Rita Clifton

Co-Founder & Chairman of BrandCap, Deputy Chair of John Lewis Partnership, Chair of Forum for the Future & Author of ‘The Future of Brands’ & ‘Love Your Imposter’

Rita Clifton, a renowned business leader and brand strategy expert, has built an illustrious career over several decades. She is celebrated for her pivotal role as the Co-Founder and Chairman of BrandCap and her current positions as the Deputy Chair of John Lewis Partnership and Chair of Forum for the Future. Her extensive experience in branding, advertising, and business leadership has made her a sought-after speaker at corporate events. Rita’s presentations often focus on contemporary branding strategies, personal brand development, leadership, and inclusion, making her a versatile and engaging speaker.

Rita’s journey to prominence began with her role as the Vice Chairman and Executive Planning Director of Saatchi & Saatchi, where she honed her skills in business leadership and brand strategy. She further cemented her reputation by serving as the Non-Executive Director of Dixons Retail. In 1997, Rita became the CEO and Chairman of Interbrand, a role she held for nearly 15 years, significantly influencing the branding industry. Her leadership experience extends to being the Non-Executive Chairman of Populus Limited, a Trustee and Fellow of WWF UK, a Panel Member of Target Neutral for BP, and President of the Market Research Society.

In addition to these roles, Rita has contributed significantly to various organisations as a Trustee and Director of the Henley Festival, Non-Executive Director of Bupa, Chairman of The Conservation Volunteers, and Board Trustee of the Green Alliance. She has also been a Board Mentor at Criticaleye, a Non-Executive Director of Nationwide Building Society, ASOS, and the Senior Independent Director of Ascential Plc. Rita Co-Founded Leaderbrand Limited and is a Visiting Fellow at the Said Business School at the University of Oxford. Her insights are frequently sought by major news outlets such as CNN, Sky, and the BBC, and she is the author of influential books including "The Future of Brands" and "Love Your Imposter."

Rita was appointed CBE in the 2014 New Year Honours, recognising her as a leading authority in her field. Her reputation as a thought leader and her ability to provide relevant, informative, and inspiring talks make her a highly desirable keynote speaker. Organisations such as Facebook, Google, CBI, Barclays, and the National Trust have benefited from her expertise. Whether discussing branding in the digital age, the importance of sustainability, or the role of women in leadership, Rita Clifton consistently delivers valuable insights, making her a well-sought-after speaker for International Women's Day and beyond.

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