Emily Penn

Emily has spoken around the world at TEDx conferences, universities and global companies. Drawing on her adventures and first-hand experience of ocean plastic pollution, she shares insights into our oceans, human mindset and the future of society. Her ability to develop and communicate solutions to the challenges facing today’s society has been shaped by a diverse range of unique experiences.

Before running eXXpedition, Emily co-founded Pangaea Explorations, enabling scientists, filmmakers and everyday people to access some of the most remote parts of our planet and collect data on global issues. Along the way, she discovered previously unknown oceanic gyres: vast areas where plastic pollution accumulates.

Her achievements have earned her several prestigious honours. Emily received the Fitzroy Award at the 2016 Ocean Awards and is the youngest and only female recipient of both the Yachtmaster of the Year award, presented by HRH The Princess Royal, and the Seamaster of the Year award. In 2021, she was awarded a BEM in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Emily’s adventures have also taken her through the Arctic Northwest Passage, where she trawled for microplastics, and around the planet aboard the record-breaking biofuelled boat Earthrace. She has also worked on a sailing cargo ship, trading Western supplies for coconuts.

As much at home in and on the water as on dry land, Emily is a Cambridge University graduate with a degree in Architecture. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and was elected a member of the Cordon Rouge Club in 2017.

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