Known as the “Business Turnaround CEO”, President of the French Ice Hockey Federation & Former CEO of the Millennium Dome
PY Gerbeau’s Biography:
PY Gerbeau is internationally recognised as a leading business transformation expert and has earned a reputation as a “Business Turnaround CEO” through his ability to revive struggling organisations and create commercially successful enterprises. Best known for leading the remarkable turnaround of the Millennium Dome, PY transformed one of Britain’s most criticised projects into a major visitor attraction, welcoming more than six million people while significantly improving its financial position. With extensive experience across sport, entertainment, hospitality and leisure, he is a highly sought-after speaker who delivers practical insights into agility, risk management, leadership and organisational transformation.
PY’s career began in professional sport as an ice hockey player, where he rose to become captain of the French Olympic ice hockey team. Moving into the corporate world, he joined Disneyland Paris and progressed to become Vice-President of Park Operations and Attractions in 1994, overseeing large-scale operational strategies. He later became CEO of the Millennium Dome before serving as Executive Chairman of SNO! Zone Holdings. In 2003, he became CEO of X-Leisure Group, successfully transforming the business into a profitable venture and overseeing its eventual sale to Land Securities, while expanding destinations including Xscape indoor ski slopes and Brighton Marina.
Alongside his executive achievements, PY has built a respected academic and advisory career. He has served as a Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Rescue at both London Business School and Imperial College, sharing expertise with future business leaders and entrepreneurs. His leadership credentials across multiple sectors have strengthened his profile as a trusted authority on organisational growth and recovery.
Beyond business, PY remains heavily involved in sport and international development initiatives. Since 2022, he has served as President of the French Ice Hockey Federation and, since 2025, has also been a Board Member for the 2030 Olympic Games Organising Committee. Drawing from experiences across elite sport and boardroom leadership, he provides audiences with practical strategies for leading through uncertainty, managing change and creating high-performance cultures.
Why Hire PY Gerbeau?
PY Gerbeau is hired to help organisations understand how successful turnarounds are built, implemented and sustained. Combining elite sporting discipline with decades of boardroom leadership experience, he shares practical lessons on navigating disruption, transforming struggling businesses and creating resilient teams. Audiences benefit from real-world examples taken from high-profile projects and commercial ventures rather than theoretical frameworks. His engaging style, combined with stories from the Millennium Dome, global leisure brands and major leadership roles, provides businesses with actionable insights that can immediately influence performance and decision-making.
PY Gerbeau’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define PY Gerbeau’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Became a Board Member for the 2030 Olympic Games Organising Committee, helping shape the strategic development of the future Olympic Games.
- 2022 – Appointed President of the French Ice Hockey Federation, leading the organisation’s future growth and development strategy.
- 2018 – Became Chairman of La Manga Club Resort, overseeing the continued growth of the internationally recognised leisure destination.
- 2017 – Appointed Chairman of Mycena Limited, supporting strategic business development and leadership initiatives.
- 2013 – Served as Chief Restructuring Officer of Tucker’s Point Resort, leading significant restructuring and operational improvements.
- 2003 – Became CEO of X-Leisure Group and transformed the company into a profitable enterprise before its eventual sale to Land Securities.
- 2001 – Appointed Executive Chairman of SNO! Zone Holdings, driving the growth of indoor snow and leisure experiences.
- 2000 – Became CEO of the Millennium Dome and delivered one of Britain’s most notable business turnaround stories.
- 1994 – Appointed Vice-President of Operations at Disneyland Paris, leading large-scale operational and visitor experience initiatives.
- Early Career – Captained the French Olympic ice hockey team, developing the leadership qualities that later shaped his business career.
Videos
PY Gerbeau’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“The most motivational corporate speech we have ever heard!” – Liberata UK
“I wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for visiting us on the day, I’ve had a lot of feedback already, which has been hugely positive. The people liked your style, your ‘down to earth’ approach, your humour and overall, and perhaps more importantly, your story. Your contribution rounded the day off on a really positive note, which was a great result and something that can be built upon.” – United Utilities
“PY Gerbeau is back. A few weeks ago I complained (unlike me, I know) that there weren’t enough personalities in the industry any more. That firms were too often led by the money men (or women) and not by the passionate personalities. PY definitely has personality. And this journalist certainly hopes that in the period since leaving X-Leisure in 2013 and joining London Resort this week, he hasn’t lost any of his “say it like it is” approach. Welcome back PY.” – Estates Gazette
“PY was absolutely excellent and we were delighted with his performance. The feedback has been universally positive. When we asked partners to give their one highlight and takeaway from the retreat, a number of them referenced PY’s speech. His core message about leading by example, and hiring people based on attitude, really struck a chord, which is great as that’s exactly what we wanted!” – Hogan Lovells
Speaking Topics
PY Gerbeau’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Corporate Turnaround
- Change Management
- Transformational Leadership
- HR & Training
- Fostering Innovation
- Guarding & Living the Brand
- Retail & Service Industry Trends
- Leading by Example
How Much Does PY Gerbeau Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire PY Gerbeau?
PY Gerbeau’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.