The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is a powerhouse, generating over £134 billion annually. To stay ahead in this dynamic sector, businesses need fresh insights and innovative strategies.
What is FMCG?
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are everyday products that sell quickly and at a low cost. These items are in high demand and have a short shelf life. The FMCG industry is dynamic and fast-paced, offering numerous career opportunities with some of the world’s biggest brands. With the rise of e-commerce, the industry is evolving rapidly, and by 2025, FMCG is expected to hold a 12% market share in the UK. Open to graduates from all backgrounds, the sector values passion, innovation, and the ability to connect products with consumers.
Source: Investopedia & LSE
What are some Examples of FMCG?
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) include a wide range of everyday products such as packaged food, toiletries, beverages, stationery, over-the-counter medicines, and personal care items. Some FMCG, like meat, dairy, baked goods, and fresh produce, are highly perishable. Sales of these products are often influenced by store discounts, holidays, and seasonal trends.
Source: Corporate Finance Institute
Who are the Top FMCG Leaders to Follow in 2025?
Utilising exclusive event poll data from over 98 FMCG-themed events, between 2023 and 2025, our Director, Jack Hayes, has provided his official selection of the Top 10 FMCG Leaders to Follow in 2025!
1. Paul Polman
Former CEO of Unilever
Paul Polman OBE is a globally recognised leader in the FMCG sector, best known for his decade-long tenure as Unilever’s CEO and leadership roles at Nestlé. He championed a long-term, multi-stakeholder business model, proving that sustainability drives profitability. Through his Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, he prioritised corporate responsibility, setting industry benchmarks. As Founder of IMAGINE and co-author of Net Positive, Paul continues to guide businesses toward social and environmental impact. His expertise in corporate sustainability, finance and leadership makes him a sought-after speaker, inspiring organisations to embrace responsible growth while achieving long-term success.
2. Jeremy Schwartz
Founder & CEO of Maxius Advisory ESG
Jeremy Schwartz is a world-class FMCG speaker, renowned for accelerating business performance and driving sustainable profitability. As a former CEO and Managing Director at Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, The Body Shop, and Pandora, he has transformed global brands, adding over $20 billion in shareholder value. His expertise spans leadership, sustainability, and AI, offering actionable insights that inspire teams to innovate and compete effectively. Recently recognised among the Sales Kick Off Events Top 18 Keynote Speakers, Jeremy delivers impactful, future-focused strategies.
Official Feedback for Jeremy Schwartz
"Thanks to Jeremy’s wake-up call we upgraded our merchandising expertise and he gave us the good kick we needed to launch a new range of sustainable packaging – not at the pace Jeremy would expect but he inspired us to get moving." - Craig, Vice President Global Frontline, Wella Professionals
3. Brian McBride
Former CEO of Amazon
Brian McBride is a top-tier FMCG speaker, known for his expertise in digital transformation, leadership, and business strategy. As former CEO of Amazon UK, he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, growing sales from £3bn to £5bn while maintaining lean operations. His leadership at ASOS, where he helped drive revenues from £500m to £2.4bn, underscores his ability to scale businesses in competitive markets. With senior roles at IBM, Dell, and T-Mobile, he offers invaluable insights on digital disruption and growth mindset.
Official Feedback for Brian McBride
"Brian’s talk was excellent and went down so well with our customers who have all commented on how much they enjoyed his talk on their feedback forms." - Logistex
4. Jane Hawkes
One of the Top 5 Consumer Champions in the UK
Jane Hawkes, known as the "Queen of Customer Service," is a leading consumer champion with over 20 years of experience in customer service roles, including her tenure as British Airways cabin crew. She founded the award-winning blog Lady Janey, offering essential consumer advice, and authored "Are You Being Served?", praised by Lorraine Kelly CBE as a "delightful and insightful" look into customer service. Jane's expertise has led to regular appearances on BBC, ITV, and Channel 5, and features in national publications. Her engaging presentations and deep industry knowledge have secured her position among the top consumer behaviour speakers.
Official Feedback for Jane Hawkes
"Jane Hawkes aka Lady Janey has done a couple of question and answer sessions in my Facebook group. She is hugely knowledgeable in the field of customer service and travel. She is very personable, relates well to the group and makes it an enjoyable, entertaining and exceptionally useful session." - Eileen, Financial Coach, Founder of Your Money Sorted personal finance blog
5. Peter Cross
Former Customer Experience Director for John Lewis
Peter Cross is a powerhouse FMCG speaker, renowned for his expertise in consumer behavior, customer experience, and retail innovation. With a distinguished career as the former Customer Experience Director at John Lewis and a Managing Partner alongside Mary Portas, Peter has transformed how brands connect with consumers. His leadership roles at L’Oréal and Alfred Dunhill further solidify his deep industry knowledge. A sought-after keynote speaker, Peter delivers engaging talks on future consumer trends, retail leadership, and brand purpose.
Official Feedback for Peter Cross
"Peter was an exceptional speaker at our internal away day for 100 colleagues. We were looking for an inspirational leader with a ton of experience, who could inspire the team, illustrate the messages with compelling stories and energise everybody for the day. Peter exceeded our expectations and we would love to have him back for a future event." - Adrian, CMO, ITV Studios
6. Mike Coupe
Former CEO of Sainsbury’s
Mike Coupe is a highly sought-after FMCG speaker, renowned for his strategic leadership and industry expertise. As the former CEO of Sainsbury’s, he spearheaded digital transformation, expanded the business through acquisitions, and drove sustainability initiatives, making him a key figure in modern retail. His insights into consumer behaviour, marketing, and operational efficiency make him invaluable to corporate audiences. With decades of experience in top-tier roles, Mike delivers actionable strategies for staying ahead in a competitive market. His dynamic speaking style, deep industry knowledge, and proven success place him among the best of the best.
7. Jack Stratten
Head of Trends for Insider Trends
Jack Stratten is a brilliant FMCG speaker, renowned for his sharp insights into retail trends, consumer behaviour, and business strategy. As Head of Trends at Insider Trends, Jack has worked with leading brands like Nike, IKEA, and Microsoft, helping them navigate the future of retail. His expertise spans omnichannel strategies, sustainable retail, and retail technology, making him an in-demand speaker. With a dynamic presentation style and a talent for distilling complex insights into actionable strategies, Jack consistently delivers high-impact talks. Recognised as a Top Retail Expert, he rightfully ranks among the greatest FMCG experts.
Official Feedback for Jack Stratten
"Jack’s talk was brilliant. It went down very well and got a good debate going. Jack is an inspirational speaker and has a really good understanding on key issues impacting established and challenger brands and retailers." - Sebastian, GBB Coaching & Consultancy
8. Sue Garrard
Sustainability Strategy Advisor at Sue Garrard Consulting Ltd
Sue Garrard is a pivotal FMCG speaker, recognised globally for her expertise in sustainability strategy. With over a decade at Unilever, including as EVP of Sustainable Business Development, she has shaped impactful strategies for brands like Mars, Primark, and the BBC. As Founder of Sue Garrard Consulting Ltd, she advises industry leaders on embedding sustainability for long-term success. A sought-after keynote speaker, Sue’s deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, and engaging delivery make her one of the most sought-after speakers in the field. Whether addressing corporate leaders or global summits, Sue’s insights help to drive real-world change in the FMCG sector.
9. Jesper Buch
Founder of Just Eat
Jesper Buch is a world-renowned entrepreneur and FMCG speaker, celebrated for revolutionizing the food takeaway industry with Just-Eat.com. As a pioneer in e-commerce, Jesper has built a multi-billion-dollar brand, making him one of the most sought-after speakers in the FMCG sector. His journey—from military service to founding global businesses—offers unmatched insights into innovation, leadership, and perseverance. Having delivered over 200 speeches to audiences of up to 150,000, Jesper is a dynamic speaker who captivates with real-world success stories.
Official Feedback for Jesper Buch
"Jesper is a super focused online expert. He's got excellent skills in optimizing websites and making them profitable. He is a professional leader with great coaching skills. I highly recommend Jesper!" - Martin, Lead Designer at Manyone
10. Martin McCourt
Former Chief Executive of Dyson
Martin McCourt is a powerhouse in FMCG, renowned for transforming Dyson into a global market leader during his 15-year tenure as CEO. With expertise spanning marketing, manufacturing, and leadership, Martin’s bold decisions—like shifting production to Asia and expanding international markets—cemented his reputation as an industry trailblazer. His deep knowledge of innovation and business strategy makes him a highly sought-after speaker, offering invaluable insights on scaling brands and driving success. Having led top-tier companies and now advising industry leaders, Martin’s engaging talks inspire businesses to think big, adapt, and dominate.
Official Feedback for Martin McCourt
"Martin’s presentation was excellent and we have had a great deal of very positive feedback from a number of people already. He made a big impression and his contribution to our morning was invaluable and helped make it a great success for us so far." - Delville Management
Hire a Leading FMCG Expert Speaker Today!
If you are interested in hiring an expert on FMCG, contact Champions Speakers today! Give one of our dedicated booking agents a call on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form to begin the booking process.
This exclusive article on the Top 10 FMCG Leaders to Follow was authored by Jack Hayes, utilising official event poll data from over 98 FMCG-themed events, between 2023 and 2025, and vetted information from Ivestopedia and LSE.
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