Bill Grimsey is a British retail transformation expert who combines 45 years of executive leadership experience with forward-thinking insights on revitalizing high streets and town centres for the 21st century.
As former CEO of Wickes plc, the Big Food Group (Iceland and Booker), and Focus DIY Ltd, Bill has navigated complex retail challenges across food and DIY sectors. His executive career includes senior director positions at Tesco and managing Hong Kong's leading supermarket chain, Park'n'Shop Ltd. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of South-West England for his contributions to retailing.
Bill helps local authorities and businesses adapt to fundamental shifts in consumer behaviour and digital disruption through his influential publications. His Grimsey Reviews (2013 and 2018) provide practical frameworks for reimagining town centres beyond traditional retail models, addressing property ownership challenges, and creating community-focused spaces that serve modern needs while preserving local identity.
Audiences gain actionable strategies for high street revitalization based on data-driven insights, practical case studies of successful town centre transformations, and innovative approaches to repurposing commercial spaces for mixed community use. Bill's recommendations have influenced both local and central government policy.
Book Bill for an unvarnished assessment of retail's future and a pragmatic roadmap for creating vibrant, sustainable community hubs where businesses can thrive.
How can I book Bill Grimsey for my next event?
Email bill.grimsey@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Bill Grimsey available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Bill Grimsey's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Bill directly.
What topics does Bill Grimsey specialise in?
Bill Grimsey specialises in discussing retail management, food industry, DIY sector and more.
What is Bill Grimsey's speaking style like?
Bill delivers with honesty and openness, offering clear, unvarnished insights into the retail sector. His straightforward style encourages practical thinking and sparks meaningful discussions about the future of retail.
Does Bill Grimsey offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Bill Grimsey offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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