Baroness Ruth Hunt

Third Most Influential LGBT Person in Britain, Director of Deeds & Words & Former CEO of Stonewall

Ruth Hunt’s Biography:

Ruth Hunt, Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green, is one of the UK’s most influential voices on LGBT+ rights, leadership and culture change. Former Chief Executive of Stonewall and one of the youngest crossbench peers in the House of Lords, Ruth has played a central role in shaping modern equality legislation and public discourse. Now Director of Deeds and Words, she continues to advise organisations on inclusion, leadership and organisational culture. Her combination of political insight, lived experience and executive leadership makes her a highly sought-after keynote and after-dinner speaker.

Ruth’s academic and professional foundations reflect a strong commitment to leadership and public service. She studied at the University of Oxford, where she served as President of the Students’ Union, before undertaking further academic work including a fellowship at Cardiff University. She later received honorary degrees from Keele and Exeter. Ruth began her career in policy and public affairs, joining Stonewall where she progressed through senior roles including Head of Policy and Research and Director of Public Affairs, ultimately becoming Chief Executive at the age of 34.

During her tenure at Stonewall, Ruth led a period of significant organisational growth and influence, expanding its campaigning focus and strengthening its position as a leading LGBT+ advocacy organisation. She was instrumental in advancing conversations around inclusion, particularly extending Stonewall’s work to better represent trans communities. Her contributions have been widely recognised, including being named among the most influential LGBT+ figures in Britain on both the Rainbow List and the Pride Power List. She was later appointed to the House of Lords as Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green, becoming one of the youngest crossbench peers.

Today, Ruth continues to shape conversations around inclusion and leadership through her work with Deeds and Words and her role in the House of Lords. As a speaker, she draws on personal and professional experiences to deliver insightful, honest and practical perspectives on navigating complexity, driving culture change and building inclusive organisations.

Why Hire Ruth Hunt?

Ruth Hunt is hired as a speaker for her rare combination of political authority, executive leadership and lived experience. A respected voice in national policy and organisational change, she delivers keynote talks for corporate, public sector and leadership audiences. Ruth speaks on topics including LGBT+ inclusion, culture transformation, leadership and public policy, offering practical insight grounded in real-world impact. Her sessions are engaging, thoughtful and highly relevant, equipping organisations with the tools and confidence to build inclusive, resilient and forward-thinking cultures.

Ruth Hunt’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Ruth Hunt’s remarkable career in diversity and advocacy:

• 2026 – Continues to serve as Director of Deeds and Words, advising organisations on culture, leadership and inclusion strategy
• 2025 – Ongoing work as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, contributing to debates on equality, human rights and public policy
• 2019 – Director of Deeds and words.
• 2019 – Voted first on the Independent Pride Power List 2019.
• 2019 – Became Baroness Hunt of Bethnal Green.
• 2015 – Voted the third Most Influential LGBT Person in Britain on the Rainbow List.
• 2014 – Became one of the youngest CEOs in Britain at Stonewall.
• 2007 – Started working for Stonewall.
• 2004 – Policy Officer at the Equality Challenge Unit.
• 1998 – Attended Oxford University.