Jon Wright is widely recognised as the co-founder of Innocent Drinks, a company that revolutionised the beverage industry with its focus on healthy, sustainable, and charitable products. Under his leadership as co-CEO and COO, Innocent grew into a global powerhouse, with revenues reaching £250 million and products sold across 15 countries. As a motivational speaker, Jon is sought after for his compelling story of starting a business from scratch and building it into a market leader, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with determination and purpose.
Jon’s career began after he graduated from the University of Cambridge with a master’s in manufacturing engineering. His early professional journey saw him working as a consultant for Bain & Company, a role that gave him invaluable business experience. However, Jon's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Innocent Drinks in 1999 with his friends Adam Balon and Richard Reed. Their journey began at a music festival where they introduced their now-famous smoothies to a willing audience. The overwhelming success of the product sparked the beginning of Innocent's meteoric rise, with the company going on to change the face of the beverage industry.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a devastating £8.6 million loss during the 2008 financial crisis, Jon remained steadfast in his commitment to Innocent’s mission. His leadership through difficult times allowed the company to bounce back, expanding internationally and leading the company’s supply chain efforts. In 2009, Innocent Drinks sold a stake to Coca-Cola, with Jon and his co-founders retaining operational control. Four years later, they sold the majority of their shares, yet Jon continued to drive the company’s focus on sustainability and healthy products until his departure in 2013.
Since stepping down from Innocent, Jon co-founded JamJar Investments with his former colleagues from Innocent Drinks. The venture capital firm focuses on helping entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who are seeking to build successful businesses. Jon’s extensive experience as a businessman and his passion for sustainability have made him a sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, perseverance, and environmental responsibility. His story of overcoming adversity, coupled with his dedication to creating lasting change, is why he is hired to inspire and motivate audiences to reach their full potential.
