Chris Hirst

Global CEO (ex Havas and WPP) | Best-Selling & Award-Winning Author: No Bullsh*t Leadership

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Chris Hirst's Biography

Chris Hirst is a change agent, widely recognised as an innovative and inspirational leader and speaker. He is the former Global CEO of Havas Creative Group and UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP). After more than a decade in CEO positions he has a proven track record of leading successful transformation programmes, guiding his businesses to record growth, product reinvention, reputational change and a culture of enduring success. He is founder of leadership consultancy Dogsbody Group, speaker, columnist and author. His first book, No Bullsh*t Leadership (Profile Books, 2019) has been a No.1 best-seller for over 36 months and is available around the world. It was named UK Business Book of the Year in March 2020. Based on his hard-won experience this smart, engaging book wipes away the bullshit that surrounds conventional leadership theory and is a proven step-by-step working manual on how to lead – for anyone. Full of universally applicable and direct advice, it demystifies an over-analysed subject to get to the heart of modern leadership: the life-changing, career-transforming power to get stuff done. A recommended essential read in the FT, it was described by Sir Clive Woodward as, ‘a brilliant set of leadership tools that will help you succeed, whatever your goals.’ As Global CEO, Havas Creative Group Chris led more than 10,000 people across all Havas’ global territories, taking the business from an ‘also ran’ to second place in Campaign Magazine’s global rankings in three short years. He oversaw two years of record growth and profits and was shortlisted as global CEO of the year in 2022. During his 5-year tenure as UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP), the agency more than tripled in size, and quadrupled its profit during its transformation into one of the hottest, fastest growing and most creatively respected agencies in the world. A graduate of Brasenose College Oxford (MEng Engineering Science) and Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program), Chris writes a monthly column for Management Today, is the founder of leadership consultancy Dogsbody Group Ltd, has over ½ million listens for his No Bullsh*t Leadershippodcast, and is a regular commentator in press and broadcast media.

SPEAKING VIDEOS
PHOTOS

Chris Hirst- The key to leadership is better leadership

SPEAKER TOPICS

Social Media Speakers

Generations Speakers

Resilience Speakers

Culture Speakers

Disruptive Change Speakers

Change Management Speakers

Creativity Speakers

Risk Management Speakers

Inspiring Speakers

Virtual Keynotes

Motivational Speakers

After Dinner Speakers

Motivational Speakers for Schools

Start-Ups & Entrepreneurship Speakers

Future of Humanity Speakers

Conference Speakers

Business Speakers

Marketing Speakers

Workplace Culture Speakers

Chris Hirst Keynote Topics

No Bullsh*t Leadership: The Five Golden Rules For Inspiring And Effective Leadership

Chris Hirst cuts through the noise to share a practical, proven approach to leadership. Based on his bestselling book, he presents five golden rules that anyone can apply. This talk demystifies leadership and shows how to inspire, empower, and deliver results. Audiences leave with clear, actionable tools to lead with confidence.

Superpower: What Culture Is, Why It Matters And How To Be Brilliant At It

In this talk, Chris explains why culture is the ultimate competitive advantage. He reveals how leaders can shape culture to unlock performance and creativity. Drawing on real-world experience, he shows what works — and what doesn’t. Audiences gain the insight and confidence to build cultures where people and businesses thrive.

Revolution: Leading Transformational Change In A World That Has Never Moved So Fast

Chris shares his playbook for leading organisations through rapid, disruptive change. He blends lessons from global CEO roles with a practical guide for action. This talk equips leaders to manage uncertainty, inspire teams, and deliver transformation. Audiences leave ready to embrace change as an opportunity, not a threat.

The Agency Equation: A Proven Formula For Building World-Beating Consultancy Businesses

Drawing on years leading top creative agencies, Chris reveals his formula for building high-performing consultancy businesses. He shares how to balance creativity, strategy, and commercial success. The talk shows how agencies can thrive in a hyper-competitive market. Audiences gain a framework to create growth, impact, and global recognition.

Chris Hirst's Biography

His first book, No Bullsh*t Leadership (Profile Books, 2019) has been a No.1 best-seller for over 36 months and is available around the world. It was named UK Business Book of the Year in March 2020. Based on his hard-won experience this smart, engaging book wipes away the bullshit that surrounds conventional leadership theory and is a proven step-by-step working manual on how to lead – for anyone. Full of universally applicable and direct advice, it demystifies an over-analysed subject to get to the heart of modern leadership: the life-changing, career-transforming power to get stuff done. A recommended essential read in the FT, it was described by Sir Clive Woodward as, ‘a brilliant set of leadership tools that will help you succeed, whatever your goals.’

As Global CEO, Havas Creative Group Chris led more than 10,000 people across all Havas’ global territories, taking the business from an ‘also ran’ to second place in Campaign Magazine’s global rankings in three short years. He oversaw two years of record growth and profits and was shortlisted as global CEO of the year in 2022. During his 5-year tenure as UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP), the agency more than tripled in size, and quadrupled its profit during its transformation into one of the hottest, fastest growing and most creatively respected agencies in the world.

A graduate of Brasenose College Oxford (MEng Engineering Science) and Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program), Chris writes a monthly column for Management Today, is the founder of leadership consultancy Dogsbody Group Ltd, has over ½ million listens for his No Bullsh*t Leadershippodcast, and is a regular commentator in press and broadcast media.