Rita Clifton

Rita Clifton CBE is one of the most influential voices in branding and leadership today. Hailed by the Financial Times as the ‘Brand Guru’, Rita has spent over 35 years at the forefront of advertising, brand strategy, and corporate leadership. As the former CEO and Chairman of Interbrand, she played a pivotal role in transforming the firm into a global branding powerhouse. Now a sought-after keynote speaker, non-executive director, and author, Rita inspires audiences with her expert insights on building world-class brands, leadership in a digital age, and the power of personal branding.

Rita’s career began at the iconic agency Saatchi & Saatchi, where she rose to become Vice-Chairman and Executive Planning Director by 1986. She then took the reins at Interbrand in 1997, leading the firm to international prominence. In 2013, she co-founded BrandCap, once again proving her exceptional ability to grow impactful, global brands. Rita’s deep understanding of brand strategy has been instrumental in shaping the direction of companies like BP, ASOS, and Nationwide, where she served as Non-Executive Director. In 2025, she was appointed Chairperson of Simplyhealth, and since 2021 she has served as Deputy Chair of John Lewis Partnership, further cementing her place at the top of British business.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Rita has authored several acclaimed books including “Love Your Imposter”, “Brands and Branding”, and “The Future of Brands”. Her TEDx talk “Branding Democracy” was another opportunity for her to demonstrate how powerful branding principles can apply far beyond the world of commerce. She continues to shape conversations on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive leadership through her role as Chair of Trustees at Forum for the Future and Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

Known for her wit, warmth, and wisdom, Rita Clifton brings both gravitas and approachability to the stage. Her talks on branding, leadership, women in business, and ESG strategy are as relevant for multinationals as they are for entrepreneurs. With clients including Google, Barclays, and TEDx, Rita is the ideal speaker to help your organisation build brands that matter—and leaders who last.