Richard Reed

Co-Founder of ‘Innocent’, Co-Founder of JamJar Investments & Author of ‘If I Could Tell You Just One Thing…’

Richard Reed’s Biography:

Richard Reed is a dynamic and engaging speaker, known for his warmth, wit, and ability to inspire audiences with stories drawn from both his entrepreneurial successes and personal values. His talks are lively and authentic, filled with humour and insight, often highlighting the importance of doing business with heart and purpose. Richard’s relaxed yet passionate style makes him a natural communicator who connects easily with people from all walks of life. He combines motivational storytelling with practical lessons about innovation, creativity, and integrity in business.

Richard began his professional journey in advertising, joining DDB as an Account Director in 1994. During this time, he developed a deep understanding of branding, marketing, and consumer psychology—skills that would later prove invaluable. His early career reflected his curiosity about how ideas capture attention and how companies could connect with audiences on a human level. This grounding in marketing strategy helped shape his future as an entrepreneur who believed that commercial success could go hand in hand with positive social impact.

In 1999, Richard co-founded Innocent Drinks, which became one of the UK’s most loved and recognisable brands. As Co-CEO and Brand Director, he helped turn a simple smoothie company into a household name, renowned for its natural ingredients, ethical sourcing, and distinctive voice. He pioneered ‘wackaging’, the playful and quirky messages printed on packaging, which helped redefine how consumers engaged with everyday products. Under his leadership, Innocent won multiple awards for innovation and marketing excellence, and in 2013, the company was sold to Coca-Cola, marking a major milestone in his career.

Today, Richard continues to champion creativity and purpose in business through new ventures and charitable initiatives. In 2013, he co-founded JamJar Investments, supporting start-ups that share his commitment to integrity and innovation. He is also the founder of Art Everywhere, which brought public art to UK streets, and co-founder of the Innocent Foundation, funding sustainable projects in developing countries. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and, in 2016, a CBE for Services to the Food Industry and Charity.

Why Hire Richard Reed?

Richard Reed is an exceptional choice for events seeking an inspiring, engaging, and relatable voice on entrepreneurship and innovation. His speaking style is warm, humorous, and refreshingly honest, making complex ideas about business and leadership accessible to any audience. He brings first-hand experience of building a household brand from a small start-up into an international success story. He has also hosted BBC Three’s Be Your Own Boss, where he guided aspiring entrepreneurs through the realities of starting and growing a business, demonstrating his gift for motivating others through empathy and authenticity.

Richard’s talks resonate because they combine powerful business insights with a strong sense of purpose. He encourages audiences to think differently, to create with conscience, and to balance profit with positive impact. Drawing on lessons from his ventures, charitable work, and interviews with remarkable people for his bestselling book, he inspires others to lead with creativity, kindness, and courage. Whether addressing corporate teams, students, or innovators, Richard leaves his listeners energised, optimistic, and ready to take action. His presence on stage is both uplifting and practical, offering audiences a fresh perspective on what it truly means to build something meaningful.

Richard Reed’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Richard Reed’s extraordinary career:

• 2025 – Continued his work as a purpose-driven entrepreneur and investor, expanding his portfolio of ethical and sustainable ventures through Jamjar Investments while mentoring emerging founders focused on positive social and environmental impact.
• 2021 – Continued to invest in innovative and purpose-led start-ups through JamJar Investments, supporting emerging entrepreneurs across the UK and beyond.
• 2016 – Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Services to the Food Industry and Charity, recognising his contribution to ethical business and philanthropy.
• 2016 – Published If I Could Just Tell You One Thing…, a bestselling book sharing life lessons from conversations with remarkable people.
• 2013 – Co-founded JamJar Investments, a venture capital firm backing creative and socially responsible new businesses.
• 2013 – Sold Innocent Drinks to Coca-Cola, marking one of the most successful British entrepreneurial stories of its time.
• 2012 – Founded Art Everywhere, a national public art project displaying artworks in outdoor spaces across the UK.
• 2004 – Co-founded the Innocent Foundation, a charity supporting sustainable projects that alleviate hunger in the developing world.
• 2003 – Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and received multiple honours, including Business Link for London Best Marketing Campaign and National Business Awards Best Marketing Campaign.
• 1999 – Co-founded Innocent Drinks and served as Co-CEO and Brand Director, helping to redefine ethical consumer branding.
• 1994 – Worked as an Account Director at DDB, managing major advertising campaigns and developing expertise in brand communication.