Allan Leighton Biography
Allan Leighton is a superb keynote speaker and started speaking with the aim of raising £1m for Breast Cancer Charities.
The Journey 1974 - to date
Allan Leighton started his career in Mars Confectionery as a Salesman in 1974. He worked his way up through the company before leaving in 1991. Leighton then joined Pedigree Petfoods, where he was Sales Director until his appointment in 1992 to Asda Stores Ltd. Allan began his career in Asda as Group Marketing Director and was appointed Chief Executive in September 1996. There he was credited with turning around what he once described as a basket case into a highly successful company that was sold to US retail giant Wal-Mart for £6.7 billion in 1999. In November 1999 Allan became the President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe.
Going Plural
In November 2000 Allan Leighton left Asda and developed a new work ethic – ‘Going Plural’ – as he took on non-executive positions in a string of companies including lastminute.com, Leeds United, Bhs, BSkyB and Selfridges. Allan is former Chairman of the Royal Mail Group, and Deputy Chairman of Selfridges & Co and George Weston Ltd, President of Loblaw Companies Ltd, and Non Executive Director of BSkyB Group plc.
Allan Leighton as Author and Keynote Speaker
Allan's book On Leadership: Practical Wisdom From The People Who Know was published by Random House in 2007. At publication, it was the best selling business book in the UK. World Business called it "a profoundly hopeful read – informed by the almost palpable joy Leighton feels in inspiring and leading others". Chris Blackhurst, Business Editor of the Evening Standard said it was “The best management book I’ve read in a long while”. Allan Leighton is a fantastic keynote speaker and was chosen to speak alongside some of the most influential people in business at the World Retail Congress in Berlin in 2010.
For further information or to book Allan Leighton and help him raise his million, please call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Allan Leighton Video
Allan Leighton Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of Allan Leighton. For more information on Allan Leighton please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Allan Leighton News
A selection of relevant news related to Allan Leighton, Keynote Speakers, Business Speakers, Change and Turnaround Speakers and Leadership Speakers stories. For more information on Allan Leighton or details as to how to book Allan Leighton for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Mike Forde Links Business to Football
18th April 2013
Business speaker and one of the UKâs leading sports executives, Mike Forde has compared the ideas and practices used in professional football to those used in business environments.
Sir Terry Leahy Adjusts to Life After Tesco
11th April 2013
Business speaker and former CEO of Tesco, Sir Terry Leahy stepped down from his position at Tesco in 2011 at the age of 55, he has since started working with several charities, invested in small businesses and written a book.
Noreena Hertz Finishes New Book
4th April 2013
Keynote speaker and leading futurist, Noreena Hertz has finished her most recent book, which will be published in the US and the UK in September 2013.
Rosabeth Moss Kanter: âWorldâs Most Influential International Thinkerâ
16th November 2012
HR magazine has voted Rosabeth Moss Kanter the Worldâs Most Influential International Thinker.
Archie Norman âTurnaround Kingâ
17th July 2012
Chairman of ITV and âturnround kingâ of Asda, Archie Norman is one of Britainâs most prominent businessmen. He speaks to the FT about problem solving in business.
Transforming Public Services by Colin Coulson-Thomas
8th June 2012
Colin Coulson Thomas discusses a five-year investigation uncovering a more affordable route to high performance in a new book-length report.
Colin Coulson-Thomas Says Trying to Change Corporate Cultures Doesnât Work
16th May 2012
Trying to change corporate cultures can be a waste of time according to Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas speaking to change programme leaders in the energy sector at a conference in Amsterdam.
Mary Perkins Wins Director of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
2nd November 2011
Director Magazine has awarded Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers queen, entrepreneur, and retail keynote speaker, the Director of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.
Boris Johnson, Richard Lambert and Lord Mandelson at The Times CEO Summit
24th June 2011
Mayor of London and acclaimed after dinner speaker Boris Johnson; Sir Richard Lambert, former Director-General at CBI and Lord Peter Mandelson, chairman of the Global Council, are amongst speakers at The Times CEO Summit.
Entrepreneursâ Forum Boasts Speakers Corner's Best
20th May 2011
The North East of England is the venue for the Entrepreneursâ Forum, where a handful of Speakers Cornerâs top talent take the stage to inspire business leaders and aspirational executives from all over the UK. Hamish McRae, Sarah Willingham, Tim Smit, James Timpson, James Cracknell, and Simon Calver are all on the programme, as are Kanya King, Douglas McWilliams, Karen Mattison, John Timpson and Richard Huntingford â all inspiration and charismatic public speakers.
Allan Leighton Reviews
Allan Leighton has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Allan Leighton for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Allan Leighton for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Allan Leighton gave us a memorable experience!
A superb communicator, inspirational and witty!
A straightforward approach to business removing any management jargon
Q & A with Allan Leighton
Allan Leighton answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Allan Leighton for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking all start?
Allan Leighton: It all started when I worked at Asda, we had regular conferences both internally for colleagues and externally for suppliers. As CEO, I was also regularly invited to speak at Retail industry events
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Allan Leighton: Speaking at the IGD was probably one of my first public engagements.
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Allan Leighton: My last event was an ‘Audience with Allan Leighton’ for The Inspired Leaders network in October 09.
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Allan Leighton: I host a leadership event in aid of Breast Cancer Care which brings together business people from many sectors. On the evening I form part of a panel of business leaders and I have been lucky enough to be joined by some very successful high profile guests....it makes for a very informative and lively evening
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Allan Leighton: I have just attended the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the Opening Ceremony was amazing. I would love to speak at something as spectacular and entertaining as that!
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Allan Leighton: Would have loved to have shared a platform with Bobby Moore, an absolute legend and leader of the most successful team in the history of English football.
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
Allan Leighton: At the moment I speak twice a year, I get asked to do a lot more but as I currently work and live in Canada it proves quite difficult.
Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?
Allan Leighton: Sometimes, it depends on the topic, the audience and the format
Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?
Allan Leighton: Yes
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
Allan Leighton: Allan Leighton known from his time at Asda, Going Plural and Royal Mail
Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?
Allan Leighton: Not personally, but I like to receive a 1 pager prior to the event. Becky will consult with you in order to pull this together for me
Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?
Allan Leighton: Leadership, Change, Culture, Colleague motivation
Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?
Allan Leighton: It really depends on the audience, the topic and the type of speech. I like to keep it as informal and interactive as possible usually through votes, questions and open discussion.
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?
Allan Leighton: have arrived on stage on a Harley Davidson with an entourage of backing dancers.....looking back that is quite embarrassing!
Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?
Allan Leighton: It really depends on the audience, the topic and the type of speech. I like to keep it as informal and interactive as possible usually through votes, questions and open discussion.
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
Allan Leighton: Zulu
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
Allan Leighton: Leighton on leadership! You must buy it all proceeds got to Breast Cancer Care
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?
Allan Leighton: Caribbean
Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple – wine, beer, champagne?
Allan Leighton: Beer or Champagne
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
Allan Leighton: Townie and Country
For further information or to book Allan Leighton, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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