The Leading Speakers Bureau

CEO & Founder of GDR Creative Intelligence

Kate Ancketillis the CEO and Founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, a globally recognised consultancy focused on innovation and emerging trends in retail, leisure and hospitality around the world.Kate won the Jennifer d’Abo Memorial Scholarship for female entrepreneurs in 2007 and was selected as one of the UK’s top 100 in the Courvoisier Future 500 in 2009.As CEO of GDR, Kate is retained by an impressive roster of major global brands.

“Meaningful innovation often starts with inspiration from unexpected places”

[expand title=”In detail”] Founded in 1992, GDR Creative Intelligence is an independent consultancy that provides the world’s leading consumer brands with brand marketing and retail futures insight. The team researches, analyses and showcases key innovation trends to help clients compete. GDR is retained by brands and retailers for its personalized digital innovation platform, interactive presentations and workshops, custom research projects and real-world learning experiences where they can see innovation working in the field. The company also does creative matchmaking, thanks to its relationships with a diverse network of the best agencies worldwide.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Kate’s highly curated content illustrates how new technologies and consumer behaviours will impact physical and digital commerce globally.Her trademark wow-factor multi-media narratives explore the fast-moving impact of technological, human and spatial innovations that will change the face of retail and hospitality over the next two to five years. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Kate specialises in making complex and fast-moving tech simple for the non IT audience. Her audiences take away concrete action points for future-proofing their business and a broad perspective on priorities for investment; as well as a mind fizzing with new, stimulating and challenging concepts and possibilities.[/expand]

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Former Tennis Professional & Sales Expert, Author of ‘Mastering the Game’

Dr. Kerry Johnson is a best-selling author and speaker. Kerry heads a personal coaching company, Peak Performance Coaching and guarantees 80% increase in sales production within just a few weeks. Kerry also writes monthly for fifteen national trade and management magazines whose editors have dubbed him “The Nation’s Sales Psychologist”. His weekly newsletter, the Winning Edge, is read by thousands around the globe on new research on sales psychology.

“Kerry Johnson is dynamic, motivating, charismatic & commanding”

[expand title=”In detail”] In the 1970’s, Kerry spent two years as a professional tennis player, competing on the International Grand Prix Tennis Tour. He competed in both singles and doubles matches against some of the world’s top tennis players. Kerry was also recognized by the U.S. Jaycees as one of the Most Outstanding Men in America.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Kerry Johnson’s highly sought-after presentations are entertaining, participatory and educational, regularly exceeding expectations. He is a truly formidable speaker with a powerful ability to capture an audience, with a magical ability to communicate with individuals that very few speakers possess. Incorporating neurolinguistic programming (NLP) techniques with a number of other strategies, he demonstrates how to exhilarate on a personal level and in business. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Johnson will definitely capture your attention. Not only does he provide the content asked for, but he also makes the meetings fun.[/expand]

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Marketing Director, SKY Italia, Former Commercial Director Ferrari, & Group Vice President Marketing FILA

Andrea Zappia is Marketing Director, SKY Italia and Vice President Global Marketing at FILA Holding S.p.A., one of the leading companies in the field of footwear and apparel for sports and leisure-wear. He was appointed to this position in 2001 after five years in leading management positions with Ferrari S.p.A.

“A marketing expert”

[expand title=”In detail”] Andrea Zappia commenced his illustrious career with Procter & Gamble Italy in 1988. Five years later he became Marketing Manager for the Health and Beauty/Cosmetics and Fragrances Division, followed by a year as Key Accounts Manager National Chains and Euro Marketing Manager/Strategic Planning for Procter & Gamble ETC (Brussels). In 1996, he moved to Ferrari S.p.A as Director of Sales Ferrari. He became Director of Sales Ferrari and Maserati, when the two companies joined forces in 1997 and at the end of 1998 he advanced further up the corporate ladder as Director of Sales and Marketing Ferrari and Maserati Worldwide. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Andrea’s wealth of experience in respect of customer relationships, marketing mix and the placing and development of products proves invaluable to companies wishing to progress in the commercial industry.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A brilliant and enthusiastic speaker Andrea Zappia reveals the secrets of his phenomenal commercial successes with his audiences.[/expand]

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President Fraunhofer Society

Professor Hans-Jörg Bullinger is an internationally renowned expert and researcher in the fields of technology, innovation and information management, e-commerce and the Internet. For more than 20 years he was head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering before he became President of the Fraunhofer Society, the leading organisation for technical and organisational innovations in Europe. Since 2005 he has headed the Innovation Initiative of the German Government.

Networking is one of the most important developments for the New Information Society

[expand title=”In detail”] Prof. Bullinger is also renowned for his continuing research and in particular the initiative “Partner for Innovation” which is he co-instigated. For his outstanding achievements in 2006 he received the Federal Cross of Merit, the Federal Order of Merit in 1998 and in 1995 the Arthur Burckhard Award. He has also been elected as an honorary member and honorary professor at some of the most prestigious universities and institutions around the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Professor Bullinger offers audiences an in depth look at the social, economic and political implications of new technologies around the world. He also shows organisations how to benefit from the latest innovations and trends which are shaping globalization and the way we do business today.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Professor Bullinger’s engaging and thought provoking presentations are filled with a wealth of useful actionable information and examples from his comprehensive research programmes.[/expand]

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Expert on Disruptive Innovation

Juan Pablo Vázquez Sampere is an expert on Disruptive Innovation. He is an Associate Professor for the Operations & Technology area at IE Business School, his research is focused on using innovation to increase the success rate of both entrepreneurs and corporate ventures. Juan Pablo is the founder of Stratemic, a boutique consulting firm focused on Disruptive Innovation. In 2006 he became a faculty member at IE Business School.

He has been selected for IMD’s “World Competitiveness Yearbook” panel

[expand title=”In detail”] Professor Vázquez holds a BA with highest honors in Business Administration and an MBA with High Distinction from IE Business School. He has a MR title from Harvard University and is a PhD Candidate from Universidad Complutense. His professional experience includes several positions in management consulting firms and in a major media group. He has also worked for governments and NGOs. In strategy consulting he is working for the largest corporations in Europe. His particular interest is in removing the variability in the commercialization process using new technologies that eliminate the factors that introduce randomness.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Juan Pablo analyses how to build and manage an enduring successful company and how to improve a manager’s professional career using innovation to his advantage. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His enlightening presentations make Juan Pablo Vázquez Sampere a sought-after speaker at conferences around the globe.
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Founder of Kaldi’s Coffee

Howard Lerner is the founder of Kaldi’s Coffee, a chain of retail cafes supported by a large coffee roasting facility located in St. Louis. Kaldi’s is at the center of Third Wave Coffee, a movement devoted to elevating the efforts of world coffee workers, from farmer to barista; from seed to cup.

“Kaldi’s founder knows coffee history – and he’s trying to write its future”

[expand title=”In detail”] In 2009, after selling his stake in Kaldi’s, Lerner launched another startup, Inbru Coffee Flavors, based on a technology he developed and patented. The product, launched in 2010, was on the shelves of all 262 Williams-Sonoma Stores within three months. Inbru was named one of the top 20 new gourmet products of 2010 by The Specialty Food Association. Lerner sold Inbru in 2012.Lerner also founded decemberpress.com, a small business consultancy focusing on startups and mature business clients seeking inspiration, organization and fresh, new, creative ideas in the retail, wholesale and service sectors. Prior to Kaldi’s, Lerner was a professional journalist, covering diplomacy and defense for The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s international newspaper of record, and as a business writer for The St. Louis Business Journal. He graduated Washington University in 1987 with a degree in English literature and writing. Lerner has a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]An entrepreneur and manager with experience in innovation, business consulting, product development and marketing, Lerner offers audiences inspiration and entertainment while sharing his adventures in retail, manufacturing and wholesale. Anyone who wants to know how to build customer loyalty, recruit great people, retain talent and expand their business into something truly awesome will walk away with a smile and at least three good ideas.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Lerner is a candid, eloquent, and passionate speaker who has something important to say about startups, value, pricing and business culture. He’s a popular speaker who brings complex concepts such as exit strategies, family business, trend analysis, technology and workplace culture into simple, clear focus. [/expand]

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Entrepreneur, CEO and MD at iris Middle East

Scott Feasey is CEO and Managing Director at iris ME (formerly Expression FZ LLC), one of the world’s largest independent advertising networks and the pioneers of “Brand Participation”. Iris offers integrated marketing solutions including advertising, corporate identity, promotions, direct marketing and interactive media. The award winning agency has a consistent history of achievement within diverse organisational structures from start-ups, to mid size regional companies to global corporations.

“Today, there are TWO kinds of brands. Participation brands and dying ones”

[expand title=”In detail”] Scott holds a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Leicester and diplomas from the Institute of Sales Promotion and the Institute of Direct Marketing. He sits on the Advisory Council Board of the American University in Dubai and lectures at other schools. Before setting up his own company, Scott worked for Saatchi & Saatchi as Group Account Director and Marketing Director, responsible for half of the agency’s clients around the globe. He was responsible for new business wins, including initial client brand planning and strategy. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With a multi-discipline background built up over 18 years at major network agencies in London and the Middle East, Scott has an extensive knowledge and gives important insights into delivering integrated marketing solutions for leading brands. An entrepreneur that set up his own agency, Scott knows what it takes to build a successful and profitable company.
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[expand title=”How he presents”]Scott is a lively and funny speaker who is passionate about brand marketing and being the best at what you do.[/expand]

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Educator & Business Consultant

Shiv Khera is the founder of Qualified Learning Systems Inc. He has taken his dynamic personal message around the world. Shiv has been recognized as a “Louis Marchesi Fellow” by the Round Table Foundation. Shiv has appeared on various television and radio programmes and his numerous interviews have appeared in international newspapers and magazines.

“Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently”

[expand title=”In detail”] Shiv left India and moved to the USA where he currently enjoys great success from very humble beginnings. His client list includes, among others, Lufthansa German Airlines, Bahamas Quality Council, Johnson & Johnson Ltd, Motorola, Nestle, Glaxo SmithKline Beecham, Tetrapak, HSBC Bank, Carrier, Deutsche Bank. Lions Club International honoured Shiv with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for the cause of ‘Humanitarian Service to the Society’. The Rotary Club honoured him with the ‘Centennial Vocational Award for Excellence’.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Shiv is an educator, business consultant, a much sought after speaker and a successful entrepreneur, Shiv has many feathers in his cap. He works to inspire and inform people, helping them realise their true potential. His 25 years of research, understanding and experience help his audiences on the path of personal growth and fulfilment.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Shiv is a dynamic, highly inspiring and motivated speaker who leaves audiences worldwide empowered and enlightened. [/expand]

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Vision Coach and Author, Chief Vision Officer of Ideas Group

Camil El Khoury is vision coach, author and speaker with an extensive background in business consulting and training. He is Chief Vision Officer of ideas group, a global learning and development consultancy that works with organizations to facilitate and sustain their performance. Camil has helped public, private and non-governmental organizations build capabilities of growth in more than 80 countries. He is also a distinguished writer and regular contributor to articles and newsletters across the world.

“My mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of as many people as possible”

[expand title=”In detail”] Camil co-founded “MENA networks” in 2006, a growing IT networking solutions organization that was awarded 4 Government contracts in the West Indies and Southern Africa. He also founded “Ideas Real Estate” in 2008, a private real estate investment fund with a portfolio of over US $ 7 Million in the first year. While with FranklinCovey he worked on human capital growth with respected organizations in the private sector helping them get the best out of their people and strengthening their competitive position and profitable business expansions.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Camil El Khoury links real life examples with his concepts and helps clients become high performance organizations and foster a sustainable growth. He has a strong Marketing background having developed several strategy implementation techniques that have proven successful in highly competitive markets. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Camil El Khoury is an energetic and motivated speaker who believes that having fun in everything helps not only achieve but exceed the desired results. He thoroughly enjoys coaching individuals and teams to unleash their potential.[/expand]

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Brand and Consumer Strategist, Managing Partner – Yellowdoor, Business Partner to Mary Portas

Peter Cross is one of the UK’s leading brand and consumer strategists. He is the business partner of Mary Portas and Managing Partner of Yellowdoor, a full service communications agency which manages a portfolio of some of the world’s greatest brands. He has made regular appearances on UK and international TV, writes regularly in the national press and lectures across the world on the subjects of retail, branding and consumer trends.

“My start point is always the consumer. Understand them and you’re half way home”

[expand title=”In detail”] Peter has worked in marketing communications for 25 years, starting his career at Burberry in the European buying team then moving to L’Oreal where he spent 12 years in international marketing. After a four year stint with the Richemont luxury group, Peter joined forces with Mary Portas. Their agency Yellowdoor works with clients as far afield as Westfield, Louis Vuitton and Clarks. They have also launched a fashion collection for women with House of Fraser, overhauled a chain of charity shops for Save the Children and are now advising the UK Government on how to save our high streets. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Peter has unparalleled expertise in “how we shop” built though his unique experience working with both the largest fashion luxury and lifestyle brands, the biggest shopping centres and the remotest of high streets. He’ll challenge retailers, marketers, salespeople and customer service professionals to think again about the new expectations of today’s consumers and how best to engage with them in an increasingly complex and challenging world. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Peter’s style is informal and relaxed yet dynamic and challenging. He’ll guide his audience through the forces at work and stimulate discussion on brands and customer experience. His presentations are inspirational and highly motivating.[/expand]
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