Ellis Watson returned to media publications, becoming the Managing Director of Mirror Group Newspaper, the publisher behind the likes of The Daily Mirror, The Daily Express, and OK! Magazine. This marked his first leadership role in a publicly listed company.
He then moved to distribution and logistics company John Menzies, before joining the board of FirstGroup, turning around iconic transport brands like Greyhound across the Americas. In this role, he tackled poor service, low morale, and negative public perception across an overstretched network. He was headhunted by Simon Cowell’s Syco Corporation, becoming CEO and achieving success with The X Factor and the …Got Talent series.
In 2011, he was appointed the Manging Director of DC Thomson where he transformed the world’s largest family-owned media company into a organisation that was futureproof, revamping its brands, business models, and corporate direction. He was promoted to CEO the following year.
Ellis Watson has also served as the Chief Business Advisor to the First Minister of Scotland, where he helped shape the government’s private sector strategy.
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Ellis Watson | Business Speaker
Ellis is now a highly popular business speaker, embracing quality and integrity, and an understanding of how to maximise the potential of a diversified workforce as Gen Z gives away to Gen Alpha.
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Ellis Watson | Speaking Topics
– Leadership
– Transformation
– Gen Z to Gen Alpha
– Diversity
– Dynamic Contemporary Leadership
– Change
– Navigating Disruption
– AI vs Human Connection
– The Power of Your Brand
– Managing Risk
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With his energy and humour, Ellis tackles these topics within the setting of an unpredictable world. He challenges leaders to reflect on what they’re doing to address some of the biggest crises facing organisations today. He emphasises that businesses must create diverse environments where top talent feels valued and motivated to stay.
He encourages a shifting focus from being busy to being productive, and believes in taking control of the impact each individual has. He is renowned for his insightful views on leading through disruption, fostering a change-oriented culture, and navigating governance and talent management complexities
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To check fees and availability for business keynote speaker Ellis Watson, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
