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Keynote SpeakerRory Sutherland

Vice Chairman, Ogilvy UK

Rory is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, an attractively vague job title which has allowed him to co-found a behavioral science practice within the agency. He works with a consulting practice of psychology graduates who look for ‘unseen opportunities’ in consumer behaviour – these are the often small contextual changes... Read more

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Popular Talks by Rory Sutherland

  • Consumer Behaviour and Trends
  • Psychology of Selling
  • Digital Marketing and Advertising
  • New Ways of Branding

Biography

Rory is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, an attractively vague job title which has allowed him to co-found a behavioral science practice within the agency.

He works with a consulting practice of psychology graduates who look for ‘unseen opportunities’ in consumer behaviour – these are the often small contextual changes which can have enormous effects on the decisions people make – for instance tripling the sales rate of a call centre by adding just a few sentences to the script. Put another way, lots of agencies will talk about “bought, owned and earned” media: we also look for “invented media” and “discovered media”: seeking out those unexpected (and inexpensive) contextual tweaks that transform the way that people think and act.

It is a hugely valuable activity – but, alas, not particularly lucrative. This is because clients generally do not have budgets for solving problems they did not know they had.

Before founding Ogilvy Change, Rory was a copywriter and creative director at Ogilvy for over 20 years, having joined as a graduate trainee in 1988. He has variously been President of the IPA, Chair of the Judges for the Direct Jury at Cannes, and has spoken at TED Global. He writes regular columns for the Spectator, Market Leader and Impact, and also occasional pieces for Wired. He is the author of two books: The Wiki Man, available on Amazon (at prices between £1.96 and £2,345.54, depending on whether the algorithm is having a bad day), and the best-selling Alchemy, The surprising Power of Ideas which don’t make Sense, published in the UK and US in May 2019 and, co-written with his former colleague Pete Dyson, the newly released Transport For Humans on the behavioural science of transport. He is the host on the podcast OnBrand with ALF and he has joined forces with MAD//Masters to lead a 12 week CPD accredited personal development programme to help marketers adapt, make sense of accelerated disruption and use the tried and tested recipe of using creativity, innovation and behavioural science to their competitive advantage.

Rory is married to a vicar and has twin daughters. He lives in the former home of Napoleon III – unfortunately in the attic. He is a trustee of the Benjamin Franklin House in London and a Patron of Rochester Cathedral.

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How to book Rory Sutherland as a keynote speaker

How do I book Rory Sutherland for a keynote speech?

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

What are Rory Sutherland's speaking fees?

Rory Sutherland'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 Rory tailored to your event.

What topics does Rory Sutherland speak about?

Rory Sutherland speaks on Behaviour, Behavioural Economics, Digital Trends, Fintech, Innovation & Creativity. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Rory to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Rory Sutherland available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Rory Sutherland for events worldwide, subject to Rory'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 Rory Sutherland 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 Rory Sutherland 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 Rory Sutherland?

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 Rory can accommodate.

Can Rory Sutherland tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Rory Sutherland 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 Rory can offer.

What languages does Rory Sutherland present in?

Rory Sutherland 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 Rory Sutherland a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Rory Sutherland's areas of expertise include Behaviour, Behavioural Economics, Digital Trends, Fintech, Innovation & Creativity. To get a clear sense of Rory'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 Rory Sutherland speak at?

Rory Sutherland can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Behaviour, Behavioural Economics, Digital Trends, Fintech, Innovation & Creativity is relevant. Details of Rory'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 Rory Sutherland 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 Rory Sutherland is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Rory Sutherland?

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