Stephen Curran

Stephen Curran is a highly accomplished businessman, former CEO of City Refrigeration and one of Scotland’s most entertaining after-dinner speakers. With more than 45 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, Stephen has built an outstanding career working with many of the UK’s leading retailers, hospitality brands and facilities management companies. Alongside his commercial success, he has become renowned for his remarkable storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes accounts from the boardroom, major sporting venues and exclusive corporate events. Having spoken at engagements across Scotland, from prestigious golf events at Gleneagles alongside Dougray Scott to charity functions with Dame Anne Gloag and business events featuring football legend Henrik Larsson, Stephen delivers audiences an unforgettable mix of business insight, humour and A-list anecdotes.

Beginning his career as an apprentice in Glasgow, Stephen quickly established a reputation for excellence, earning industry recognition as he progressed from technical roles into senior leadership. His expertise in technical sales and business development led to negotiations on multi-million-pound contracts with household names including Asda, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Ladbrokes and BP. As CEO of City Refrigeration and the trusted right-hand man to millionaire philanthropist and former Celtic FC director Lord Willie Haughey, Stephen helped transform the company into a multi-billion-pound international enterprise. He played a pivotal role in expanding the Asda account to £200 million, contributing to City Refrigeration becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing businesses. His leadership also saw him reshape operations in Ireland while securing contracts that elevated regional businesses onto the national stage.

Beyond the boardroom, Stephen has remained passionate about developing the refrigeration industry. He is a founding member of RACES, the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Society, has advised the Scottish Government on the industry's contribution to the economy and recently established a new refrigeration training academy in Glasgow to support the next generation of engineers. Throughout his career, he has built lasting relationships with leading figures in football through City Refrigeration’s extensive involvement with Celtic Park, Old Trafford, Hampden Park and the Etihad Stadium, creating a wealth of extraordinary stories drawn from years spent working alongside players, managers and club directors.

Stephen is hired as a speaker because he combines exceptional business credentials with genuine warmth, wit and natural charisma. Whether recounting billion-pound negotiations, explaining how apprentices became industry leaders, or sharing never-before-heard stories from the world of elite football, he keeps audiences captivated from beginning to end. His presentations blend practical business lessons with laugh-out-loud moments, making them equally engaging for corporate audiences, sporting organisations and after-dinner events. Stephen also welcomes audience participation through lively Q&A sessions, where his quick humour and remarkable experiences create memorable conversations.