Every time I work with the SpeakersHub team, I'm blown away by the quality of people on their roster and the access they have to a who's-who of innovative, provocative and leading edge thinkers and leaders. If you want to build knowledge and get insight from people who are at the very top of the latest thinking and leaders in their field then Sarah and the team are the people to talk to.
Biography
Simon’s public service career placed him at the centre of some of the most pivotal moments in recent British history. He was on the ground in Northern Ireland during the peace talks that culminated in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement of 1998. He served as Head of Communications and Media during the 2005 London terrorist bombings, and as Head of Cyber Security, he advised FTSE100 boards on the emerging threats of malicious cyber attacks. His strategic acumen and calm leadership were also instrumental in national operations during events such as the 2012 London Olympics, when he worked within the Cabinet Office Briefing Room.
After public service, Simon turned his focus to mission-driven leadership, taking on CEO roles at three very different—and impactful—organisations. At Cifas, the UK’s fraud prevention service, he led efforts that prevented over £1 billion in fraud losses in a single year. At Community Pharmacy England, he negotiated the first-ever five-year, £13 billion contractual framework for pharmacy services. Currently, as CEO of Fair for You, a charity-owned social lender, he is leading a bold change programme to expand access to fair credit for low-income households.
Simon’s thought leadership spans financial inclusion, digital safety, and the evolving nature of leadership. He is the author of “Safety and Cybersecurity in a Digital Age” (2018) and a frequent contributor to articles on poverty, fraud prevention, and ethical innovation.
With a calm authority honed in the highest-pressure environments, and a deep belief in purpose-led leadership, Simon speaks with clarity, authenticity, and warmth. Whether addressing a business audience, a policy forum, or a leadership retreat, Simon brings not just stories from behind the scenes—but the kind of wisdom that transforms how people think and act.