Availability dot

Available to book

Speaker, retail leader & diversity advocate

Gillian Drakeford

Transform organisational culture with Gillian Drakeford MBE, speaker, global retail leader and diversity advocate. Gillian works with businesses to drive strategic implementation and inclusive leadership, delivering expertise from her executive roles at IKEA UK, Ireland and China.

Trusted by IKEA UK, IKEA Ireland, IKEA China

Gillian Drakeford MBE, Speaker | Global Retail Leader
Gillian Drakeford

Gillian Drakeford

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Gillian's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Gillian

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Gillian Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Gillian Drakeford's biography

At a glance

  • Led IKEA in UK, Ireland, and China
  • Driven IKEA's global retail experience programme
  • Advocate for workplace diversity and inclusion
Gillian Drakeford MBE is a global retail leader, chair, advisor, and speaker. She has enormous experience bringing together people and systems to deliver success with a purpose. She has led IKEA in the UK, Ireland, and China and driven the superbrand's global retail experience programme. Gillian is recognised for translating strategy into reality through solid communication skills and storytelling and shaping a genuinely effective organisational culture through connecting, engaging and mobilising people. She strongly advocates for true meritocracy in the workplace, supporting true diversity and inclusion.

Topics, sessions and talks

Leadership And Development For Purpose-Led Organisations
Gillian Drakeford shares insights on fostering leadership and growth in organizations driven by purpose, emphasizing the importance of aligning values and goals for impactful development.
Customers Aren't Digital: Understanding The Whole Human
Gillian Drakeford emphasizes the importance of recognizing customers as multifaceted individuals, beyond just their digital interactions, to truly understand and meet their diverse needs.
Customer Centricity: Mindset And Organisational Focus
Gillian Drakeford discusses the importance of adopting a customer-centric approach, emphasizing mindset shifts and organizational focus to enhance customer satisfaction and business success.

Why we recommend booking Gillian

Gillian offers your team insights from a global retail leader. Benefit from her expertise in transforming strategy into reality, fostering a meritocratic workplace, and driving success through diversity and inclusion. Elevate your organizational culture and inspire your team to achieve greatness with purpose.

Check Gillian's availability

Trusted by IKEA UK, IKEA Ireland, IKEA China

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Gillian Drakeford for my next event?
Email gillian.drakeford@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Gillian's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Gillian Drakeford's speaking style like?
Gillian Drakeford translates strategy into practice through storytelling, drawing on her experience leading IKEA across the UK, Ireland, and China to ground organisational and customer-centric principles in real-world retail examples.
What topics does Gillian Drakeford specialise in?
Gillian Drakeford MBE speaks on purpose-led leadership and organisational development, customer centricity and mindset, and understanding customers as whole human beings beyond their digital behaviour. She led IKEA across the UK, Ireland, and China, and drove the brand's global retail experience programme.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.