In a varied executive career, Ellis Watson has turned around, rebranded, overhauled, reinvigorated, and expanded businesses from entertainment to transport. Starting in newspapers, Ellis’s first break came as Marketing Director at The Sun, later reporting directly to Rupert Murdoch. He then became CEO of Celador International, taking “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” to over 100 countries. He returned to Fleet Street as MD of Mirror Group Newspapers, his first leadership role in a PLC.
Ellis then led distribution and logistics business John Menzies before joining the board of FirstGroup to turn around iconic transport brands like Greyhound across the Americas. He radically challenged a culture of low morale, poor service, and bad public perception across a vast network.
As global CEO of Simon Cowell’s Syco Corporation, Ellis took record labels and formats like “The X Factor” and “Got Talent” to international success. At Scottish media group DC Thomson, he transformed a traditional, family-run firm into a future-proofed organization by modernizing business models and expanding into digital and data domains. His work earned him appointments by the First Minister of Scotland as a Global Scot and by the Treasury to the government task force on Scotland.
Most recently, Ellis has been involved in various advisory roles, providing strategic insights and leadership to a range of organizations navigating the complexities of the modern business environment. He has also been a vocal advocate for mental health in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside performance.
Ellis challenges, motivates, and advises with original insight, enthusiasm, and humor. He argues that external shocks and disruption can be a springboard for positive change, showing how to inspire passion under pressure and progress from mission statements to a true company culture. Known as one of the most inspiring and entertaining keynote speakers, he offers key tools to deal with disruptive forces, create a positive culture, and inspire enthusiasm throughout an organization.
“There’s no point in waiting and hoping for a wave; go and create one yourself.”
To book Future-Proofing & Cultural Transformation Authority Ellis Watson for your event, contact Front Row Speakers on +353 1 485 3991 or email welcome@frontrowspeakers.com.
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