Brian McBride

Brian McBride is a renowned keynote speaker whose insights into business, technology, and digital disruption are deeply rooted in his vast leadership experience across industries. Recently stepping down as President of the Confederation of British Industry, Brian was instrumental in achieving sustainable growth and delivering the CBI's renewed agenda for UK Businesses. As CEO of Amazon UK from 2006 to 2011, Brian steered the company through a transformation from an online bookstore to a major digital marketplace, introducing services such as Amazon Prime and Amazon Web Services - overseeing a growth in sales from £3bn to £5bn, while growing the headcount less than 15%. This transformation, he often explains, was not merely a product of technological innovation but of a mindset that embraced disruption, adaptability, and long-term thinking—a mindset that he believes is essential for business success in today's fast-changing digital environment.

Brian’s career illustrates the power of cultivating the right mindset in the face of technological change. From senior roles at IBM, Dell, and T-Mobile UK, where he introduced 3G technology, he has continuously adapted to shifts in consumer needs and technological advancements. CEO Michael Dell personally hired Brian to run Dell's operations in the UK - a testament to his expertise in scaling businesses. Brian often highlights how companies that foster a culture of innovation and maintain a growth mindset are better positioned to leverage new technologies for competitive advantage. Brian’s speeches encourage leaders to embrace digital disruption, viewing it not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth.

His post-Amazon role as Chairman of ASOS from 2012 to 2018 underscores his belief that mindset is pivotal in navigating and thriving in competitive markets. At ASOS, Brian led the company through a phase of rapid global expansion by fostering a forward-thinking culture - seeing revenue growth from £500m to £2.4bn in the six years he was Chair. In his talks, he emphasises that while technology and strategy are vital, it is the collective mindset within a company—its resilience, agility, and openness to innovation—that ultimately drives long-term success. With results in two very different global leadership roles, Brian is confirmed as one of Europe's foremost digital leaders, with an unrivalled ability to grow companies exponentially in fast-paced industries.

Brian serves as Chairman of Trainline Plc and Lead Non-Executive Director at the Ministry of Defence, where his advisory roles extend beyond technology into strategic growth - evidenced in his role at Trainline Plc, having helped it become the largest digital ticket retailer in the European market ahead of National Rail. He continues to share his perspective on how cultivating a growth mindset allows companies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. When hired for corporate events, he shares anecdotes and learnings about being interviewed and hired by Jeff Bezos, and what it was like working for him. He concludes by talking about Amazon’s leadership principles, and about great leadership by looking at John Adair’s 7 characteristics of great leaders. Brian McBride’s keynote speeches inspire audiences to focus on leadership, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, all driven by a mindset that embraces change as a pathway to sustainable success.

In April 2024 we sat down virtually with Brian McBride to discuss what makes a good leader, his work with Jeff Bezos and the importance of fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Brian McBride.