The Leading Speakers Bureau

Expert in Virtual Reality and Computer Engineering

Michael Zyda is Director of the USC GamePipe Laboratory, and a Professor of Engineering Practice in the USC Department of Computer Science. At USC, he created the ‘Batchelor of Science’ (BA) in Computer Science (Games) and ‘Master of Science’ (MS) in Computer Science (Game Development) cross-disciplinary degree programs and doubled the incoming undergraduate enrolment of the Computer Science Department. He was the Founding Director of The MOVES Institute, located at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at NPS as well.

“Michael Zyda opens up the world of virtual reality and 3 dimensional networks”

[expand title=”In detail”] From 1986 until the formation of the MOVES Institute, he was the Director of the NPSNET Research Group. His research interests include computer graphics, large-scale, networked 3D virtual environments, modelling human and organisational behaviour, interactive computer-generated story, video production, and entertainment games. He holds a lifetime appointment as a National Associate of the National Academies, an appointment made by the Council of the National Academy of Sciences in November 2003. He is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Professor Zyda is a pioneer in the fields of computer graphics, networked virtual environments, modelling and simulation, and defence entertainment collaboration. Drawing upon his considerable expertise, Michael offers great insights into the future of computer applications and decision makers from all fields are able to benefit from his highly informative presentations.[/expand]
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Professor of Strategic and International Management at LBS

Costas Markides is Professor of Strategic and International Management at London Business School. A native of Cyprus, he received his BA (Distinction) and MA in Economics from Boston University and his MBA and DBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to joining London Business School he has worked as an Associate with the Cyprus Development Bank and as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School. In 2009 and 2007 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

“Costas Markides is an expert on creating breakthrough strategies with proven results”

Costas Markides has been ranked among the top 50 most influential business thinkers. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers.

[expand title=”In detail”] His work has been has published in a wide range of journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Directors & Boards, Long Range Planning, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Having taught on many in-company programmes Prof. Markides is without a doubt one of Europe’s most experienced and respected business strategists. His presentations are ideal for decision makers keen to sustain and develop superior competitive performance by implementing and understanding new business strategies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Costas Markides is a captivating and engaging speaker and he has designed his lectures with just the right blend of humour and useful actionable information. His appearances are consistently well-received making him one of the most sought-after and prized speakers currently available.[/expand]
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Former Member of the European Commission

During his 10 year tenure as one of Europe’s most senior Commissioners in Brussels, Dr Martin Bangemann was instrumental in shaping Europe’s telecommunications and IT policy in a world of rapid technology developments. He stepped down from this position in June 1999. From 2000 to 2005 he was a non-executive Advisory Board Member of Telefonica, Spain. He is currently writing a new book.

“Dr Bangemann has a firm grasp on the future of the information industry”

[expand title=”In detail”] He received a doctorate in law from the University of Munich and became a practising lawyer in Germany in 1964. He entered the European Parliament in 1973 on the Budget Committee and became Chairman of the European Parliament Liberal Democratic Group in 1979. From 1984 to 1988 he was Federal Minister of Economic Affairs for Germany.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Dr Bangemann deals with the social and economic impact of new information technologies. He identifies the enormous growth potential of new technologies and shows organisations how to benefit from these technologies[/expand]
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Entrepreneur, Model and Media Personality

Caprice became a household name around the world through her modeling and media appearances. Arriving in England from Southern California she became one of the most photographed women in the world appearing on over 300 magazine covers. Following her success as a model she added a variety of television appearances to her media portfolio. Voted GQ Magazine’s Woman of the Year and Maxim’s International Woman of the Year 3 years running she appeared in a documentary for Channel 4 “ Being Caprice “ and featured in many other prime time shows.

Caprice is an Ambassador for the Princes Trust

[expand title=”In detail”] Following her success as a Model and Media Personality Caprice moved into roles on the West End stage and received rave reviews, later she produced her own version of a popular musical in which she also starred. Recently she has become a business entrepreneur developing and financing her own range of lingerie and swimwear which achieved instant success in Debenhams stores, Next and Littlewoods plus many countries around the world. Her future objective is to achieve continuing global success with the By Caprice brand and as she develops further product ranges her determination is to be “ hands on“ in every respect of the business. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Caprice has developed a successful business through a close examination of the market for ladies lingerie and swimwear and the success of the business has much to do with her close attention to detail in all departments including design, distribution and finance. Her entrepreneurial attributes have convinced her to avoid licensing arrangements and continue to expand the business and the brand by continuing an innovative and creative approach to product and the efficiency of merchandising and distribution[/expand]
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Former President of Virgin Galactic

Will Whitehorn was once described as Sir Richard Branson’s “right hand man” and has recently stepped down as President from Virgin Galactic prior to the commercial launch of that unique space project to pursue a portfolio career that includes a number of Directorships most notably with Loewy the UK design and media group. He sits on the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the UK Government funding body for scientific research in the UK and is a non-executive chairman of Next Fifteen Communications Plc.

“Leading expert on Branding and Leadership”

[expand title=”In detail”] Will was talent spotted by Sir Richard Branson in 1987 and joined the Virgin Group where he rose to become Group Corporate Affairs and Brand Development Director. In this role he was the official spokesman for the company and a trusted advisor to Sir Richard. Whilst at Virgin he was responsible for Virgin’s revolutionary approach to PR and building an admired brand. This included major stories such as the battle with BA over flight prices and the Cumbrian rail crash where Virgin was praised for the heroism of the driver. More recently he ran Virgin Galactic the commercial space flight project that has made headlines. His first hand experience of running industrial design projects includes the development of Virgin’s Pendolino and the Virgin Atlantic Flyer.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Sharing his insights into the Virgin story, Will Whitehorn offers a detailed analysis of how the online industry and innovation across all business functions within Virgin has impacted on consumers and brands. In his presentations, he also explains the importance of online industry, PR and innovation and how they can be used to create a competitive edge in business and how future space technology will influence our lives including digital communications. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Will is a natural communicator with a great passion for business and technology who has the ability to inspire his audiences to innovate. [/expand]
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Founder of easyJet

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is a Monaco based entrepreneur of Greek-Cypriot origin. He stepped back from the board of EasyJet in 2010, now concentrating fully on the role of shareholder. True to his beliefs in serial entrepreneurship, Stelios consolidated the ownership of the easy brand into his private company, easyGroup, comprising several easy-branded businesses – all dedicated to offering consumers more value for less.

“A Serial Entrepreneur”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to founding the low-cost airline that revolutionized European air travel, Stelios created Stelmar, a shipping company which was floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2001 and subsequently sold to a rival in 2005. Stelios received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for services to entrepreneurship. More recently, through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, he has expanded his dedication to making a difference to society by launching a number of philanthropic initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, higher education and environmental sustainability. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Few are better qualified to talk about the power of the internet and how to make a successful on line enterprise than Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Talking candidly about the easyJet phenomenon, his presentations are filled with wonderful insights and inspirational ideas for budding entrepreneurs.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Stelios is a compelling and dynamic speaker – both in front of large audiences as well as smaller, targeted groups. [/expand]
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Former CEO of Starbucks

Orin C. Smith was President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation from 2000 to 2005. He joined Starbucks as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1990, became President and Chief Operating Officer in 1994, and became a director of Starbucks in 1996. Mr. Smith has been a Director of The Walt Disney Company since 2006 and he has been a Director of Nike Inc. since September 20, 2004 and serves as a Member of its Audit Committee.

“Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do socially or ethically, it’s good for business.”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Smith spent a total of 14 years with Deloitte & Touche. He serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Washington School of Business, the University of Washington Medicine Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of Conservation International. He was also a Director of Oakley Sunglasses, Watches, Shoes, and Apparel from August 1995 until July 10, 2003. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As one of America’s most respected and successful corporate leaders, Orin C. Smith offers audiences valuable insights into the strategies which have made him so successful. He carefully explains in great detail the importance of strategic leadership and how to create a global brand[/expand]
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