The Leading Speakers Bureau

Former CEO of Burger King

Barry Gibbons earned the title of ‘Turnaround Champ’ from Fortune Magazine thanks to his phenomenal success in boosting Burger King’s fortunes. Within a year of taking on the role, Burger King was opening two new restaurants a day around the world. Having retired from big business, he is now a successful author, speaker and is co-founder of the UK publishing business Infinite Ideas.

Believing that managing isn’t enough he debates what it really takes to be distinct in your leadership, product development, service delivery and customer relationships

In detail

During Barry’s 5 years as the US-based Chairman/CEO of Burger King he received international acclaim. He has since co-founded and invested in a variety of ventures including a branded food service business, a magazine-CD publishing company, speciality coffee bars and a Latin theme restaurant that opened in Disneyland. He was also Executive in Residence at the University of Miami School of Business and is a regular on the BBC’s Bottom Line business broadcast.
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Expert in Virtual Reality and Computer Engineering

Michael Zyda is Director of the USC GamePipe Laboratory, and a Professor of Engineering Practice in the USC Department of Computer Science. At USC, he created the ‘Batchelor of Science’ (BA) in Computer Science (Games) and ‘Master of Science’ (MS) in Computer Science (Game Development) cross-disciplinary degree programs and doubled the incoming undergraduate enrolment of the Computer Science Department. He was the Founding Director of The MOVES Institute, located at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NPS as well.

“Michael Zyda opens up the world of virtual reality and 3 dimensional networks”

In detail

From 1986 until the formation of the MOVES Institute, he was the Director of the NPSNET Research Group. His research interests include computer graphics, large-scale, networked 3D virtual environments, modelling human and organisational behaviour, interactive computer-generated story, video production, and entertainment games. He holds a lifetime appointment as a National Associate of the National Academies, an appointment made by the Council of the National Academy of Sciences in November 2003. He is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
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Professor of Strategic and International Management at LBS

Costas Markides is Professor of Strategic and International Management at London Business School. A native of Cyprus, he received his BA (Distinction) and MA in Economics from Boston University and his MBA and DBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to joining London Business School he has worked as an Associate with the Cyprus Development Bank and as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School.

“Costas Markides is an expert on creating breakthrough strategies with proven results”

Costas Markides has been ranked among the top 50 most influential business thinkers. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

In detail

His work has been has published in a wide range of journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Directors & Boards, Long Range Planning, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal.
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Former Member of the European Commission

During his 10 year tenure as one of Europe’s most senior Commissioners in Brussels, Dr Martin Bangemann was instrumental in shaping Europe’s telecommunications and IT policy in a world of rapid technology developments. He stepped down from this position in June 1999. From 2000 to 2005 he was a non-executive Advisory Board Member of Telefonica, Spain. He is currently writing a new book.

“Dr Bangemann has a firm grasp on the future of the information industry”

In detail

He received a doctorate in law from the University of Munich and became a practising lawyer in Germany in 1964. He entered the European Parliament in 1973 on the Budget Committee and became Chairman of the European Parliament Liberal Democratic Group in 1979. From 1984 to 1988 he was Federal Minister of Economic Affairs for Germany.
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Entrepreneur, Model and Media Personality

Caprice became a household name around the world through her modeling and media appearances. Arriving in England from Southern California she became one of the most photographed women in the world appearing on over 300 magazine covers. Following her success as a model she added a variety of television appearances to her media portfolio. Voted GQ Magazine’s Woman of the Year and Maxim’s International Woman of the Year 3 years running she appeared in a documentary for Channel 4 “ Being Caprice “ and featured in many other prime time shows.

Caprice is an Ambassador for the Princes Trust

In detail

Following her success as a Model and Media Personality Caprice moved into roles on the West End stage and received rave reviews, later she produced her own version of a popular musical in which she also starred. Recently she has become a business entrepreneur developing and financing her own range of lingerie and swimwear which achieved instant success in Debenhams stores, Next and Littlewoods plus many countries around the world. Her future objective is to achieve continuing global success with the By Caprice brand and as she develops further product ranges her determination is to be “ hands on“ in every respect of the business.
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President of Virgin Galactic

Will Whitehorn is the president of Virgin Galactic, appointed in 2004. Prior to this he was responsible for the corporate image of Virgin, public affairs, global brand development, selected company stewardship and a number of new business development activities. Virgin plans to launch its inaugural mission late in 2008.

“Leading expert on Branding and Leadership”

In detail

Will’s early career included time as a Market Intelligence Officer for the TSB Group flotation. Additionally, he was an Account Director at Lombard Communications, where he worked on numerous flotations and bids for companies including Chrysalis Group, Ward White and Grampian Holdings. He joined Virgin Group in 1987 as Head of Corporate Public Relations. In 2002, he became Virgin Group’s Brand Development and Corporate Affairs Director, in this role acting as Sir Richard Branson’s spokesman. In 2004 he became a Non-Executive Chairman for Next Fifteen Communications plc, a worldwide technology public relations group
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Founder and CEO of easyJet, easyGroup, easyEverything

Born in Athens, Greece in 1967, Stelios Haji-Ioannou is the middle son of Loucas and Nedi, both of Cypriot origin.

Stelios has an older brother, Polys and a younger sister, Clelia who are both shareholders in Stelmar Tankers and easyJet.

Stelios was raised in Athens where he attended Greek High School (Doucas School) and at the same time took two A-levels in Maths and Economics.
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Editor-in-chief, Wired Magazine

As editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, Chris Anderson is one of the most knowledgeable and articulate voices at the centre of the new economy. He has written an exciting new book that defines an entirely new economic model for business. ‘The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More’ explores the tremendous business potential of the long tail—the rise of the niche as a powerful new force in our economy.

“Anderson’s insights with the Long Tail continue to influence Google’s strategic thinking in a profound way.”
Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google

In detail

Before taking the helm at Wired, Chris worked at The Economist for seven years in various positions in London, Hong Kong and New York, ranging from Technology Editor to US Business Editor. He also served as an editor at the two premier science journals, Science and Nature. Education background: physics, including research at Los Alamos.
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Former CEO of Starbucks

Orin C. Smith was President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation from 2000 to 2005. He joined Starbucks as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1990, became President and Chief Operating Officer in 1994, and became a director of Starbucks in 1996. Mr. Smith has been a Director of The Walt Disney Company since 2006 and he has been a Director of Nike Inc. since September 20, 2004 and serves as a Member of its Audit Committee.

“Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do socially or ethically, it’s good for business.”

In detail

Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Smith spent a total of 14 years with Deloitte & Touche. He serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Washington School of Business, the University of Washington Medicine Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of Conservation International. He was also a Director of Oakley Sunglasses, Watches, Shoes, and Apparel from August 1995 until July 10, 2003.
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Technical Manager of the French Football Association and Former Manager of Liverpool Football Club

Gérard Houllier was National Technical Director of the French World Cup Winning Team of 1998. He was the Manager of Liverpool Football Club from 1998-2004 and in 2005 he became the Manager of French Champions Lyon. Gérard was Manager of Paris St. Germain from 1985-1986, winning the French Championship in 1986. He was also the Manager of Lens from 1982-1985, earning UEFA Cup qualification. He worked as number two to the National French Team Head Coach, Michel Platini, for the European Championship of 1988 and 1992, later progressing to Head Coach of France.

Head Coach of France.
“Part of a manager’s role is to make players improve”
Gérard Houllier

In detail

In 2001 under his leadership, Liverpool became the first club to win three knock-out competitions in one season. One of the most respected management figures in world football.
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