The former Creative Director of Virgin Money and Global CEO of Time Out, Tim Arthur, will visit Jersey to deliver a keynote speech to the audience of the IoD Jersey Debate on 19 September.
After working as an Artistic Director in regional theatres and becoming the CEO of homeless charity Cardboard Citizens, Tim entered the world of journalism. He became Time Out’s UK Content Director and was later appointed the listing and city guide publisher’s Global CEO as the print industry struggled to cope with online platforms. To answer the threat, he made the publication free and transformed their digital content strategy and accessibility. He put the company on a safe footing, focusing on digital revenue and brand extensions.
At Virgin Money, Tim embraced a remit encompassing brand, marketing, digital and customer experience. As a challenger brand, in an industry whose reputation had been severely battered by the financial crisis, he helped make it one of the most trusted banks in the UK.
Tim takes a customer-centric approach to company strategies, arguing that it is both within a company’s commercial interest and their social responsibility to express their core nature through their brand. He examines how both creativity and diversity are primary drivers of smart disruption and sustainable innovation.
Alex Ohlsson, group managing partner for Carey Olsen, IoD Jersey Debate Lead Sponsor, says: “We are delighted to support the annual IoD Debate in Jersey, which once again promises to be a must-attend event for those in the local business community as it explores skills, education and Jersey’s employment landscape. The event also has an enviable track-record of attracting speakers of an extremely high quality. This year is no different with Tim Arthur now confirmed as the keynote speaker. Tim has had a fascinating career with the uncanny knack of making a success of everything he puts his mind to – he will be great to listen to.”
This year’s debate is entitled ‘2050: Will Jersey Have Talent?’. The event, sponsored by law firm and long-term supporter, Carey Olsen and Silver Sponsor HSBC, will take place at Jersey’s RJA&HS with an expected audience of up to 500 business leaders and politicians. The event will explore the topic of skills and education and review Jersey’s plans and models for the future. The panellists will debate the skills gap, Artificial Intelligence, immigration and the employment landscape. A strong panel has been confirmed: Louise Bracken-Smith,Brendan Carolan, Daniel Rowles, Senator Tracey Vallois and Rory Steel.
A number of the island’s students and teachers have been invited to attend the Debate, thanks to the support of the event’s Education Sponsor, KPMG in the Channel Islands. Jason Laity, Senior Partner, KPMG in the Channel Islands, says: “We are very pleased to be able to support this important debate about such a key topic. The island really needs to consider the best way to develop the skills needed not just for next year but for many years ahead.”
The IoD Annual Debate will take place on Thursday 19 September 2019 at the RJA&HS from 5.30pm – 10pm and is open to all islanders who have an interest in Jersey’s future. Places and tables of 12 can be booked at £95 per person, including a two-course supper, through Eventbrite. Further information is also available through the IoD Jersey LinkedIn and Facebook pages and by following @iodjersey on Twitter.
