The Leading Speakers Bureau

Deputy Director General, World Nuclear Association

Steve Kidd is the Deputy Director General at the World Nuclear Association, the international association for nuclear energy based in London, having worked there since 1995, (when it was the Uranium Institute). He is a member of the International Association for Energy Economics. He acts as Secretary to many WNA working groups, notably those preparing incisive reports such as the biennial treatise on the global nuclear fuel market.

Steve Kidd expertly analyses our future energy solutions”

[expand title=”In detail”] Stephen Kidd received his bachelors and masters degrees in economics from Queens’ College, University of Cambridge. After a brief period as an economics tutor at Sheffield University, he followed a career as an industrial economist with several leading UK companies that specialised in the raw materials and engineering sectors. He practiced as an independent consultant from 1990 onwards and then joined the former Uranium Institute as Senior Research Officer in 1995. He became Director of Strategy & Research when the Institute became the World Nuclear Association in 2001 and assumed his current position in 2010.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his invaluable presentations, Steve Kidd addresses the political, commercial, environmental, logistical, as well as technological complex challenges facing us today and for our future. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and meetings around the world, particularly those targeted at non-specialists, where he expertly analyses the challenges faced by the nuclear power sector and provides a practical overview of where the industry is today, where it is heading, and how it can overcome the many obstacles in its path to get there. He organizes and teaches at training courses for nuclear professionals in developing nuclear countries on behalf of the World Nuclear University.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Steve Kidd is an extremely knowledgeable and informative speaker on all issues related to energy.[/expand]
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Serial Entrepreneur, Founder & Owner of AirAsia.com, Owner of Lotus F1 team, 2009 Airline CEO of the Year

Tony Fernandes is the founder of Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., who introduced the first budget no-frills airline, AirAsia, Malaysia’s second largest airline of which he is the Director. He was also instrumental in lobbying the then-Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad in mid-2003, to propose the idea of open skies agreements with neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. As a result, these nations have granted landing rights to AirAsia and other discount carriers.

“Believe the Unbelievable, Dream the Impossible and Don’t Take No for An Answer” Tony Fernandes

[expand title=”In detail”] Educated at Epsom College 1977-83 and then graduating from the London School of Economics in 1987, Tony Fernandes started his career at Virgin Atlantic as an auditor, subsequently becoming the financial controller for Richard Branson’s Virgin Records in London from 1987 to 1989. Upon his return to Malaysia, he became the youngest-ever managing director of Warner Music where he was responsible for revolutionising ethnic music. However, when Time Warner Inc announced its merger with America Online Inc., Fernandes left to pursue his dream of starting a budget no-frills airline. In 2009 he launched the first ever long-haul Low cost airline (with Sir Richard Branson) flying from London to Kuala Lumpur.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having joined the ranks of the world’s elite leaders in the ‘Young Global Leaders’, Tony Fernandes is a true visionary and exceptional leader whose presentations are high in actionable content and full of inspiration.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A familiar face in the aviation industry as well as on an international level having been featured on the front cover of many high profile magazines, Tony Fernandes means business. He has an amicable, warm and yet highly informative style.[/expand]
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Chairman of Tesco PLC

David Reid became Chairman of Tesco PLC in 2004. His vision and belief that anything is possible enabled him to turn Tesco around and bring them from no.5 to no.1 in the UK. Prior to this he was Deputy Chairman with responsibility for Business Development, Strategic Planning and International Operations in Central Europe, Asia and the Republic of Ireland. He has played a pivotal role in advancing Tesco’s status globally. He is Senior Independent Non Executive Director of Reed Elsevier Group plc and the Chairman of the Kwik-Fit Group, Chairman of SIBAC (Seoul International Business Advisory Council) and a member of IBLAC.

“Talk to customers, understand what they want, be there first, never take your eye off the ball, you’re only as good as yesterday’s sales”

[expand title=”In detail”] David qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Aberdeen and began his professional career with Peat Marwick Mitchell in 1970, based in Paris. He held numerous roles including Chief Accountant for Philips Video and Group Financial Controller and Finance Director of International Stores Limited. In 1985 he joined Tesco as Finance Director and subsequently assumed responsibility for IT, Distribution and Business Development. He is also Patron of the charity Caravan and Chairman of the Tesco Charity Trust and also Chairman of Whizz-Kidz.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]David’s background and qualifications make him exceptionally well placed to speak on the ongoing effects that globalisation has on industry today – vital knowledge for every professional playing an active role in the future of their organisation. With Tesco now No.2 globally, he offers his country by country vision for globalisation, outlining the key building blocks needed to build a brand. He provides retailing and leadership insights that include looking at the manufacturing trends and global supply chains in order to find the new drivers for the future and addressing the core values of business.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A straight talking and knowledgeable speaker, David’s presentations are meticulously prepared and filled with an immeasurable wealth of useful information, illustrated with case studies. Additionally, with a solid business acumen and vast experience, David gives audiences the opportunity to ask specific questions in a lively Q&A session after his presentations.[/expand]
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Professor of Marketing, Director of Centre for Marketing, London Business School

Prof. Nirmalya Kumar is one of the world’s leading thinkers on strategy and marketing. His acclaimed case study on easyJet demonstrates his ability to interpret market forces. Typically ahead of the game, his latest work concentrates on how organisations must become market-driving, as the era of push marketing is gone. Nirmalya is a celebrated academic, joining London Business School in 2004. He is Professor of Marketing, Director of Centre for Marketing, and Co-Director for Aditya V. Birla India Centre at London Business School.

“Push marketing is dead” Nirmalya Kumar

[expand title=”In detail”] Now based in Europe, he previously spent ten years in US academia. Nimalya has worked with 50 Fortune 500 companies (e.g., Akzo-Nobel, IBM, Sara Lee) in 45 different countries as coach, consultant, seminar leader and speaker on strategy, marketing, branding, retailing and distribution. He has also served on the board of directors of Bata India, BP Ergo, and Zensar Technologies and has made more than 100 press appearances including BBC, Business Week, CNBC, CNN, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, and Wall Street Journal. He has written four business books, dozens of articles and is widely quoted in periodicals.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Do you want to position marketing more strategically within your organisation? He will show you how to raise the status of marketing by concentrating on cross functionality and bottom line impact. His most recent work positions him as the Western business leader’s insider’s guide to the art of doing business with Indian leaders and companies. He believes that the marketing function is currently in crisis and explains why. His teaching skills were recognised with Business Week’s highest four-star rating in their guide to MBA programmes.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His blend of research and business experience translates into powerful and pragmatic advice. Kumar learned marketing at the knee of Philip Kotler and practices what he preaches with energetic gusto. He is passionate about marketing and willing to espouse controversial positions.[/expand]
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Founder of competia.com, One of the World’s Experts on Competitive & Strategic Intelligence

Estelle Métayer is an expert in Competitive and Strategic Intelligence. Her best work is done when companies need to drastically change the way they do business and/or grow aggressively. An adjunct professor for McGill University, she teaches with Henry Mintzberg in the International and national Advanced Leadership Programs and the International Master for Health Leadership. She also introduced Competitive Intelligence into the McGill-Rottman School of Business’s certification program for Canadian board directors, and into the new HEC-McGill Executive MBA.

“Estelle brings vast experience & fresh perspective to the ever-changing world of Competitive and Strategic Intelligence”

[expand title=”In detail”] Estelle Métayer obtained her MBA and Doctors from the University of Nijenrode. She started her career at the ING Bank in the Netherlands and in Poland, studying the financial risks of expanding into emerging countries, and in the French Conglomerate Bouygues in France and the UK. A former consultant at the international Strategic Consulting firm McKinsey & Company, she gained first-hand practical experience while managing the competitive intelligence, business development and strategic planning function at CAE Inc. She is an entrepreneur and sat on the board of the Grands Ballets Canadiens and of World Canada Youth. Estelle is also a mother, a commercial pilot and flight instructor.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Estelle Métayer’s research focuses on how managers, CEOs, and board members build and improve their strategic planning and/or competitive intelligence function to avoid strategic blindspots. She is a reputed public speaker in international conferences and facilitates strategic workshops around the world. Estelle is also a guest lecturer at IMD (Lausanne), and in the International Masters Program in Practicing Management led by Lancaster University, McGill, the IMB (India) and INSEAD. A noted expert, her intuitive, precise research provides managers, CEOs, and board members with the right tools to effectively build and hone their competitive intelligence and strategic planning – to avoid blind spots, capitalize on strengths and excel.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]A lover of art, travel, world culture and experiencing life to its fullest, she loves to challenge common wisdom and surprise you.[/expand]
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Renowned Belgian Car Designer, Head of Design at Bentley Motors

Dirk van Braeckel is best-known as the Design Director of Bentley Motors. Under his direction the talented design team both honoured Bentley design tradition and provided a confident new design language for the 21st century. In 2007, he was awarded the laureate of Antwerp’s Christophe Plantin Prize, which honours Belgian citizens whose cultural, artistic or scientific activities contribute to the country’s prestige abroad. In 2008 he was awarded the European Automotive Design Award by Designers (Europe), which he sees as an endorsement of his vision for Bentley to create the ultimate in desirability – a classic of the future.

“Dirk van Braeckel creates the ultimate in desirability”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dirk van Braeckel studied at one of the first specialist car design schools, the Royal College of Art. His career started as an apprentice at Ford, then in 1984 moved to the Volkswagen Group (VAG), were he worked for Audi. Then in 1993 the then boss of VAG, Ferdinand Piëch, made him the chief designer for Skoda. He then went about completely redesigning the entire range for Skoda. In 1998 he became the chief designer for another VAG brand, Bentley. His brief was to create a second-car line that could sell in higher volumes than the $240,000 Bentley Arnage limo. He created the Bentley Continental GT, which in 2004 sold 5,983 units, exceeding forecasts by 62%.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dirk van Braeckel is a widely respected designer who has re-established Bentley at the pinnacle of hand-crafted grand tourers. Under his direction at Skoda, he produced several key models, including the Octavia and Fabia. He cites cubist architecture, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and classic cars of the ’60s and ’70s among his inspirations and provides fascinating insights into his visions for the cars of the future, with his truly eye-catching designs.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dirk van Braeckel honours the marque traditions whilst looking to the future and his invaluable and expertly delivered presentations give insights from his unique perspective. This designer is sure to surprise.[/expand]
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Founder, Chairman & CEO of LVMH, Europe’s Richest Man

Bernard Arnault’s high-end luxury goods empire LVMH, with brands including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Christian Dior and Mokt & Chandon, posted record sales of $16.6 billion. He made it his business to own the most attractive names across the spectrum of luxury goods, cosmetics and beverages. As chairman and CEO of Moét Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), he had an intense drive and seemingly insatiable corporate appetite that earned him a reputation as a financier interested only in profits. His shrewd moves proved that his expertise in brand management was unmatched by the competition.

“The key to success is this duality–timelessness and the utmost modernity” Bernard Arnault

[expand title=”In detail”] Bernard Arnault gained a taste for the flavour of entrepreneurship from an early age. After graduating from the Maxence Van Der Meersch High School, he was admitted to the École Polytechnique from which he graduated with an engineering degree. After graduation, he joined his father’s company convincing him to liquidate the construction division of the company for 40 million francs, and to change the focus of company to real estate. He transformed Louis Vuitton, having taken charge of LVMH in 1990. He has long made a crusade of bringing haute couture to the developing world, to places like China and India.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Bernard Arnault’s insights from his experiences at the helm of the world’s largest luxury group are invaluable. He has infused many of his brands with a cutting-edge hipness and gained widespread respect for his business strategy and penchant for risk taking. Unique among the world’s leading CEOs, he provides insights into his rare ability to relate to both the creative and financial aspects of running a business.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]The “Pope of fashion”, Bernard Arnault is a speaker with amazing energy. Having often gone for innovative ideas as opposed to conventionally accepted wisdom, he has extensive sensibility and flair and an onvious passion for his work.[/expand]
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Vice-President of Inditex, Former CEO of Iberia Airlines & Mercedes Benz Spain

Carlos Espinosa is a renowned commercial expert & state economist. He is currently Vice President of Inditex, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers and advisor to Acciona S.A., a Spanish conglomerate dedicated to engineering, construction and infrastructure. Carlos Espinosa was President and CEO of Daimler Chrysler Spain and Chief Executive Officer for Mercedes Benz Spain for more than 20 years.

“A key figure in Spanish business & politics”

[expand title=”In detail”] He has held several high profile positions including Sales Director and Vice-President of the National Institute of Industry in Spain and President of Iberia and Aviaco airlines. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association and President of the Businessmen Circle of the Spanish Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and of the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Carols was Professor of Economy at ICADE, a member of NATO’s “Wisemen Group” for the analysis of European industry and consultant at the CEE for the study of the future of the aeronautic industry. He worked for the Spanish Government as Spanish Commercial Aggregate in Chicago and became the first president of Bodegas Gónzalez- Byass who wasn’t a member of the González family. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]One of the key figures who have shaped the Spanish business and political landscape in recent years, Carlos Espinosa addresses in his highly sought-after presentations the analysis of the Spanish economy, the internationalisation of businesses and the current sociopolitical environment. With almost 40 years experience, he has seen the positives and negatives in business and management and provides useful advice how to be less vulnerable to the crisis, how to position yourself effectively in different markets and the development of strategic sense for SMEs.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Carlos Espinosa is a powerful and informative orator with excellent communication skills.[/expand]
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Best-selling Author & President of the Table Group, Inc.

Patrick Lencioni is a best-selling author and president of The Table Group, a consulting firm that specialises in executive team development and organisational health. Recognised as one of the world’s leading experts on executive team development, his original leadership theories are based on consulting work with CEO’s and their teams at numerous national and international organisations around the world.

“What a huge home run! Pat Lencioni’s presentation at our MIT Birthing of Giants program was simply outstanding – he received one of the highest ratings ever” Brien Biondi CEO

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to founding The Table Group, Patrick Lencioni worked at Bain & Company, the Oracle Corporation and Sybase, where he was vice president of organisational development. He also served on the National Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America from 2000-2003.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Patrick Lencioni shares his models for leadership and organisational health and he shows decision makers how to overcome the problems that divide work units and paralyse performance. He offers solutions to key leadership issues designed to enhance workplace effectiveness and increase productivity.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A respected thought leader and insightful speaker, Patrick Lencioni tailors his presentations to precisely meet client needs by incorporating unique and invaluable information based on his comprehensive research. Wall Street Journal cited him as one of America’s 5 Top Speakers (May 2008).[/expand]
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Lawyer & One of America’s Top Real Estate Investors & Educators

Robert Shemin is a Wealth Creation Expert who has been involved in more than five hundred real estate transactions totalling over fifty million dollars. He has been featured on CNN, Montel Williams, Leeza, HG-TV and National Public Radio and has written ten bestselling books. As a widely respected speaker he is a breath of fresh air. He is a leading expert in the critical areas of buying and selling great deals, landlording, wealth building and asset protection.

Once considered the “least likely to succeed,” Shemin was a millionaire by the age of 32

[expand title=”In detail”] Robert Shemin holds dual graduate degrees from Emory University. He has been highlighted in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post and hundreds of other newspapers and magazines. He began building his fortune in 1992 when, as a financial planner, he met an older modest-living couple that had a monthly net income of over US$ 65,000 solely from real estate properties. Inspired by what he learned from this humble couple, Robert shifted his focus to real estate and moved back to his native Nashville, Tennessee, where he developed and documented his incredible wealth building strategies and techniques.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Robert Shemin is a sought after expert on all aspects of real estate, investing and wealth building. He enjoys teaching the strategies that helped him become a multi-millionaire by the age of thirty-two and loves to help his students become millionaires and achieve their goals. Although he is a successful writer, teacher and public speaker he continues to be a full time investor who, in four months alone, was involved in the purchase of over one hundred properties while actively managing his own real estate.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An expert on wealth for CNN as well as a frequent guest on national, regional, and local television and radio programmes, Robert Shemin is a highly charismatic, captivating and entertaining motivational speaker whose presentations are loaded with perspective-altering tips and how to leverage the power of relationships in ways no one ever talks about. He wows audiences with his humour, knowledge and charm.[/expand]
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