Chief Executive & City Government Director
Chief Executive of a Medical Institute at the University of Liverpool and afterwards director within a City Council, developing experience across several areas of societal and civic priorities.
1994-2000
ACADEMIA & GOVERNMENT
Chief Executive & City Government Director
Chief Executive of a Medical Institute at the University of Liverpool and afterwards director within a City Council, developing experience across several areas of societal and civic priorities.
2000-2017
BUSINESS & ROYALTY
1984-1994
MILITARY LEADERSHIP
British Army Officer
Graduate of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Commissioned originally into the Light Infantry, subsequently The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment and served with The Wessex & Glosters, retiring as a Captain after service worldwide.
John credits the Army in training him to be able to assess complex situations, formulate a plan, communicate that plan and motivate people to follow his lead in its execution. For almost three decades since, this skills set has supported a great many leaders and organisations in their own endeavours.
Managing Director of Responsible Business
Ten years at HRH The Prince of Wales's (Now King Charles III) Responsible Business network, culminating as MD of The Prince's particular CSR & Sustainability orientated initiatives. Responsible for a variety of programmes
across the UK and twenty countries worldwide.
Leaving in 2010 to develop a new purpose agency, appointed by His Majesty as a special representative,
for a further seven years. Created two new royal initiatives.
Appointed trustee of one of the Prince's charities.
2010-2017
PURPOSE PIONEER
Agency Founder
Created one of the first specific ethical purpose strategy agencies in the UK. Developed new thinking and process working with clients in Europe, the Middle East and North America.
2017-2024
BUSINESS LEADER
EMEA Managing Partner at OMNICOM's
ONE HUNDRED agency group. It was the World's first multi-disciplinary marketing group consisting of nine of Omnicom's leading global agencies.
Specialisms were PR, Marketing, Digital, Brand, Advertising and Creative.
2010 - PRESENT
PHILANTHROPIST
Serial Founder
Founder of The Jubilee Hour in 2012, recognised as the largest mass mobilisation of volunteers in the UK
since WW2 with 2.7million volunteers.
Co-Founder of Remember WW1 in 2014 mobilising and recognising national programmes of commemoration.
2017-PRESENT
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Bestselling Business Author & Commentator
WH Smith No3, Forbes Top 15 read, Amazon No 10. Regular commentator on ethical purpose, marketing, communication, sustainability and business impact on society. Multiple podcaster and speaker across various platforms.
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2010 - PRESENT
NON EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
Multiple Interests
NED experience in Brand, PR, Digital, Airline, D&I, Insurance and business investment.
Specialist advisor to global businesses and business founders on creating purpose driven performance, growing market share, reputation and risk.
2010 - 2024
2019 - 2024
VOLUNTEER ROLES
Trustee, Patron and Ambassador
SSAFA
The Prince's Foundation for Building Community
Prince of Wales's INTBAU
The Prince's Pakistan Recovery Fund
Military Preparation College for Training MPCT
Youth United
Internews
Charity Film Awards
ImagineIF
The Clore Social Fellowship
ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE
Chester University & University Centre Shrewsbury. Inspiring future leaders and entrepreneurs for good business and society
2021 - PRESENT
ANTHROPY FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
Founder of Anthropy Ltd a social purpose business dedicated to creating a new approach to convening leaders to determine longer term thinking. Our aim is to inspire a better Britain and promote a successful, sustainable and equitable society.
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The O'Brien
Private Office
Non-Executive Advisor: Experienced Non-executive director available for retained business support.
PORTFOLIO
Author and Editor
Writing & Sharing
Sharing thinking and experience in order
to help inspire others on their journeys
Conversationalist
Speaking & Thinking
Podcasts, transcripts and interviews
on life, leadership and more
I have lived many lives in one; Soldier, Campaigner, Business Leader, Writer, Entrepreneur, Founder, Husband and Father, but all combine into a single life where my purpose is to help people maximise their potential for good.