Nisha Pillai is a world-famous broadcaster, journalist and news presenter best known for her role presenting ‘Asia Today’ for BBC World News. With over 25 years of experience in broadcasting, she uses her real-world knowledge to share indispensable insight into the world of global economics, finance, AI, journalism and more. Now working as a popular host, moderator and speaker, Nisha has the unique ability to engage, motivate and inspire all audiences.
Nisha’s broadcasting career began in 1990, after obtaining a degree in economics from the London School of Economics, she joined BBC Television as an Investigative Reporter. She began contributing to ‘The Money Programme’ before presenting ‘Panorama’. Nisha investigated key events such as Underclass in Purdah and a moving investigation into the abuse that takes place in care homes for the learning disabled. Her investigation into The Max Factor was recognised with a Royal Television Society Award due to her passion for pursuing complex stories with analytical depth.
In 1996, Nisha became a News Presenter at the BBC World News, where she continued to share her insight. As a quick-thinking news anchor, she covered monumental events such as the first two hours after the 9/11 attacks to the Iraq war and many high-profile debates. Additionally, she took on the BBC’s flagship programme ‘HARDtalk’, where she conducted in-depth interviews with guests such as Amitabh Bachchan and Phil Collins. Beyond television, she has moderated major global forums, led high-level discussions for institutions such as the UN and CERN and coached many senior leaders.
After beginning her public speaking in 2008, Nisha uses her vast media experience to facilitate high-level discussions. As a sought-after speaker, she engages her audience with interactive keynotes that cover a range of topics. Nisha prides herself on creating thought-provoking dialogue covering a diverse range of perspectives. She brings warmth, authority, and clarity to every stage, leaving audiences both informed and inspired.
Nisha Pillai's official speaker profile topics are listed below:
- The Energy Transition and Decarbonisation
- Global Economics
- Finance
- AI and Digitalisation
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"You were largely responsible for the successful tempo and tone of our annual conference and I wish to thank you warmly for your work. When the meeting flagged, you brought it to life with humor, wit or a pointed remark. When the meeting threatened to get out of hand, you calmed things down and pushed the discussion along in the right direction." - Kofi, former UN secretary general, & head of The Global Humanitarian Forum
"Your professionalism, dedication and drive both before, during and after the event helped to make it an overwhelming success" - Omar, United Nations Development Programme
"An outstanding economics reporter on The Money Programme, Nisha had the rare combination of intellectual ability, curiosity and tenacity that took her to the heart of often complex issues. And the ability to translate her stories into straightforward narratives accessible to any viewer." - David, Editor, The Money Programme
"Nisha is clear, engaging, natural and motivating. I’ve been applying some of the methods we discussed and am amazed to see how they do help rivet the audience." - Dr Salvatore, Open Access project leader, CERN
"I would just like to place on record the impact the speech has had on a fairly “change terrorised” organisation. For many folk it was a wake-up call for the need to re-evaluate…..careers, priorities, life choices. I certainly had ambitions and goals for the event but how much more rewarding if we were able to provoke a deeper reaction that could be life changing. Thanks Nisha." - Nigel, Director IT Projects, EDF Energy
- 1996 - New Presenter at BBC World News
- 1991 - Won a Royal Television Society Award
- 1990 - Investigative Reporter at BBC Television
How to hire Nisha Pillai
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Nisha Pillai 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.
