Ben Francis is one of the most sought-after entrepreneurial speakers in the UK — and for good reason. As the Founder and CEO of Gymshark, Ben has become an icon of British business success, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. His story resonates with audiences of all ages: from starting Gymshark in his parents’ garage in 2012 to building a global fitness brand valued at over £1 billion, Ben proves that ambition, innovation and resilience can turn a vision into a world-renowned company.
In 2020, Ben was named EY’s UK Entrepreneur of the Year, followed by a well-deserved MBE in 2023 for Services to the Business Sector. His credibility is further strengthened by his various leadership roles at Gymshark — from Chief Brand Officer and Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Product Officer, before taking back the reins as CEO in 2021. Ben also serves as a Charity Patron for Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and has sat on the UK Government’s Business Council for Entrepreneurs, showing his commitment to giving back.
Ben's rise to being CEO of one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies is nothing short of extraordinary. His story is not only motivational, it’s deeply relatable, as demonstrated in his Diary of a CEO episode discussing "How I Built a $1.5 Billion Business at 19". In his talks, Ben strips away the clichés and gets real about the challenges of scaling a startup, learning on the job, and building a brand with purpose. He offers candid insights into leadership, adaptability, and navigating failure — a refreshing approach that resonates with entrepreneurs and future business leaders alike.
When Ben steps on stage, he doesn't just talk business — he empowers. His journey shows that age, background, and even a lack of formal experience don’t have to be barriers to success. Audiences leave his keynotes feeling energised and ready to act on their own ideas, armed with the belief that anything is possible with passion and perseverance. Looking to inspire a room full of future innovators? Ben Francis is the speaker who turns belief into bold business.
