Jon French

Jon French is a distinguished senior leader whose career spans telecommunications and consumer electronics, earning him recognition as one of the most influential figures in global technology. Best known for his role as Managing Director of Android Global Business for Google, he brings to his speaking engagements an insider’s view of the forces shaping modern digital life. With a proven track record of scaling revenue from $500 million to $5 billion within short timeframes, he brings a unique perspective on managing P&Ls exceeding $1 billion while maintaining sustainable international growth. Also specialising in market turnarounds and high-risk entries, Jon has successfully navigated complex compliance negotiations and competitive landscapes in Europe, APAC and the Middle East & Africa. Today, he is highly sought after for his ability to explain complex technological shifts with clarity, offering audiences valuable insight into subjects such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging consumer tech trends.

Jon’s career began with Samsung Electronics, where he served as a General Manager and laid the foundation for his reputation as a strategic and commercially astute leader. After six successful years, he moved to HTC as the Executive Director for the UK and Ireland. He soon advanced through several senior roles, becoming Vice President of Sales and Operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa before taking on the position of Vice President for the Middle East and Africa. His expertise in driving growth across international markets then led him to a period with Beats by Dr Dre as International Sales Director, followed by his move to Microsoft. Based in Dubai, he progressed to become the General Manager for Microsoft Asia Pacific, further cementing his status as a global technology leader.

Alongside his corporate achievements, Jon has held several notable positions that demonstrate the breadth of his influence. He served as Vice President of Western Europe Global Accounts and B2B Lead for HMD Global, guiding the team to become one of the region’s major mobile equipment manufacturers within a short period. He also founded Valen Consulting Ltd and served as Chief Revenue Officer at Trustonic. His strategic expertise has been recognised through board appointments, including his role as a Board Member of Fiskl Limited and Chairman of TMT First Ltd. Beyond his executive roles, he serves as a Strategic Chairman and Non-Executive Director, mentoring CEOs on exit strategies, operational scaling, and rebranding efforts for high-growth ventures in Fintech and sustainable industries.

Jon’s turnaround expertise and strategic governance across start-ups, scale-ups and global corporations make him an exceptional choice for audiences seeking practical guidance on innovation and the future of technology. As a keynote speaker, he draws on first-hand knowledge of leading teams through rapid change and technological disruption. Whether speaking on AI implementation, business transformation, adaptability or future workplace trends, he brings a rare combination of commercial insight and real-world leadership experience. His appearances, including at the Nottingham Business School Future of Work Conference, highlight why Jon French is the ideal speaker for organisations preparing to navigate the next era of digital evolution.