Former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft, Founding CEO of The Envisioners, TED Speaker & Best Selling Author of ‘Business Reimagined’
Dave Coplin’s Biography:
Dave Coplin is a technology futurist, business transformation expert and keynote speaker best known as the founder and CEO of The Envisioners and the former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft. Recognised as one of the Top 25 UK AI Leaders in 2026, Dave is hired to help organisations understand the future impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and workplace innovation. Combining strategic expertise with a highly engaging speaking style, he empowers audiences to rethink how people and technology can work together to unlock creativity, productivity and long-term business growth.
Dave began his career after earning a BSc in Information Technology in Business, initially working as a Graphic Artist at Eston before moving into technology leadership roles. He later became Technology Services Manager at Lakeland Computer Services before embarking on a 13-year career with KPMG. During his time there, he held senior positions, including Director of Technology Architecture and Research for KPMG Global. In 2005, Dave joined Microsoft as an Enterprise Strategy Consultant and quickly rose through the organisation, becoming Senior Engagement Manager, National Technology Officer and ultimately Chief Envisioning Officer in 2010. Alongside his Microsoft career, he founded The Envisioners in 2009 to help organisations adapt to technological change.
As an author and thought leader, Dave has written the acclaimed books ‘Business Reimagined’ and ‘The Rise of the Humans’. He is also a regular contributor to major media outlets, including the BBC, CNN, The Telegraph and The Guardian, where he shares insight on technology, artificial intelligence and the future of work. Beyond speaking and consultancy, Dave has held numerous board-level appointments, including Non-Executive Director roles with Mitchells & Butlers, Vianet Group Plc and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
Dave is widely respected for making complex technological concepts accessible, practical and human-centred. His keynote speeches explore how AI, leadership and innovation can coexist to create more adaptable and successful organisations. Drawing upon decades of senior leadership experience across global corporations and advisory roles, he delivers presentations that inspire businesses to embrace change with confidence and clarity.
Why Hire Dave Coplin?
Dave Coplin is hired as a speaker for his unique ability to bridge the gap between technology and human potential. A former Microsoft Chief Envisioning Officer, he delivers insightful keynote speeches on artificial intelligence, workplace transformation and future trends that are both practical and inspiring. Dave has spoken at major conferences including TechNExt Festival and is renowned for helping organisations understand how emerging technologies can drive innovation without losing sight of people and culture. His engaging style and strategic expertise make him a highly sought-after keynote speaker worldwide.
Dave Coplin’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dave Coplin’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Recognised as one of the Top 25 UK AI Leaders for his influence in artificial intelligence and workplace innovation.
- 2020 – Appointed Independent Non-Executive Director of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
- 2018 – Named Non-Executive Director of Vianet Group Plc, supporting strategic technology and business development.
- 2016 – Appointed Non-Executive Director of Mitchells & Butlers, advising on innovation and digital transformation.
- 2010 – Became Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft, leading discussions around the future of technology and work.
- 2009 – Founded The Envisioners to help organisations navigate technological and cultural change.
- 2009 – Appointed Microsoft’s National Technology Officer, advising businesses on emerging technologies and innovation strategies.
- 2006 – Promoted to Senior Engagement Manager at Microsoft, working with major organisations on digital transformation initiatives.
- 2005 – Joined Microsoft as an Enterprise Strategy Consultant following a successful 13-year career at KPMG.
Videos
Dave Coplin’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Our guests rated your session on The Future of Digital and The Rise of the Humans as excellent.” – Vodafone
“Dave was great for our audience, with humour and inspiration – the delegates loved him. Feedback has been fabulous – just what was needed to close the day and leave everyone with energy and thought-provoking content. Excellent service and support from DBA Speakers throughout thank you!”- 1 Spatial plc
“Just a quick note of thanks for what I would rate as the best after lunch talk I had ever heard. Informative and thought provoking.” – Alan, Team Britannia
“Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the Children’s Global Media Summit 2017. Your presence was invaluable. Your Keynote opening speech was so well received and became the ‘thing’ of many conversations! It is a pleasure working with you and Diana, and we hope to work with you again in the future.” – Vanessa, BBC Children’s Preschool
“Dave was great: so easy to work with and everyone loved his session. Rated as “excellent” on every feedback form.” – K3 Retail
“Dave was excellent – highly engaging and with a great message, delivered very effectively. Even better, Diana provides exceptional service and instinctively understood the brief, and suggested Dave.”– Leading Global Private Investment Company
“THANK YOU Dave. You blew them away: feedback has been exceptional. You received 100% Excellent or Very Good: this is rare indeed! A real pleasure to work with you and DBA Speakers. We look forward to staying in touch.” – Benchmark for Business, London
“Dave was just perfect: entertaining and 100% relevant to our agenda. DBA were really helpful, so we’ll be back to discuss next year’s Summit.” – Gladstone Software
“Dave Coplin was genuinely… awesome! Brilliant placing and pace of delivery. A great way to start our day! Dave was definitely the right choice. Thanks Diana!” – Editor, New Civil Engineer magazine
“A vibrant and charismatic speaker. Our packed, 1600 multi-national audience really enjoyed hearing Dave”. – SIGBI Malta 2016
“Diana – it was absolutely wonderful to have Dave at our Dinner – thank you for making this happen. To deliver a better future, we must challenge our thinking about how we can influence change and work together. Dave’s talk inspired us to think about how we use data and technology to inspire and influence others to make change happen. He is a dynamic speaker who kept the diverse audience engaged throughout his whole presentation”. – Pancreatic Cancer UK
“Dave’s speech completely resonated with our audience and definitely challenged their mindset. The immediate responses following his presentation are exceptional. Dave Coplin is an excellent communicator.” – Business Centre Association
“Dave’s talk was amazing. Not only did the content fit our “Science of Customer” theme perfectly, but his energy and charisma on-stage are second to none. We’ve seen lots of good speakers. Dave is one of the very best. Please convey our gratitude to Dave for a great closing keynote.” – Technology for Marketing and E-Commerce Expo UBM, via JLA London
“Everyone is delighted with the day. A great success with lots of positive feedback. Dave was the highlight and a definite favourite of everyone there. Lots of client feedback, specifically on how thought-provoking and entertaining Dave was.” – Communisis
“Dave Coplin gave an inspiring presentation. It made me realise how much we are tied down by our desktop and mobile devices and how we seem to be working longer, rather than working smarter. I’m going to look at how I work and how I can get technology to work for me, not the other way around.” – University of Lincoln
“Thank you so much for speaking at our Conference last week. In our survey of all attendees, I am delighted to say that your presentation scored the highest. We hope to find an opportunity to invite you back in the future. Delighted that Diana recommended you.” – Tad Zurlinden, CEO, Association of Relocation Professionals, September 2015, London
“Our staff absolutely loved Dave’s speech. We received superb feedback. Excellent recommendation from Diana to invite him.” – Mizuho International Bank
“Dave Coplin delivered an inspiring and engaging keynote at our PPMA National Conference attended by over 300 Chief Executives, senior directors, managers and guests from across the UK and North America. From the start until the end, Dave created an interactive environment that kept the delegates engaged throughout, with his informative and enthusiastic delivery. Feedback from delegates has been amazing. I’ve had many comments about how much they enjoyed Dave’s session: it was funny, enlightening, thought-provoking, entertaining and educational. I look forward to working with Dave more in the future, and to seeing him present at another Conference soon”. – Barry Pirie, President, Public Service Manager’s Association, Annual Conference, Bristol, UK, May 2015
Speaking Topics
Dave Coplin’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Potential of technology
- Catalyst of change
- Technology and innovation
- The Envisioners
- Future of work
- Relationship between humans and technology
- Privacy
- Online safety
- Big data
- Machine learning
How Much Does Dave Coplin Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dave Coplin?
Dave Coplin’s speaking fees typically reflect his 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.