Lorraine Heggessey, the first female controller of BBC 1, played a pivotal role in leading the channel to surpass its main competitor ITV1, ultimately making it the most popular television channel in Britain.
With a substantial budget of £1 billion, she successfully revitalized Saturday nights by introducing hit shows like Strictly Come Dancing and the new Dr Who. Additionally, she added successful dramas such as Spooks and Waking the Dead to the channel's lineup.
Following her tenure at BBC 1, Lorraine assumed the position of CEO at talkbackThames, where she managed to significantly enhance profits by an impressive 50% within just two years. She established a digital unit within the company and introduced globally recognized shows like Britain's Got Talent and Take Me Out.
In 2012, Lorraine founded Boom Pictures, which quickly grew into the 7th largest independent production company in Britain. Eventually, ITV acquired the company.
Lorraine's next venture took her to The Royal Foundation, where she served as CEO. While there, she innovated the foundation's venture philanthropy model and actively supported various initiatives, including Heads Together.
Lorraine is well-known for her bold decision-making and has been recognized for her contributions to the industry. She is a Fellow of the Royal Television Society, provides advisory services to Channel 4's Growth Fund, and chairs the Grierson Trust. Additionally, she frequently contributes to media discussions on prominent programs like the Today Programme and Newsnight.
Want to book Lorraine Heggessey for your next event?
Email lorraine.heggessey@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 Lorraine Heggessey directly.
What topics does Lorraine Heggessey specialise in?
Lorraine Heggessey specialises in talking about television broadcasting, media management, venture philanthropy and more.
What is Lorraine Heggessey's speaking style like?
Lorraine captivates audiences with her dynamic delivery and impactful insights, leaving a lasting impression. Her keynotes are celebrated for their relevance and ability to engage diverse audiences effectively. AI summary based on real event feedback.
Does Lorraine Heggessey offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Lorraine Heggessey offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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