Former CEO of AllTogetherNow, Content & Disruption Strategist, Former Editor of the NME, Relaunched Top Gear Magazine & Chairman of the British Society of Magazine Editors

Conor McNicholas is a leading strategist in AI and tech, renowned for transforming the iconic NME from a traditional print publication into a thriving multimedia brand. As a creative consultant, he has guided global names like Virgin Media, Volvo, and Barclays through moments of high-stakes change and innovation. With a keen eye for brand relevance and disruption, Conor’s impact stretches across industries, blending editorial mastery with cutting-edge tech insight to help businesses stay heard in fast-moving markets.

Credentials and Impact

Conor holds a BA Honours in Philosophy from the University of Manchester and began his career in media, rising to become editor of the NME. His leadership at NME redefined the magazine’s influence, turning it into a cultural powerhouse. He continued this trajectory by editing and relaunching Top Gear magazine in both print and digital formats. Conor’s sharp strategic thinking has made him a sought-after consultant for high-profile brands such as Reckitt Benckiser, The National Lottery, Adidas, Lexus and Argos.

At Barclays, he restructured the editorial content process, reducing timelines from six weeks to seven days. He has held senior roles, including CEO of AllTogetherNow, Executive Director at Magnet, and Chairman of the British Society of Magazine Editors. His cross-sector influence is rooted in a rare ability to connect storytelling, brand identity and tech fluency.

Publications and Media

Conor’s editorial experience includes leading roles with BBC Worldwide, News UK, MixMag, IPC Media and Ministry of Sound. He has overseen content strategies across multiple platforms, helping brands integrate editorial direction with digital innovation. His media background also includes work in radio and digital publishing, making him a dynamic voice in the strategist and tech space.

Why Hire Conor McNicholas?

Conor is in demand as a speaker for his sharp insights into how technology, culture and communication intersect to shape the future of business. Known for translating strategic challenges into clear, actionable ideas, he brings clarity to complex subjects such as brand disruption, AI integration and digital innovation. His cross-industry experience enables him to speak confidently on relevance and transformation in fast-moving markets.

Conor has been recognised as Consumer Magazine Editor of the Year and won the Brand Building Initiative of the Year for Club NME. He was also listed among the 1000 most influential people in London by the Evening Standard in consecutive years. These accolades reflect not only his creative leadership but also his lasting impact on media, brand and tech landscapes. Whether working with senior teams or delivering keynotes, Conor offers bold, future-facing perspectives that resonate with forward-thinking audiences.

To book Conor to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.