Gerald Ratner

Former Chief Executive of the Jewellery Company, Ratners Group, Founder of Gerald Online & Author of ‘Gerald Ratner: The Rise And Fall… And Rise Again’

Gerald Ratner’s Biography:

Gerald Ratner is a British businessman, entrepreneur and retail speaker best known for transforming Ratners Group from a modest family jewellery business into one of the largest jewellery retailers in the world. As Chairman and CEO of Ratners Group, Gerald expanded the company from just 130 stores to more than 2,500 outlets worldwide, generating revenues in excess of £120 million. His remarkable business journey, encompassing extraordinary success, public adversity and eventual reinvention, has made him one of the most sought-after speakers on entrepreneurship, resilience, branding and business recovery.

Gerald began his career in 1965 when he joined the Ratner Group in a sales and management role. Through his commercial acumen and ambitious leadership style, he steadily climbed the ranks before becoming Chairman and CEO in 1984. Under his direction, the company experienced unprecedented growth and became a dominant force within the retail jewellery sector. Following his departure from the business, Gerald demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit once again by launching successful ventures in both the jewellery and health and leisure industries, including the founding of Workshop Health Club in 1997 and Gerald Online in 2003.

In addition to his business achievements, Gerald is an accomplished author who has shared his experiences and insights through several publications. His books include ‘Gerald Ratner: The Rise And Fall… And Rise Again’ and ‘Reinvent Yourself: A Brand New Guide For Reinventing Your Life. How To Be Successful, Achieve Your Potential And Create Lasting Opportunity For Business Success’. These works explore leadership, resilience, reputation management and personal reinvention, drawing upon lessons learned throughout his unique career.

Today, Gerald continues to inspire audiences through his speaking engagements and business ventures. Alongside his work with Gerald Online, he is involved with an export manufacturing company operated in collaboration with SB&T International Ltd. His candid storytelling, combined with decades of retail and entrepreneurial experience, provides valuable lessons for organisations navigating change, crisis management and growth in competitive markets.

Why Hire Gerald Ratner?

Gerald offers audiences a rare first-hand perspective on the realities of business success, failure and recovery. His presentations combine humour, honesty and practical insight, demonstrating how setbacks can become opportunities for future growth. Drawing on decades of experience building and rebuilding successful companies, he shares valuable lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, reputation management and resilience. Gerald’s engaging storytelling style and willingness to discuss both triumphs and mistakes make him a memorable speaker for conferences, leadership events, sales meetings and business audiences seeking inspiration and actionable advice.

Gerald Ratner‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Gerald Ratner’s remarkable career:

• 2003 – Founded Gerald Online, establishing a successful online jewellery retail business.
• 1997 – Founded Workshop Health Club, launching a multi-million-pound venture in the health and leisure sector.
• 1990s – Successfully rebuilt his entrepreneurial career following his departure from Ratners Group.
• 1984 – Became Chairman and CEO of Ratners Group and led the company through a period of extraordinary expansion.
• 1980s – Expanded Ratners Group from 130 stores into an international retail powerhouse.
• 1980s – Helped grow the business to more than 2,500 stores worldwide.
• 1980s – Oversaw the generation of over £120 million in company revenues.
• 1965 – Joined Ratner Group in a sales and management position, beginning his retail career.