Dan Cobley

Dan built much of his reputation during more than eight years at Google, where he held senior leadership roles including Managing Director for the UK and Ireland and Vice President of Marketing for EMEA. The UK and Ireland represents Google’s largest market outside the United States and one of the most advanced digital economies in the world. During his time there, Dan worked closely with some of the world’s biggest brands and advertisers, helping them use digital platforms to transform the way they build their brands, reach customers and grow their businesses online.

Before becoming Managing Director, Dan led marketing across multiple regions, first as Marketing Director for the UK, Ireland and Benelux before being promoted to Vice President of Marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In this role he oversaw both business and consumer marketing strategy across the region, gaining first-hand insight into the accelerating pace of technological change and its impact on industries around the world.

Prior to joining Google, Dan held senior marketing roles with major global brands including Capital One, Ask Jeeves and PepsiCo/Walkers, where he developed extensive experience in brand strategy, customer insight and commercial growth.

Following his time at Google, Dan moved into entrepreneurship and investment, focusing particularly on financial technology. He now leads the FinTech portfolio at Blenheim Chalcot, a leading London-based venture builder, where he has helped co-found several successful fintech companies including ClearScore, Salary Finance and Koodoo Mortgages. His experience spans both large global organisations and fast-growing technology start-ups, giving him a unique perspective on innovation at every stage of business.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Dan has held a number of advisory and non-executive roles, including serving as a non-executive director at Admiral and advising companies such as Onfido, Liberis, Modulr and Farewill. He is also a trustee of the Technology Trust and remains closely involved in the technology and start-up ecosystem.

Dan has shared his insights on some of the world’s most respected stages, including speaking at the TED Conference, appearing as a technology expert on the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World and contributing to the BBC’s The Apprentice. Academically, he holds a degree in Physics from Oxford University and a Master’s degree in Management from Cambridge University.

As a keynote speaker, Dan Cobley delivers insightful and engaging talks on innovation, digital disruption and the future of business. Drawing on lessons from Google and the start-up world, he helps organisations understand the deeper “second-order” effects of technological change — and how they can adapt, innovate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

To book Keynote Speaker Dan Cobley, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com