Sir Roy Gardner

Sir Roy Gardner is a leading expert in the business industry and the former CEO of Manchester United football club. Most famous for his involvement in football, Gardner has also been an influence in major UK companies including: British Gas, British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) and Mainstream Renewable Power.

Football has long since been a passion for Gardner, so in 1999 when he became the director of Manchester United it was a much desired career move for him. Only staying in the role for just shy of six years, Gardner was at the helm for the controversial sale of the club to the Gazer Family. Resigning after the takeover, he obtained a 13% ownership share of Plymouth Argyle in 2009, with the aim to get the team promoted to the English Premier League. During his time at the club, he showed determination and drive to maintain the club which was having financial difficulties. However difficult the task, Gardner persisted as a leader.

Starting his career in business through an apprenticeship at the BAC, he progressed in the company rapidly from 1963 to 1975. Honing his skills in accountancy and knowledge of the defence sector, Gardner joined Marconi Company Ltd in the Space and Defence team as the Finance Director. Between 1986 and 1992, he worked hard to ensure he was an expert in all areas of GEC from telecommunications to electronics and engineering, which allowed him to transition into the Managing Director of GEC Marconi Ltd.

As a successful businessman, Gardner has been at the forefront of a number of big moves in the British industry. Newly appointed as the Executive Director for British Gas, in 1994 Gardner was responsible for the demerging of the company. The result saw him become the Chief Executive of Centrica plc, one half of the split company, which he expertly lead for seven years until 2005. Respected in the industry, Harvard Bussiness recognised them on their Review of Best Performing CEOs in the World.

Other notable positions held by Sir Roy Gardner include Chairman of Mainstream Renewable Power, where his work spanned both hemispheres and the non-executive Chairman of Compass Group plc dealing in multinational food service. Adaptable and driven, Gardner was named the 27th Most Powerful Executive in the retail industry, by The Telegraph in 2007.

Having a career that spans over five decades, Gardner has first hand experience in: retail, engineering, utilities, analytics, and energy to name a few. His wealth of experiences across a variety of sectors lends its self to after dinner speaking as he adapts to the event’s requirements. If you are wanting an experienced professional, Gardener will surpass all expectations, with his unrivalled career and fascinating keynote speeches.