Chris Hirst is a celebrated business leader, author, and speaker renowned for his no-nonsense approach to leadership. With more than a decade of experience as a CEO, he has transformed some of the world’s leading creative and communications companies into award-winning, globally recognised organisations. As the best-selling author of 'No Bullsh*t Leadership', Chris distils his experiences into practical lessons that inspire audiences to cut through complexity, embrace change, and lead with clarity and courage.
Chris studied Engineering Science at the University of Oxford before building a career in advertising. He rose rapidly through leadership roles, first as Acting Director at Bartle Bogle Hegarty and then as Client Services Director at Fallon London. At Grey London, he became Managing Director before completing Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme and taking on the role of CEO. Under his leadership, Grey London became one of the UK’s most sought-after agencies, delivering campaigns for HSBC, McVities, Vodafone and the British Heart Foundation, and earning accolades including D&AD’s most awarded UK agency and ADWEEK’s Global Agency of the Year.
Following his success at Grey, Chris went on to lead Havas as CEO and Chairman, where he managed over 10,000 employees worldwide and transformed the group into one of the industry’s top performers. Within just three years, he lifted Havas to second place in Campaign Magazine’s global rankings, overturning years of underperformance. Alongside his executive career, Chris founded Dogsbody Group Ltd, contributed to Forbes Agency Council, and became a columnist for Management Today, while also appearing regularly across BBC, Sky News and the Financial Times as a trusted commentator on leadership and business.
As a motivational speaker, Chris brings together the authority of a proven CEO with the energy and authenticity of someone who has led through real challenges. His book 'No Bullsh*t Leadership', named UK Business Book of the Year 2020 and a number one best-seller for over 36 months, exemplifies his ability to simplify leadership into practical, actionable principles. Shortlisted as CEO of the Year in 2022, Chris inspires audiences by showing that effective leadership is not about jargon or theory but about empowering people, embracing change, and driving meaningful results.
