Former CEO and Co–Founder of Virgin Radio, John Pearson has worked closely with Richard Branson and the Virgin Brand throughout some of Virgin’s most spectacular growth years. John is in a unique position to give a personal inside view of the values and behaviours that make Virgin one of the most successful and respected brands in the world.
John Pearson has spent the last 30 years in the media business –working across Press, magazines and TV but most of it in broadcast Radio including seven years at London’s Capital Radio.
Virgin Radio is now one of the biggest UK commercial stations and among the top worldwide internet radio brands
John Pearson stepped down in 1995 after 10 years as Chief Executive directing Virgin Radio’s most formative, turbulent and successful years. After launching the national station and winning a prestigious London FM licence, John was part of the management buyout that created The Ginger Media Group. Alongside the direction of the radio station, John became a director of Ginger online and Ginger television, including the award winning TFI Friday.
Having been part of the management buyout the Radio station for £80 million in 1997, John was instrumental in the deal that sold Ginger to SMG for £230 million in 2000. Richard Branson had backed the management by keeping 20% of the original business and was delighted with the outcome.
John Pearson is Chairman of Shazam Entertainment, a digital music company and a shareholder/director of World Architecture News. He has now also re joined Virgin and is consulting on Virgin’s Global Radio Network with stations as far apart as Paris and Bangkok. An entrepreneur and Harvard Business School Alumnus, John has been asked to submit and present to the Government joint and select committees for both the broadcasting act and the BBC charter renewal.
As a speaker, John focuses on Virgin Values
? How does Virgin keep the same culture across so many different market sectors?
• How do you operate in 30 countries with 15,000 staff and still keep the same behaviours
• How much of it is planned and how much is down to luck and circumstance?
• Importantly – can it be copied or transported to your business?
John believes that “these values enable Virgin to expand across businesses and boundaries by empowering staff with a cultural blueprint to act in a Virgin way - thus reinforcing the behaviours and ultimately attracting staff who want to associate with the culture. These values define the invisible code of best Virgin practice and form the unique strand of Virgin DNA. By understanding the Virgin Values and how they work, not only are they transportable - you can identify the core values already working within your business and start to use them for competitive advantage.”
John Pearson is a warm, passionate and engaging speaker who shares his insights gained through a lifetime of motivating and inspiring people in one of the country’s most recognised companies.
JOHN PEARSON
“Many thanks for taking our Brief so seriously and inspiring so many on the Day”
Deirdre Saliba, HR Operations Director, Nestor Healthcare Group plc
“John has a unique ability to make everything appear simple that engages his audience and inspires thinking without boundaries. His energy and warm style combine to deliver a great message”
Andy Jonesco, CEO, AOL UK
“John has the ability to inspire; his energetic style of thinking is delivered with honest human examples of a very powerful vision. John is a great communicator and among the best speakers I have encountered”
Lee Roberts, Commercial Director, AEG
“Thanks for delivering your speech last week; I have received lots of positive feedback. It was fascinating to get an insiders view of Virgin, it's a great message about culture and behaviour that can be applied to any business.
You have certainly left a lasting impression here and given everybody something to think about”
Graham A. Johnson, Sales & Marketing Director, Alpine Electronics U.K.
My thanks indeed for your speech the other day. Many of our guests commented very favourably afterwards and it was, as you know, a senior, demanding and inquisitive audience. Your delivery was, if I may say, both informative and entertaining, covering the brief fully and given with authority and humour.
David Rigg, Chairman, Project Associates
"Our guests were treated to a real delight. John offered us that rare combination of inspiration and relevance - engaging our organization to explore untold possibilities. From recent MBA students to CEO's - John seamlessly engaged the group to cherish innovation, passion, and risk taking as the foundation for creating breakthrough organizational results."
Dan Veitkus, Vice President, Novell, Inc.
John Pearson is also available for board-level assignments through Boardroom Insight.