Ellis Watson

Ellis Watson has built a career out of transforming the fortunes of some of the world’s most recognisable organisations. From The Sun and Mirror Group Newspapers to FirstGroup, Syco Entertainment and DC Thomson, he has revitalised brands, inspired teams and led through disruption with trademark energy, candour and wit.

Ellis’s early career took off at The Sun, where he became Marketing Director at the height of the paper’s influence before joining Rupert Murdoch as his first Head of Digital. He later took Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? global as the CEO of Celador International, selling the show into more than 100 countries.

He went on to lead Mirror Group Newspapers and the logistics giant John Menzies, before joining the board of FirstGroup, turning around iconic transport brands like Greyhound across North America. As Global CEO of Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, Ellis oversaw record labels and hit formats including The X Factor and Got Talent.

In Scotland, he helped future proof DC Thomson, one of the world’s largest family owned media companies, by modernising its brands, culture and commercial strategy. Later, as Chief Business Advisor to the First Minister, he brought his sharp business instincts to government strategy.

A natural storyteller and motivator, Ellis speaks with infectious honesty about leadership, resilience and change. He shows how to build a culture of purpose, keep people inspired through turbulence, and turn disruption into opportunity. Twice invited to deliver TED Talks, Ellis is celebrated for his rare mix of insight, humour and hard won experience, making him one of the most engaging and impactful speakers on leadership today.