Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje, England and British & Irish Lions captain with nearly 100 international caps, has built a career defined by resilience, clear decision-making and values-driven leadership both on and off the pitch. Beyond elite sport, he founded The Pearl Fund to unlock opportunity for underrepresented young people and contributes to national conversations on identity, equity and representation.

Leading under pressure, navigating setbacks, and maintaining focus when expectations are highest are challenges that define modern leadership. Maro Itoje is one of the most respected figures in global rugby, a player whose career has been shaped by his ability to perform when it matters most. As captain of Saracens, England and the British and Irish Lions, he represents a new generation of leaders: calm under scrutiny, relentlessly driven, and guided by values that extend far beyond the pitch. With nearly 100 international caps for England and a Lions series victory under his belt, Itoje brings a unique perspective on what it takes to lead through adversity, rebuild trust, and inspire teams to achieve their highest ambitions. His clear goal of winning the 2027 Rugby World Cup reflects the focus and resilience that define his approach to leadership.

Born in North London to Nigerian parents, Itoje's journey has been defined by discipline, intellect and ambition. After joining Saracens as a teenager, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most decorated players in the club's history. His international career has mirrored that success, including pivotal roles in two British and Irish Lions tours, culminating in leading the Lions to series victory in Australia. Away from rugby, Itoje is a passionate advocate for education, equity and cultural expression. In 2022, he launched The Pearl Fund, a charitable foundation focused on unlocking opportunity for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, with projects spanning Ghana, Nigeria and across Africa. He is also a published writer, an art collector who maintains a gallery in Lagos showcasing emerging talent, and a voice for progress in national conversations on identity, access and representation. His ability to bridge high performance with high purpose makes him a compelling presence in sport and beyond.

Itoje helps organisations and leaders understand what it takes to thrive under pressure, lead with authenticity, and build cultures rooted in accountability and trust. Drawing on his experiences captaining elite teams through moments of intense scrutiny and expectation, he delivers practical insights on decision making, resilience and maintaining clarity when the stakes are highest. Audiences leave with a renewed understanding of how to lead through adversity, inspire collective ambition, and create lasting impact both within their teams and in the wider world. Whether addressing corporate leaders, sports organisations or industry conferences, Itoje's message is clear: great leadership is built on integrity, preparation and the courage to stay focused on what truly matters.