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Keynote SpeakerGerd Leipold

Executive Director of Greenpeace (2001-2009)

Gerd Leipold was International Executive Director of Greenpeace until 2009, a position he has held since 2001. In this role he lead the global organisation, overseeing all its activities. He has had a long association with Greenpeace, having worked for the organisation in various capacities for over 20 years. In... Read more

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Popular Talks by Gerd Leipold

  • Environment
  • Energy Industry
  • Climate Change
  • Sustainability

Biography

Gerd Leipold was International Executive Director of Greenpeace until 2009, a position he has held since 2001. In this role he lead the global organisation, overseeing all its activities.

He has had a long association with Greenpeace, having worked for the organisation in various capacities for over 20 years. In the 1980s he was Executive Director of Greenpeace Germany, before running the international disarmament campaign from 1987-92.

He has a PhD in Oceanography and worked as a research scientist for the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg on numerical ocean circulation models as part of the institute’s climate research and at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of CaliforniaGerd Leipold studied Physics and Meteorology in Munich and Hamburg, and in La Jolla, San Diego, and then worked at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, in the area of climate research.

He has a long history of spectacular Greenpeace initiatives. For example, in August 1983 he piloted a hot-air balloon from West Berlin into the former GDR, in protest against the nuclear weapons test being carried out by the four occupying nations. In the same year he became Director of Greenpeace in Germany and, starting with a small group of volunteers, created the largest German environmental organisation with 80 employees and an annual income from donations of DM50 million. From 1990 to 1992 he lead the Greenpeace International disarmament campaign and coordinated more than 50 international campaigns at sea.

He remains firm in his ideological beliefs; when George W Bush’s rejected the Kyoto Protocol, he described him as an enemy of environmental protection, with a minority viewpoint financed by the oil and energy industry.

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How to book Gerd Leipold as a keynote speaker

How do I book Gerd Leipold for a keynote speech?

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

What are Gerd Leipold's speaking fees?

Gerd Leipold'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 Gerd tailored to your event.

What topics does Gerd Leipold speak about?

Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Gerd Leipold available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Gerd Leipold for events worldwide, subject to Gerd'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 Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd Leipold?

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 Gerd can accommodate.

Can Gerd Leipold tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd can offer.

What languages does Gerd Leipold present in?

Gerd Leipold delivers keynotes in German. 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 Gerd Leipold a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Gerd Leipold's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Gerd'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 Gerd Leipold speak at?

Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd'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 Gerd Leipold 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 Gerd Leipold is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Gerd Leipold?

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