Anna Jones

Anna Jones is a leading entrepreneur who most recently served as the first female CEO of The Telegraph Media Group. During her time at The Telegraph, Anna expertly guided the organisation through a significant period of digital growth and a complex sale process. Drawing on over two decades of senior leadership experience across media, technology, investment and entertainment, Anna is now highly sought-after as a keynote speaker. Having led major international organisations, launched businesses and advised ambitious companies, Anna’s keynote speeches explore leadership, entrepreneurship, business transformation, brand building and the changing workplace.

Enjoying a flourishing career at the intersection of media and technology, Anna forged her expertise in early roles as a Marketing Manager for Emap, working in the Women’s Group overseeing the launch of Grazia. In 2005, she joined Hachette Filipacchi UK as Marketing Director before progressing to Digital & Strategy Director, overseeing a portfolio that included titles such as ELLE. Following the merger that created Hearst Magazines UK, Anna was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, adopting strategic and operational responsibility for titles like Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health and Good Housekeeping. In 2014, Anna was appointed as the first female CEO of Hearst Magazines UK, managing an extensive network of platforms that reached a quarter of all UK adults. 

Anna joined The Telegraph as a Strategic Consultant in 2023, advising the business on strategy, M&A, talent and organisational development, before being appointed as CEO in 2024. As the CEO, Anna was responsible for over 1000 employees and worked tirelessly to strengthen The Telegraph’s commercial strategies and subscription-led digital model, also helping employees navigate the shifting economic landscape of AI-driven media discovery. Shattering glass ceilings as the first female CEO, Anna steered the publication through a prolonged and uncertain period of ownership change, culminating in Axel Springer acquiring The Telegraph for a staggering £575 million and Anna stepping down in 2026.

Anna has also enjoyed roles as the NED and Chairman of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee of Telecom Italia Media and the Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of Universal Media Group. She is also renowned as the Co-Founder of AllBright, a professional network created with Debbie Wosskow OBE to support and connect women in business. Anna is also acclaimed as the Co-Founder of WJV LLP, an investment and strategic innovation firm championing diversity, wellness and economic impact, a United Nations Women UK Changemaker, a Member of the Board of the Creative Industries Federation and the Chair of the Investment Committee of Mercuri. Today, she works as the Non-Executive Director on the Supervisory Board of Awin Global, an affiliate marketing group of Axel Springer who acquired The Telegraph, and as the NED of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. 

Anna Jones is highly sought after as a keynote speaker to share her first-hand experience of leading, investing in and advising some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Offering practical insights into building high-performing teams, creating strong workplace cultures, developing brands and navigating significant business transformation, Anna is a top choice for organisations seeking an authoritative speaker. A passionate advocate for gender equality, Anna is also sought to champion women in leadership and has a long-standing commitment to creating greater opportunities for women in the workplace, along with being a Lead Investor in The Better Menopause. If you seek an engaging speaker on leadership, business transformation, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, brand building and women in business, hire Anna Jones today.