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.
