Founder & Former CEO of Nest, assisted in the Creation of the iPod & iPhone & Named on CNN’s ‘CNN 10’ List of Global Thinkers & Innovators
Tony Fadell’s Biography:
Tony Fadell is an entrepreneur, engineer, inventor and product visionary best known for assisting in creating the iPod and co-founding Nest Labs, where he reinvented the home thermostat with the groundbreaking Nest Learning Thermostat. Widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in modern consumer technology, Tony has transformed the way millions of people interact with connected devices through products that combine elegant design with practical innovation. His experience of building category-defining products, leading global technology teams and scaling businesses from concept to multibillion-dollar success makes him one of the world’s most sought-after keynote speakers on innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and product design.
Tony studied Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan before launching his career in Silicon Valley as a diagnostics engineer at Apple spinoff General Magic. He later became Chief Technology Officer for the Mobile Computing Group at Philips Electronics, where he developed expertise in mobile devices and consumer electronics. Tony joined Apple as an external contractor to help conceptualise and design the first iPod, before becoming an integral part of the company’s hardware leadership. He oversaw development of the first three generations of the iPhone and was promoted to Senior Vice President of the iPod Division. After leaving Apple, he co-founded Nest Labs and invented the Nest Learning Thermostat, pioneering the smart home revolution. Under his leadership, Nest expanded rapidly before its landmark acquisition by Google for $3.2 billion. Following six years as Chief Executive Officer, Tony stepped down and later expanded his deep technology investment and coaching firm into the Build Collective, where he mentors founders developing the next generation of transformative companies.
Tony’s achievements have earned widespread international recognition. He was named to CNN’s prestigious ‘CNN 10’ list of global thinkers and innovators, reflecting his impact on technology and innovation worldwide. He is regularly featured in leading international media discussing entrepreneurship, product development, artificial intelligence, climate technology, and leadership. His insights are sought after by founders, executives and investors because of his rare experience taking products from early concepts to global success while leading high-performing teams through periods of rapid growth and change.
Why Hire Tony Fadell?
Beyond building iconic companies, Tony continues to shape the future of technology through investing, mentoring and thought leadership. He authored the international bestselling product design manual, ‘Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making’, which has become essential reading for entrepreneurs, designers and innovators. Drawing on decades of experience creating world-changing products, Tony delivers keynote presentations filled with practical lessons on innovation, creativity, leadership and building enduring businesses, leaving audiences inspired with strategies they can immediately apply.
Tony Fadell’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Tony Fadell’s remarkable career:
- 2022 – Authored the international bestselling product design manual, ‘Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making’
- 2020 – Rebranded and expanded his deep tech investment and coaching firm into the Build Collective
- 2016 – Resigned as CEO of Nest Labs following six years of leading smart home hardware expansion
- 2014 – Completed the blockbuster $3.2 billion sale of Nest Labs to Google
- 2014 – Named to the prestigious CNN 10 list of global thinkers and innovators
- 2010 – Co-founded Nest Labs and invented the pioneering Nest Learning Thermostat
- 2008 – Formally stepped down from Apple after overseeing the design of the first three iPhone generations
- 2006 – Promoted to Senior Vice President of the iPod Division at Apple
- 2001 – Joined Apple as an external contractor to conceptualise and design the very first iPod hardware
- 1995 – Appointed Chief Technology Officer for the Mobile Computing Group at Philips Electronics
Testimonials
“Tony Fadell is a visionary technology pioneer whose experience creating the iPod, leading the development of the first iPhone generations and founding Nest Labs gives audiences a rare insight into innovation at the highest level. Blending practical lessons with engaging stories from some of the world’s most influential technology companies, he inspires leaders and entrepreneurs to build products, teams and businesses that create lasting impact.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Tony Fadell’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Creating the iPhone, iPod and iMac
- General magic
- Technology and innovation
- Product design and development
- Google Glass
How Much Does Tony Fadell Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Tony Fadell?
Tony Fadell’s speaking fee will vary depending on factors such as the event location, format, duration, and audience size. Contact The London Keynote Speakers Agency to check his latest availability and receive a bespoke quotation tailored to your event’s requirements.
