‘Creativity is the most important leadership quality today to cope with growing complexity.‘

The responsibility placed on leaders in business, politics and society today is enormous. At the same time, Europe seems to lack the leadership qualities needed to position itself as a strong and independent player. What is the reason for this?

The internationally renowned business leader and consultant Kevin Roberts is recognised as one of the most uncompromising, positive and inspiring leaders of our time. He focuses on the increasingly important creative dimension in leadership. Roberts believes that rigid, process-driven organisations need to act more intuitively and instinctively - and be guided by ideas, not rules. At the Annual Meeting 2024, he will highlight the qualities that successful leaders need to have in order to strengthen competitiveness.

Kevin’s career was built in sales, marketing, and leadership roles at Mary Quant, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Pepsi-Co, Lion Nathan, Saatchi & Saatchi (17 years as CEO Worldwide) and Publicis Groupe. He has authored several books including 64 Shots: Leadership in a Crazy World and Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands, published in 18 languages.
Kevin is Honorary Professor of Creative Leadership at Lancaster University, Honorary Professor of Innovation and Creativity at the University of Auckland Business School (New Zealand), and Honorary Professor of Leadership and Innovation at the University of Victoria School of Business (Canada). He is a former director of the New Zealand Rugby Union and former chairman of USA Rugby. He also served on the Board of New Zealand Football and as a Trustee for a Team New Zealand America’s Cup challenge.
In 2013 Kevin, a New Zealand citizen, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to business and the community.
Currently he sits on the Boards of UK grocer Booths, The Herdy Company and Oldham Athletic Football Club.

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