Chris Hirst is a recognized change agent, innovative leader, and dynamic speaker. He spent over a decade in CEO roles, including as Global CEO of Havas Creative Group and UK CEO of Grey (part of WPP). Throughout his career, he consistently led successful transformation programs. Under his leadership, businesses achieved record growth, reinvented products, enhanced reputations, and built lasting cultures of success. Today, Chris is the founder of Dogsbody Group, a leadership consultancy. He also works as a speaker, columnist, and author.
His first book, No Bullsht Leadership (Profile Books, 2019), became a No. 1 bestseller for over 36 months and remains available worldwide. It won the UK Business Book of the Year award in 2020. Drawing on hard-won experience, Chris cuts through the noise of leadership theory. His book offers a clear, practical step-by-step manual for anyone who wants to lead effectively.
Moreover, the book strips away complexity to get to the heart of modern leadership. It highlights the life-changing and career-transforming power of simply getting things done. The Financial Times named it an essential read. Sir Clive Woodward praised it as “a brilliant set of leadership tools that will help you succeed, whatever your goals.”
As Global CEO of Havas Creative Group, Chris led over 10,000 people across all territories. Within three years, he transformed the company from an “also ran” to second place in Campaign Magazine’s global rankings. He oversaw two consecutive years of record growth and profits and earned a nomination for Global CEO of the Year in 2022. Previously, as UK CEO of Grey, he tripled the agency’s size and quadrupled its profits. Under his leadership, Grey became one of the fastest-growing and most creatively respected agencies worldwide.
In addition to his leadership roles, Chris graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford (MEng Engineering Science) and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He writes a monthly column for Management Today and hosts the No Bullsht Leadership podcast, which has received over half a million listens. Furthermore, Chris regularly appears in the press and on broadcast media as a trusted voice on leadership.
Chris Hirst
