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
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.
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.
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-PRESENT
BUSINESS LEADER
EMEA Managing Partner at OMNICOM's
ONE HUNDRED agency group. It is the World's first multi-disciplinary marketing group consisting of nine of Omnicom's leading global agencies.
Our specialisms are in 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.
CHARITY ROLES
Trustee, Patron and Ambassador
SSAFA
The Prince's Foundation for Building Community
Prince of Wales's INTBAU
The Pakistan Recovery Fund
MPCT
Internews
Charity Film Awards
ImagineIF
The Clore Social Fellowship
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.
NON EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
Multiple Interests
NED experience in Brand, PR, Digital, Airline, D&I, Insurance
'Entrepreneur in Residence' at Chester University Business School and University Centre Shrewsbury
Specialist advisor to global businesses and business founders.
2021
ANTHROPY FOUNDER
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 promote a successful, sustainable and more equitable society.
PORTFOLIO
Managing Partner
Global Purpose Advisory
Purpose focused strategy,
marketing and communications group
University of Chester
& Shrewsbury
Founder & Chairman
A New National Narrative
Britain's largest crowd sourced agenda on
the future quality of life, place and economy
Author and Editor
Influencing Thinking
Sharing thinking and experience in order
to help inspire others on their journeys
The O'Brien
Private Office
Non-Executive Advisor
Supporting Leadership
Experienced Non-executive director available for retained business support
Conversationalist
Free Speech
Podcasts, transcripts and interviews
on life, leadership and more
