Stu Olden

Stu Olden is a highly accomplished keynote speaker, known for his deep expertise in engineering and technology commercialisation. As a former Senior Commercial Manager at Williams Advanced Engineering, one of his biggest achievements includes a tenfold revenue increase in Defence, Aerospace, and Emerging Markets. Stu's insights stem from a robust career in both the military and private sectors, making him an authoritative voice on technology transfer and strategic growth.

Stu’s early career is deeply rooted in the military, where he served for 24 years within the British Army and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). An electronics engineer by training, he played pivotal roles in maintaining complex military platforms and weapon systems. His military career also included leadership positions, such as leading military equipment repair and maintenance organisations during operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and the Gulf. These roles provided him with a profound understanding of how both public and private sector organisations operate, especially within high-value engineering and consultancy.

Following his military career, Stu transitioned into the private sector, where he has accumulated over 40 years of experience across various industries, including defence, aerospace, and motorsport. His tenure at Williams Advanced Engineering is particularly noteworthy, where he not only led business development efforts but also significantly expanded the company’s footprint into new markets. His achievements include the successful transfer of F1 technology into aerospace applications, earning recognition for outstanding innovation in Defence engineering and project management. Stu's numerous accolades and achievements make him a sought-after speaker. In addition to his military honours, his recent endeavours include founding SDO Associates, where he assists technology start-ups and SMEs in achieving their growth potential. His leadership in community projects, such as Green Shoots and The Cottage Nursery, further underscores his commitment to societal betterment, blending commercial acumen with social responsibility.

Hiring Stu Olden as a keynote speaker provides audiences with unparalleled insights into technology commercialisation, business growth strategies, and leadership. His talks are rich with real-world examples from his vast experience across multiple sectors, making them not only informative but also highly relevant to today’s business challenges. Stu’s expertise in aligning technology with market needs makes him a valuable speaker for organisations looking to innovate and grow in competitive environments.