David Craig Keynote Speaker

Founding CEO, Refinitiv; led $27bn LSEG deal (2018–2021)
Co-Chair, TNFD; final Recommendations launched Sept 2023
Author, Bluebook (Troubador, Oct 2025); NHM Trustee (2023–2027)

David Craig's Biography

David Craig is a global business leader who has spent more than 30 years navigating the moments where markets, technology, and leadership collide, and where the cost of getting it wrong is measured in billions. A software engineer by training and a former McKinsey partner, David went on to lead one of the most complex corporate transformations in modern financial services. As founder and CEO of Refinitiv, he rebuilt a global data and technology business under intense pressure, reshaping its culture, strategy, and operating model before leading its $27 billion acquisition by London Stock Exchange Group. He later ran LSEG’s largest division, Data & Analytics, at a time of profound change across global markets.

Beyond the boardroom, David has become a trusted adviser to central banks, regulators, and governments on the strategic implications of data, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. He has worked with institutions including the Bank of England, Bank of Spain, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and is a frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum and other global forums on how leaders can turn complexity into competitive advantage.

David is also a leading voice on nature, sustainability, and long-term value creation. As co-chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), he helps shape how capital markets understand and respond to nature-related risk. More than 730 organisations worldwide, representing $22 trillion in assets, have now adopted TNFD’s recommendations.

Today, David chairs the investment committee of Triple Private Equity Partners and serves on the boards of several hi growth technology ventures. He is a trustee of the Natural History Museum in London, a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched by His Majesty King Charles III, and chairs the corporate board of youth-mentoring charity Urban Synergy.

His first book, Bluebook: How Bold Leadership Unlocked a $27 Billion Success Story, blends memoir with hard-won leadership insight, exploring what it really takes to lead transformation at pace, build culture under pressure, and make consequential decisions when the stakes are highest. The book launched at #3 on Amazon’s Business Leadership chart and continues to rank among the top titles in the category.

On stage, David speaks with clarity, candour, and experience about leadership in moments that matter, when the pressure is real, and the outcome is anything but guaranteed.

Leading Through Transformation: Lessons from Bluebook for Today’s Data-Driven World

In this keynote, David Craig shares the leadership lessons from Bluebook—a decade of transformation that saw the creation of Refinitiv, one of the world’s largest data companies, and its landmark acquisition by the London Stock Exchange Group. Drawing on first-hand experience leading through technological disruption, private equity partnership, and global crisis, David explores how principles of purpose, resilience, and people-centred leadership remain vital in today’s AI-enabled, fast-moving business environment. The session offers practical insights applicable today for leaders navigating growth, integration, and cultural change in an era defined by data and constant reinvention.

Digital Leadership in the Age of Data: Building Trust, Purpose and Performance

David Craig explores what it means to lead effectively in a world defined by data, AI, and rapid digital transformation. Drawing on his 30 years industry experience, transforming one of the world’s largest data business, working across the private sectors and public institutions he discusses how leaders can harness the power of digital technologies while maintaining trust, transparency, and purpose. From data governance to responsible innovation, David shares practical lessons on building talent and creating cultures that adapt fast, collaborate openly, and use data not just to drive performance—but to build long-term, sustainable value.

Leading the Business of Data: Turning Information into Advantage

In today’s data-driven economy, every organisation is, in some way, a data business. Drawing on more than a decade leading one of the world’s largest data and technology companies, and experience ranging from small startups to charities and governmental organisations, David Craig explores how businesses can use data not just to improve decisions, but to create enduring competitive advantage from product design and innovation, to sales and service. From building trusted data foundations to managing the cultural, regulatory, global and ethical challenges of scale, he reflects on what it takes to lead in an environment where information is the core asset — and where success depends as much on people and purpose as on platforms and algorithms.

He has led one of the most complex transformations in modern financial services, steering Refinitiv through cultural and strategic reinvention before its $27 billion acquisition by London Stock Exchange Group.
He brings rare first-hand insight from the intersection of markets, data and technology, helping leaders understand how AI, information and infrastructure reshape competitive advantage.
He translates board-level experience and regulatory engagement into practical guidance that helps executives make high-stakes decisions when uncertainty and pressure are highest.
He offers authoritative perspective on sustainability and long-term value creation, drawing on his role as co-chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures shaping global capital markets.
He equips senior audiences with clear frameworks for leading transformation at pace, building resilient culture and communicating confidently with investors, regulators and stakeholders.