University of Oxford Senior Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Exeter Professor of Media & AI, Co-Founder & CEO of Ten Alps
Dr Alex Connock’s Biography:
Dr Alex Connock is a British media entrepreneur, academic and keynote speaker specialising in Media, Artificial Intelligence and business transformation. He is Senior Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Professor of Media & AI at the University of Exeter, and Professor of Media Innovation at the University of Sunderland. Alex is widely recognised for bridging rigorous academic research with real commercial experience, helping leaders understand how AI is reshaping media, marketing and organisational decision making. His most notable recent achievement is winning the Teaching Excellence Award 2025 for Teaching Innovation at Oxford, recognising his impact on executive, MBA and postgraduate education at one of the world’s leading institutions.
Alex’s early career was shaped by a rare combination of elite education and hands on media entrepreneurship. He studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Oxford, before completing a Master’s in Journalism at Columbia University and an MBA at INSEAD. These foundations led him into the fast evolving world of television, digital media and branded content, where he quickly moved into leadership roles. In 1998, he co-founded Ten Alps, later Zinc Media Group, alongside Bob Geldof, building the business into a major UK media group producing television, digital platforms and large scale branded content. Across more than two decades, Alex created, acquired and ran multiple production companies and agencies, delivering hundreds of programmes and campaigns for organisations including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and international media brands. His entrepreneurial success saw him six times shortlisted for UK Entrepreneur of the Year, a rare distinction reflecting sustained commercial performance.
Alongside industry leadership, Alex developed a distinguished academic career rooted in innovation and applied research. He completed a PhD in Video Optimisation for E-commerce, exploring how content performance and technology intersect in commercial environments. He went on to hold senior academic and advisory roles including Entrepreneur in Residence at INSEAD, Head of Department for Creative Business at the National Film and Television School, and long standing visiting professorships across UK business schools. His published work includes Media Management and Artificial Intelligence, Media Management and Live Experience, and Entrepreneurship in Media and Entertainment, all with Routledge. In 2025, his Media and AI textbook was released in Turkish and Korean, extending its global reach and reinforcing his position as a leading voice on AI driven media transformation. Alex is also a Voting Member of BAFTA and served as Vice Chair of UNICEF UK, demonstrating his commitment to governance, culture and social impact.
Why Hire Dr Alex Connock?
As a keynote speaker, Alex brings a depth of credibility rarely found in a single individual. He combines board level commercial experience with cutting edge academic insight, making complex subjects clear, relevant and actionable. He speaks on Artificial Intelligence, generative AI, media business models, leadership, marketing and national strategy, helping organisations understand not just what is changing, but how to respond with confidence. Organisations book Alex to inspire informed decision making, sharpen strategic thinking and equip leaders to navigate AI led change with clarity and purpose.
Dr Alex Connock’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dr Alex Connock’s inspirational career in media:
- 2025 – Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Innovation, University of Oxford
- 2025 – Entrepreneurship in Media and Entertainment published by Routledge
- 2025 – Media Management and Artificial Intelligence released in Turkish and Korean
- 2024 – Appointed Professor of Media Innovation, University of Sunderland
- 2024 – Media Management and Live Experience published by Routledge
- 2022 – Media Management and Artificial Intelligence published by Routledge
- 2017 – Awarded PhD in Video Optimisation for E-commerce, University of Salford
- 2012-2017 – Managing Director, Endemol Shine North
- 1998-2011 – Co-Founder and CEO, Ten Alps, later Zinc Media Group
Videos
Dr Alex Connock’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Alex brings rare credibility across academia and industry, combining Oxford-level thinking with real commercial experience. His keynotes consistently land with senior audiences because he makes complex AI concepts practical, relevant and immediately useful.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Dr Alex Connock’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Artificial Intelligence and the Media
- Generative AI and Creative Industries
- Media Business Models and Transformation
- AI Strategy for Leaders and Executives
- Marketing, Media and Audience Growth
- AI, Economy, Security and National Strategy
- Entrepreneurship in Media and Entertainment
How Much Does Dr Alex Connock Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dr Alex Connock?
The cost of hiring Dr Alex Connock varies depending on your event format, location and duration. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.