taking the business from an ‘also ran’ to second place in Campaign Magazine’s global rankings in three short years. He oversaw two years of record growth and profits and was shortlisted as global CEO of the year in 2022. During his 5-year tenure as UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP), the agency more than tripled in size, and quadrupled its profit during its transformation into one of the hottest, fastest growing and most creatively respected agencies in the world.

A graduate of Brasenose College Oxford (MEng Engineering Science) and Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program), Chris writes a monthly column for Management Today, is the founder of leadership consultancy Dogsbody Group Ltd, has over ½ million listens for his No Bullsh*t Leadership podcast, and is a regular commentator in press and broadcast media.

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What clients say about Chris Hirst

“Chris' clarity of thought and judgement make him a rare breed. We really valued his grasp of what it takes to lead effectively and the straight-talking way he does it.” Nina Bibby, SVP Consumer Segment Marketing Verizon
“Chris has mastered the art of communicating advanced leadership concepts in a very digestible format that is memorable and effective.” Samantha Yap, Founder & CEO, Yap Global
“Chris skips the theory and gets into real world applications to transform business to be the best it can be.” Lindsley Ruth, CEO RS-Components
“Quite simply he’s the right guy…right leader…right time…with all the right answers.. A very rare quality.” Progressive Insurance

How to book Chris Hirst as a keynote speaker

How do I book Chris Hirst for a keynote speech?

You can book Chris Hirst through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Chris's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Chris Hirst's speaking fees?

Chris Hirst'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 Chris tailored to your event.

What topics does Chris Hirst speak about?

Chris Hirst speaks on Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Marketing, Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Chris to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Chris Hirst available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Chris Hirst for events worldwide, subject to Chris's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Chris Hirst deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Chris Hirst is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Chris Hirst?

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 Chris can accommodate.

Can Chris Hirst tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Chris Hirst 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 Chris can offer.

What languages does Chris Hirst present in?

Chris Hirst 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.

What makes Chris Hirst a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Chris Hirst's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Marketing, Motivation. To get a clear sense of Chris'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.

What kind of events can Chris Hirst speak at?

Chris Hirst can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Marketing, Motivation is relevant. Details of Chris'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.

Does Chris Hirst offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

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 Chris Hirst is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Chris Hirst?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Chris Hirst, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Chris's current availability for your dates.