Founding UK Editor-in-Chief of WIRED, Author of Amazon #1 Best-Seller Non-Bullshit Innovation & Technology Columnist for The Times
David Rowan’s Biography:
David Rowan is a leading voice on technology, innovation, and the future of business. As the Founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, author of the Amazon #1 best-seller Non-Bullshit Innovation: Radical Ideas from the World’s Smartest Minds, and an event moderator for the World Economic Forum, he has spent his career exploring how emerging technologies are transforming industries, culture, and society. Known for his dynamic speaking style and deep curiosity, David brings audiences fresh insights into how forward-thinking leaders are turning disruption into opportunity.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, David began his career in journalism, training at The Times before spending a decade at The Guardian as an editor and technology writer. In 2008, he became the Founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED’s UK edition, where he built the magazine into a respected platform for global thought leadership on innovation, digital transformation, and design. His tenure at WIRED established him as one of Europe’s most influential commentators on technology’s impact on business and society.
David is the author of Non-Bullshit Innovation, a 20-country exploration of how organisations stay agile, creative, and human in the face of technology-led change. The book became an international best-seller and is widely regarded as one of the most practical and inspiring guides to corporate innovation. Beyond writing, he has delivered over 600 keynotes worldwide, sharing lessons from inside the world’s most inventive companies. His audiences have included governments, Fortune 500 corporations, and leading universities.
An early-stage investor in over 80 technology companies, including Grammarly, Unbabel, Maven Clinic, Improbable, and Onfido, David also manages the VOYAGERS Climate-Tech and Health-Tech Funds and advises founders on storytelling and brand strategy. He is the founder of VOYAGERS.io, a not-for-profit global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers who collaborate to solve pressing global challenges through innovation and shared purpose. Through VOYAGERS.io and its climate-tech festival, THE HEAT, he champions the role of technology and human connection in building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Why Hire David Rowan?
David Rowan is an engaging and insightful speaker who brings first-hand experience from the frontlines of global innovation. Drawing on lessons from his time leading WIRED and researching hundreds of start-ups for Non-Bullshit Innovation, he offers practical guidance on how to foster creativity, resilience, and collaboration in times of technological disruption. His presentations are packed with real-world examples, humour, and human stories that make complex ideas tangible. A regular moderator for the World Economic Forum, he has a rare ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, leaving them inspired and ready to embrace change.
David Rowan’s Career Highlights:
Below highlights some key milestones that highlight David Rowan’s influential career in futurism, technology and AI:
- 2019 – Published Non-Bullshit Innovation: Radical Ideas from the World’s Smartest Minds, which became an Amazon #1 business best-seller.
- 2019 – Founded VOYAGERS.io, a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators focused on solving challenges in climate-tech, health-tech, and social impact.
- 2017 – Stepped down as Founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK after nearly a decade leading the publication.
- 2009 – Became Event Moderator for WIRED, hosting and curating live events with leading thinkers, technologists, and innovators.
- 2008 – Appointed Founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, launching one of the most influential technology and innovation media brands in Europe.
- 2006 – Served as Editor-in-Chief of The Jewish Chronicle, leading editorial transformation and digital growth.
- 1990 – Began his editorial career at The Guardian Group, developing expertise in journalism and storytelling.
Videos
David Rowan Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Your contribution to the event was terrific. The content was highly relevant & extremely interesting. We also appreciated that you took on board the detail discussed on the briefing call ahead of the event. Your talk received the highest audience review on the feedback application. The level of your professionalism is unrivalled” – Mercer, Hong Kong
“A HUUUUGE thank you as always for being the one we trust to make any conversation bright, enlightening, energetic, thoughtful and insightful – always so, so grateful. Many people said how much they enjoyed the fireside chat” – Founder Forum NY
“It has gone down a storm. Most people tell me it was one of the most inspirational speeches they have ever heard.” – Best Buy CEO
“I wanted to thank you for your time to moderate the G8 Innovation Conference. You set the tone for the day perfectly, engaging the audience and steering the presenters through a very full agenda. The feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive, which is largely due to your dynamism, good humour and professionalism.” – UK Prime Minister David Cameron, G8 Innovation Conference
“I can’t thank you enough for your truly inspirational talk. We’ve had wonderful feedback and it set the day up perfectly” – Warner Bros
“The team was blown away and they are a hard group to impress.” – Google
“David was fantastic. The content was perfect. The talk was fast-paced, interesting, relevant and accessible. It set up the innovation session of our agenda really well and I was delighted with the result.” – Sky
“Thank you so much for an excellent session. You left the team in no doubt about the risks of disruptive factors and how they can impact any industry. Ours more than any is wide open here. Totally the right way to end the conference.” – JP Morgan
Speaking Topics
David Rowan’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Ten New Rules of Business
- Why This is AI’s Netscape Moment – and What That Means for Your Business
- What Exponential Technologies Mean for the Next Five Years in Retail/Real Estate/Finance/Media/Healthcare Etc.
- How to Understand the Impact of ChatGPT & Other Generative AI Tools
- Where AI, Data Analytics & Blockchain Should Fit Into Your Strategy Planning
- What AI, Data Analytics and Blockchain Really Mean for Business Leaders
- How to Optimise Customer Engagement
- Ten Lessons from the Non-Bullshit Innovators
- What Technology Means for the Future of Your Industry
- The Future of the Workplace
- Why It’s Time to Challenge the Tech Monopolies
- What Talent Wants in the New World of Work
- What a 20-Country Quest Taught Me About Building an Authentic Culture of Innovation
- What Carbon Accounting Will Mean for Every Business
- How Emerging Technologies Will Transform Your Industry
- Why Purpose Plus Profit is the New Business Mantra
- Finding Opportunity Amid the Crisis
- Why Business Innovation Has Never Mattered More
How Much Does David Rowan Cost To Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire David Rowan?
The cost of hiring David Rowan depends on factors such as your event requirements, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and any travel or accommodation needs. To receive an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.