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Leadership expert & former Saatchi exec

Richard Hytner

Transform leadership teams with Richard Hytner, speaker and leadership expert. Richard works with executives to foster candid conversations and creative boardroom thinking, delivering powerful insights from his experience as former Saatchi & Saatchi Deputy Chair and London Business School professor.
Richard Hytner, Speaker | Leadership Facilitator
Richard Hytner

Richard Hytner

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

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

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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Richard Hytner's biography

At a glance

  • Former worldwide deputy chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi
  • Author of Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows
  • Founder of Beta Baboon and Blue Hat Man
Richard Hytner is a leadership expert and facilitator of candid, creative interactions between leaders. He is the former CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, a creative powerhouse in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and for eight years, its Worldwide Deputy Chair. It was in that role that he made two discoveries: that he was a significantly more effective contributor to leadership as a deputy than as the ultimately accountable leader (the focus of his acclaimed book, Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows); and that creativity has so much more power to transform a business when practised in the Boardroom, not delegated to those with a presumed and exclusive gift for it. Richard speaks at and facilitates experiences around both themes – Leading beyond the Leader and Creativity in Business. He works with leadership teams to equip them with the confidence and courage to have candid conversations, interactions, and ideas that will lead to individual and team outperformance. Richard has done this in diverse contexts for global auditors, world-class academics, risk advisors, religious leaders, producers, police officers, fashion designers, and commercial innovators. He teaches what he practices in degree and executive education courses at London Business School, where he has been an Adjunct Professor since 2011. Richard has also contributed his leadership and creative expertise to not-for-profits, including the British Heart Foundation, Planting Promise, a sustainable educational enterprise in Sierra Leone, Shop & Drop, his wife’s bespoke service designed to eliminate shortfalls in foodbank essentials, and the Foundation for Leadership through Sport, of which he is a director. He co-founded Shareholders United Against Murdoch when Rupert Murdoch’s BSkyB tried to buy Manchester United and remains Honorary President of the entity it became – Manchester United Supporters Trust.

Richard's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Leading Beyond The Leader
The truth is that leadership commentary often underestimates the complexity of leadership and the specific context in which leaders are forming judgments, making decisions, and implementing them. It also underplays the vitally important supporting actors in the daily business drama. Richard argues that whether a team can compete and ultimately meet and beat its ambition will depend directly on how its members behave with each other, how they agree, disagree, and make choices together, and how they allocate responsibilities, often transcending experience and role. Richard’s talk offers insights and practical, immediate action to take.
Creativity In Business
Creativity is not an abstract concept. Nor is it for an exclusive minority of those who ‘have a gift for it’. It is a way to think through problems and to do things differently. And it is way too important to delegate to a division, department, or team of unaccountable dreamers. Creativity requires a motivated team equipped with the conviction and skills to create. This talk will give you these.

Why we recommend booking Richard

Richard offers your team insights from a top industry leader. You'll gain actionable strategies for enhancing leadership, fostering authentic relationships, and driving brand growth with purpose. Learn from Richard's vast experience and innovative approach to elevate your team's performance and creativity.

Testimonials

From managing strategic workshops to MCing full-day summits of 100+, Richard's skills to energise, engage and get the best out of the audience are equal to none and make for unforgettable experiences for all.

Richard has a hugely impressive ability to quickly master a subject in all its complexities, to instil confidence in any leadership team, to reassure through his presence, and to spread joy and cheerfulness wherever he is.

Richard brought huge value and insight to our management team – and inspiration. Through purposeful coaching, positive challenge and wise counsel, Richard contributed significantly to effective decision-making and team cohesion, always doing so in the most positive and collegiate way. His ability to help the Board see issues from different perspectives greatly improved the quality of the decisions made. [He] inspired the highest levels of confidence and both challenged and inspired individuals to fulfil their full potential.

Featured Projects

Richard Hytner - Consiglieri: Leading From The Shadows, Why Coming Top Is Sometimes Second Best book cover

frequently asked questions

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How do I book Richard Hytner for my next event?

What is Richard Hytner's speaking style like?

Richard Hytner structures his talks around insights drawn from his own career experience as deputy chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, using that firsthand perspective to deliver practical, immediately applicable actions for leadership teams and creative thinking in business.

What topics does Richard Hytner specialise in?

Richard Hytner speaks on team leadership dynamics, creativity in business, and the role of deputy and supporting leaders. He is the former Worldwide Deputy Chair of Saatchi & Saatchi and author of Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows, and has been an Adjunct Professor at London Business School since 2011.

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How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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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.

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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.

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.