Former Manager of Consumer Insight for Neilsen & ‘The King of Customer Experience’

Ken Hughes is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on customer and employee experience. Known for asking the powerful question, “Why do shoppers buy and how can we make them buy more?”, Ken has captivated audiences across the globe with his innovative insights into consumer behaviour. As a Consumer and Shopper Behaviouralist, CEO, and founder of Glacier Consulting, he advises some of the world’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, IKEA, and AXA. Blending behavioural economics, digital strategy, and retail futurology, Ken delivers dynamic, entertaining keynote speeches that leave audiences informed, inspired, and ready to embrace the evolving expectations of today’s consumer.

Credentials and Impact

As CEO and founder of Glacier Consulting, Ken Hughes has established himself as one of the most trusted voices in consumer and shopper behaviour, working with world-leading brands to refine their customer experience strategies. His consultancy helps organisations identify emerging trends, harness behavioural science, and future-proof their marketing approaches.

Ken’s expertise has been shaped by significant roles earlier in his career. As a Strategy Consultant with Accenture, he guided multinational clients through complex challenges in business transformation and strategic development, experiences that sharpened his analytical and problem-solving skills. Later, as Manager of Consumer Insight at Nielsen, he developed a deep understanding of consumer data and analytics, gaining first-hand knowledge of how purchasing decisions are shaped by culture, technology, and behavioural economics.

Today, Ken sits on industry think tanks and advisory boards, where his insight influences the direction of retail, marketing, and digital strategy worldwide. Recognised with awards for thought leadership and keynote delivery, he continues to inspire global audiences. His work in areas such as cyberpsychology, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things demonstrates his unique ability to merge technological innovation with human behaviour, ensuring organisations remain competitive in rapidly evolving markets.

Publications and Media

He is a prolific media contributor, regularly sharing insights on consumer behaviour, innovation, and digital transformation. He is also well known for his TEDx Talk, ‘Time Bending: 365 Ways to Unlock Creativity and Innovation’, delivered in 2015 and viewed by over 100,000 people online. Alongside frequent global media appearances and an active YouTube channel, Ken has been featured at major conferences, including Shopware Community Day, where he discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on consumer behaviour.

Why Hire Ken Hughes?

Booking Ken Hughes means securing a keynote speaker who combines deep expertise with high-energy performance. His presentations stand out not only for their insights into consumer and employee experience but also for their humour, creativity, and memorable storytelling. Having delivered keynotes at major global conferences, Ken knows how to engage audiences at every level with content that is both relevant and inspiring.

Ken’s versatility allows him to deliver both large-scale keynotes and intimate fireside chats, ensuring an event tailored to its unique goals. Whether emphasising data-driven strategies, digital transformation, or innovation, he brings clarity to complex topics and energises participants to take action. For organisations seeking transformative ideas packaged with entertainment, Ken Hughes is the perfect choice.

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