Executive Advisor of Employee Engagement for Woodrow, Former Global People Communications Lead at Accenture & Former Director of Connects Consulting Ltd
Emma Tolhurst’s Biography:
Emma Tolhurst is a recognised expert in employee engagement, internal communications, employer branding and workplace culture. Throughout a career spanning more than two decades, she has helped some of the world’s most influential organisations create stronger connections between their people, purpose and brand. Known for her ability to translate complex organisational challenges into practical and engaging people strategies, Emma has built a reputation as a trusted adviser to business leaders navigating cultural transformation and employee experience. Her extensive experience working across global organisations, combined with her engaging and authentic communication style, is why she is regularly hired as a keynote speaker.
Emma’s professional journey began at Accenture, where she spent more than twenty years building expertise across multiple disciplines. Starting in people enablement programmes, she developed a deep understanding of employee development and organisational effectiveness before moving into geographic marketing and communications. She later became Internal Communications Lead and then Employer Brand Director, helping shape how one of the world’s largest professional services organisations engaged and inspired its workforce. Emma subsequently progressed to Global People Communications Lead, overseeing communication strategies that connected employees across international markets. She then joined Landor & Fitch as Executive Director of Brand Led Employee Experience, bringing together branding, culture and employee engagement. Her leadership career continued as Director of Connects Consulting Ltd, Associate Director of Client Services at Kin&Co, Strategic Culture and Employer Brand Adviser at CQCO Ltd and Executive Adviser of Employee Engagement for Woodrow.
Throughout her career, Emma has become widely respected for her thought leadership in employee experience, culture change and employer branding. She is frequently invited to share her expertise with business audiences seeking to improve engagement, strengthen organisational culture and create meaningful employee experiences. Her insights draw upon years of hands on experience leading communications and engagement initiatives within complex global businesses. As a result, she is a sought after contributor at industry conferences, leadership events and professional forums where audiences value her practical approach and evidence based perspectives.
Why Hire Emma Tolhurst?
Emma’s broad leadership experience across consultancy, communications, culture transformation and employer branding gives her a uniquely valuable perspective for organisations facing change. Having worked with senior leaders, global teams and major brands, she understands how to align people strategies with business objectives while maintaining authentic employee engagement. Her keynote presentations combine strategic insight with real world examples, offering audiences actionable ideas that can be implemented immediately. Whether discussing employee experience, organisational culture, internal communications or employer branding, Emma delivers thought provoking and relevant content that resonates with leaders and teams alike, making her an outstanding choice as a keynote speaker.
Emma Tolhurst’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Emma Tolhurst’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Executive Advisor of Employee Engagement for Woodrow
- 2023 – CQCO Ltd Strategic Culture & Employer Brand Advisory at CQCO LIMITED
- 2023 – Associate Director of Client Services for Kin&Co
- 2021 – Executive Director of Brand-Led Employee Experience at Landor & Fitch
- 2020 – Director of Connects Consulting Ltd
- 2019 – Global People Communications Lead at Accenture
- 2013 – Employer Brand Director at Accenture
- 2011 – Internal Communications Lead at Accenture
- 2010 – Geographic Marketing & Communications at Accenture
- 1997 – People Enablement Programmes at Accenture
Videos
Emma Tolhurst’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Emma was great. The delegates found her really relatable, and they definitely took some key messages away from her Keynote. Some approached her afterwards too. It was great that she was friendly and welcoming. One delegate said ‘Emma was the perfect speaker for the closing event’.” – Hannah, L&D Manager, Serco
“Emma has the ingredient that I always look for in people I like to recommend and work with – humanity. But it’s more than that – it’s the ability to combine that personal approach with absolute professionalism, wit and skill in everything she does. And she’s great fun to work with!” – Andrew, Managing Director, Criticaleye
“Emma is a rare beast – smart, practical, creative and with a big heart which means she has put her career at the centre of what makes an employee’s life better. She’s a pleasure to work with…” – Morgan, Chief Strategy Officer, Saffron Brand Consultants
“We loved working with Emma. Feedback was that she was fantastic and we definitely want to use her again.” – Katie, Navan Labs
Speaking Topics
Emma Tolhurst’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Employee Engagement
- Internal Communications
- Employer Branding
- Organisational Culture
- Employee Experience
- Culture Transformation
- Leadership Communications
How Much Does Emma Tolhurst Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Emma Tolhurst?
Emma Tolhurst’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.