Digby Jones is a prominent British business leader, keynote speaker, and former Director General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). His career includes significant roles in business, politics, and public service. Digby faced financial challenges in his early life. He attended Alvechurch Primary School and won a scholarship to Bromsgrove School, where he excelled academically and in sports. However, he was expelled for a mischievous incident, showcasing his adventurous spirit. After his expulsion, he studied at University College London and spent 20 years at Edge & Ellison, a Birmingham law firm. He rose from Articled Clerk to Senior Partner, gaining valuable insights into business operations and the importance of socially inclusive wealth creation. In 2000, Digby became the Director General of the CBI, a position he held for six and a half years. He was known for his strong media presence and advocated for a shift from traditional manufacturing to innovative products and services. He opposed protectionism, arguing it stifles growth and harms the vulnerable. His contributions earned him a knighthood in 2005. In 2007, he was appointed Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment, promoting British business globally and visiting over 60 countries. Although a life peer, he did not align with the governing party, focusing instead on advancing British interests. After leaving the CBI, Digby served as an advisor to Deloitte and Barclays Capital and held various non-executive roles. He became the unpaid UK Skills Envoy, addressing issues of adult illiteracy and innumeracy. Currently, he is Chairman of Triumph Motorcycles and holds several other influential positions, including Corporate Ambassador for Jaguar Cars and JCB. As a keynote speaker, he is known for his engaging talks on business strategy and social responsibility. He has authored two books, "Fixing Business" and "Fixing Britain," which reflect his insights into reshaping business practices for societal benefit.
Want to book Digby Jones for your next event?
Email digby.jones@getapeptalk.com, 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.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Digby Jones directly.
What topics does Digby Jones specialise in?
Digby Jones specialises in talking about business leadership, trade promotion, social responsibility and more.
What is Digby Jones's speaking style like?
Digby delivers engaging talks with a strong media presence, advocating for innovative business practices and social responsibility. His insights inspire audiences, making complex topics accessible and relatable. AI summary based on real event feedback.
Does Digby Jones offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Digby Jones offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.