What went on at Leadership Summit 2026?
Leadership Summit returned to Sopwell House on 5 - 6 March, bringing senior leaders from across the digital advertising industry together for two days of debate, inspiration and high-level networking. More importantly than ever, Leadership Summit provided an opportunity for leaders to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on shaping the future of digital advertising. Speaker sessions ranged from strategy-setting marketing intelligence to practical insights on leading high-performing teams. Catch up on key highlights from across the two days now.
Rewind two days of action
Thank you to our Leadership Summit 2026 sponsor
Nielsen is a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their global audiences – now and into the future.
Last years speakers...
Lizzy Yarnold O.B.E, Double Olympic Champion
British former skeleton racer who won consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2014 and 2018, making her the first British Winter Olympian to win two gold medals.
Ugo Monye, Former Rugby Player
Former England & Lions winner Ugo Monye earned 14 caps and toured in 2009. Today he is a respected broadcaster and chair of key inclusion bodies.
Kate McCann, Journalist and Radio Presenter
An award-winning journalist and radio presenter with deep expertise in UK politics. She is known for incisive analysis and clear, engaging reporting across broadcast, print and digital platforms, and is a familiar voice on national radio and television.
James Longman, Chief International Correspondent, ABC News
Award-winning ABC News foreign correspondent James Longman has reported from more than 45 countries, from war zones in Ukraine and Syria, to major global investigations. He is known for immersive frontline reporting and rare international access.
Ellie Collins, Sports Presenter
Emerging as one of the best young presenting talents in sport in the UK, Ellie has an impressive portfolio of work built over a rapid space of time. Over the past couple of years, Ellie has produced for the likes of the Premier League, NFL and the Challenge Tour, whilst launching her own YouTube series "You Free Friday."
Parmy Olson, Technology Columnist, Bloomberg LP
Parmy Olson is a Bloomberg technology columnist specialising in AI, social media and regulation. She is the award-winning author of Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World, and a former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Forbes.
Nick Buckley, European Vice President, Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company
Responsible for marketing strategy across Coca-Cola’s European portfolio, overseeing brand, digital, media and partnerships. Previously Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at L’Oreal, with senior leadership roles at Sony, Marks & Spencer and EE.
Jim Waterson, Editor, London Centric
Founder and Editor of London Centric, a subscription-based investigative news outlet covering power and politics in the capital. Former media editor at the Guardian and political editor at BuzzFeed UK, he is a leading voice on the future of journalism.
Tom Standage, Deputy Editor, The Economist
Deputy editor of The Economist and editor of its future-gazing annual, The World Ahead. Bestselling author and historian.
Kathleen Saxton, Author and Psychotherapist
An author and practising psychotherapist specialising in relationships, emotional wellbeing and personal development. She combines clinical insight with writing and public speaking to explore how modern life shapes mental health and human connection.
Matt Phelan, Co-Founder, The Happiness Index
Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, helping organisations measure and improve workplace culture through data. A two-time author, podcast host and TEDx speaker, he champions happier, healthier and more productive ways of working.
Elj Abid, Director, Business Development - EMEA, The Trade Desk
Elj leads strategic growth across EMEA at The Trade Desk. Specialising in programmatic strategy and commercial trading, he focuses on sustainable revenue growth, collaborative partnerships and data-driven solutions that advance market position.
Amelia Torode, Group Head of Strategy, Ogilvy
Amelia leads strategic thinking across Ogilvy’s client portfolio, shaping brand, business and communications strategy. Widely recognised for thought leadership on modern marketing, creativity and effectiveness, and a frequent industry speaker.
Ed Vickers, Founder & Director, SUMS
Ed Vickers is the founder of SUMS, a premium brand known for its community-first approach, distinctive culture and commitment to doing business differently.
Sean Bedford, Distinguished Business Engineer, Meta
Sean is a Distinguished Business Engineer at Meta, specialising in data, privacy, and advertising technology, and contributing to industry bodies on ad tech and generative and agentic AI.
The Rt Hon Lord Hanson of Flint, British Politician
British politician appointed Minister of State at the Home Office in July 2024. In this role, Lord Hanson holds responsibility for a range of policy areas, including fraud, overseeing the government's efforts to tackle economic crime and strengthen protections for individuals and businesses.
Jenny Bullis, Managing Director, Global Client and Agency Solutions, Google
Jenny leads Google's partnerships with key EMEA-headquartered clients. She has held senior leadership roles across platform, agency and brand, including CEO of Dentsu Media UK & Ireland and senior roles at Meta, WPP, Sainsbury's and BT.
Jeff Youssef, Partner and Head of CMT UK, Oliver Wyman
With nearly 30 years of operational and consulting experience, and senior management roles across multiple international markets, Jeff's role at Oliver Wyman now specialises in Media, Telecoms and the Public Sector.
Jennifer Shaw-Sweet, Global Practice Lead, The B2B Institute, LinkedIn
As Global Practice Lead at the LinkedIn B2B Institute, Jennifer turns research into practical insights that drive B2B growth. A regular industry speaker and awards judge, she has advised hundred's of LinkedIn's largest advertisers on marketing strategy and long-term effectiveness.
Sean Betts, Chief AI & Innovation Officer, Omnicom Media Group UK
Sean Betts leads AI strategy and innovation at Omnicom Media Group UK, driving business transformation and ethical AI adoption. A recognised thought leader on Web 4.0, he also advocates for neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace.
David Trencher, Managing Director, UK, EMEA & AUS, Reddit
David began his career in media agencies, working in media buying roles before moving into senior sales and leadership positions at Facebook and Spotify. He joined Reddit in 2019 as Senior Manager for Brand Partnerships and, in 2021, was promoted to lead sales across the UK, EMEA and Australia.
Rebecca Hutson, Editor in Chief, The News Movement
Rebecca Hutson is a newsroom executive who has held senior editorial roles at MailOnline, GB News and Reach PLC. She is currently the Editor in Chief of The News Movement, a social-first news org for Gen Z audiences.
Sharon Dhillon, Managing Director, Initiative
Sharon is the Managing Director at Initiative UK where she defines the standard of best-in-class client relationships as well as leading, managing and supporting the Leadership team and agency.
Liz Jones, Founder, Conker
Liz Jones has over 25 years’ experience across agencies and media owners and is the founder of executive search firm Conker, where she combines industry expertise and data-led insight to match leaders with organisations where they can thrive.
James Chandler, Chief Strategy Officer, IAB UK
James leads IAB UK’s marketing, PR and communications, overseeing engagement with brands and agencies and driving the organisation’s AI strategy.
Jon Mew, Chief Executive Officer, IAB UK
A long-standing leader in digital advertising, Jon has shaped the industry for over 15 years at IAB UK. Formerly the organisation’s first COO and Head of Mobile, he is passionate about technology, innovation and building a sustainable future for digital advertising.
Jane McNeill, Chief Operating Officer, IAB UK
Jane oversees operations at IAB UK, bringing extensive leadership experience from across the agency world. Previously COO of Work Club and co-founder and CEO of Agency Republic, she is a long-standing advocate for women in the industry and a mentor to emerging talent.
Sinead Coogan Jobes, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, IAB UK
Sinead oversees the IAB UK’s public policy and parliamentary advocacy work.
Elizabeth Lane, Head of Insight, IAB UK
Elizabeth is responsible for overseeing the IAB's insight programme. Her aims include ensuring the IAB's research portfolio is to the highest standard, and addresses the biggest questions facing the industry and the IAB's members.
Alex Kozloff, Director of Industry Relations, IAB UK
Alex leads IAB UK's relationships with other trade bodies and strategic partners to represent members, shape cross-industry initiatives, and leverage the Gold Standard to ensure digital advertising continues to grow responsibly and sustainably.