Jon French is a decorated senior leader who has spent the past 20 years navigating a career driven by technological disruption, including roles such as the Vice President of the Middle East for Microsoft. From the early explosion of mobile phones to the current era of artificial intelligence, Jon has not only witnessed the greatest technological advancements but has also worked in pioneering teams that have made them happen. Now hired as an acclaimed keynote speaker, Jon translates his detailed operational experience into tangible strategies that help future-proof organisations.
Jon’s illustrious career began with the boom of the mobile revolution, working as a General Manager at Samsung Electronics. In the following six years, Jon navigated the revolution of the mobile phone, later working as the Executive Director of UK & Ireland for HTC. Proving his ability to lead a company experiencing a major hardware innovation, Jon was later appointed as the Vice President of Sales & Operations for EMEA at HTC, and finally VP of the Middle East and Africa. With the shift of technology ecosystems, Jon moved to work as a Vice President at Microsoft. Pioneering integrated ecosystems during his tenure at Microsoft, Jon culminated his service as the General Manager of Microsoft Asia Pacific.
Jon is also renowned as a key driver of the resurgence of a popular phone company, Nokia. As a founder and Vice President for HMD Global, specifically overseeing Western European operations, Jon was the pioneering leader of the team responsible for the relaunch of the Nokia smartphone. In the wake of the AI boom, Jon has been at the epicentre of the world’s largest mobile platform. Helping the company to navigate a period of critical digital transformation, Jon has most recently worked as the Managing Director of Android Global Business for Google. Jon’s story is a timeline of the tech revolutions of the past, present and future, thus making him a popular keynote speaker on technological disruption and revolution.
When hired as a keynote speaker, Jon is highly sought after to share his expertise on the past two decades of the technological revolution. Helping businesses, organisations and institutions alike to tackle their technological challenges, Jon teaches audiences how to use emerging technologies to their advantage by translating historical lessons into tangible future-proofed strategies. If you are looking for a keynote speaker who helps to navigate the path ahead in the era of AI and further technological disruption, Jon French is a leader who provides strategic vision at every event he attends.
Jon French's official speaking topics are listed below:
- The AI Revolution - Jon speaks on the practical implementation of AI in business, drawing parallels from previous tech adoptions
- Digital Transformation & Disruption - Using his experience with the "Internet of Things" and consumer tech trends, Jon guides organisations on how to survive and thrive amidst technological disruption
- Scale & Growth Strategy - Jon shares insights on scaling businesses in competitive environments
- The Power of Adaptability - Jon focuses on change management and the "power of adaptability" as essential skills for the future of work
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"We were delighted to welcome Jon French, Managing Director of Android Global GTM at Google, last week at our Future of Work Conference 2025. Jon delivered an insightful session, exploring technological disruptions, industry challenges, and the power of adaptability - key lessons for students preparing to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. A huge thank you to Jon for sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of business leaders!" - Nottingham Business School
- 2023 - Managing Director of Android Global Business for Google
- 2021 - Managing Director of EMEA Business & Operations, Android GTM for Google
- 2020 - Chief Revenue Officer for Trustonic
- 2019 - Chairman of TMT First Ltd
- 2019 - Founder & CEO of Valen Consulting Ltd
- 2019 - Vinsmart Advisor to the Board
- 2018 - Non-Executive Director of Fiskl Limited
- 2016 - Vice President of Western Europe, Global Accounts & B2B Lead for HMD Global
- 2014 - General Manager of the Asia Pacific Region at Microsoft, Singapore
- 2014 - Vice President of the Middle East for Microsoft, Dubai
- 2013 - Global Sales Director of Beats by Dr. Dre
- 2011 - Vice President of Sales & Operations at HTC, UK
- 2008 - Vice President of Middle East & Africa at HTC, Dubai
- 2008 - Executive Director at HTC, UK
- 2005 - General Manager and Sales Director at Samsung Mobile
- 2003 - Global Account Director at Samsung
- 2001 - Executive Director at STRAX
- 1997 - Head of Accessories UK & Ireland, Nokia
How to hire Jon French
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jon French for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
