Pete Reed Keynote Speaker

Triple Olympic Champion (2008, 2012, 2016) with 5 World Titles
Royal Navy Officer, awarded an OBE for Services to Rowing
Advocate for Disability Rights and Accessibility

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Pete Reed's Biography

Pete Reed is one of Britain’s most celebrated rowers, achieving three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016, alongside five World Championship titles in a remarkable 17-year career. His rapid ascent in the sport saw him secure his first world title less than four years after taking up rowing. During his tenure at Oxford, Pete earned two esteemed Blues, placing him among the select group of 14 Team GB Olympians who have sustained excellence over such an extended period.

Balancing elite sport with dedicated public service, Pete has been a committed Royal Navy officer since 1999. After retiring from competitive rowing in 2018, he returned to active duty at sea. In 2019, a spinal stroke led to full-time wheelchair use; however, Pete harnessed his military discipline and athletic mindset to adapt and inspire others. He speaks candidly about building resilience, emphasizing that it is a skill attainable by all rather than an innate trait.

In 2022, Pete was honored as an Honorary Captain upon leaving active service. Demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity, he successfully campaigned for Transport for London to incorporate green wheelchair symbols on traffic lights. Beyond his advocacy, Pete is dedicated to his family—his wife Jeannie and son Freddie—and pursues passions such as photography, travel, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Focus: the skills it takes to break an Olympic and world record

Universal lessons in resilience: from Olympic Champion to disability advocate

Leadership: single-minded focus, creating cultures that thrive and team-building

The incredible story of Pete Reed

Pete Reed's Story - from Olympic Gold to Spinal Stroke Recovery

Comments & Testimonials

“Working alongside Pete has truly been a delight. His dedication to grasping the essence of the event and his role within it extends beyond mere participation; he has immersed himself in understanding our company's values, the intricacies of our product portfolio, and the dynamics of our team. Pete's ability to eloquently express a topic dear to his heart in a profoundly emotive and passionate manner was remarkable. His presentation struck a chord with the audience, evoking tears from some! Pete's communication was marked by clarity and confidence, effectively engaging the audience and illuminating the profound impact the healthcare professionals in the audience have on patient lives. Undoubtedly, his talk emerged as the standout moment of the entire agenda”

Natalie Lipscombe, Head of Marketing – Coloplast

“A huge thank you to Pete Reed for this morning. He was outstanding – nothing but positive feedback from people who are inspired, moved and in awe of him and his journey.”

Jo Kingston, Agency Lead - Salesforce

“I would recommend Pete as an inspirational speaker to any group and at every level. He was utterly humbling in his approach and subject matter, incredibly thoughtful and articulate in his delivery and most importantly energised a really powerful conversation in our organisation. He is a must see event from my perspective”

Peter Lee, Managing Director – Morgan Stanley