Former Interbrand CEO & Chair, BrandCap Co-Founder, Branding Expert, Non-Executive Director, Author & Keynote Speaker

Rita Clifton CBE, hailed by the Financial Times as the “Brand Guru,” is one of the world’s foremost voices in branding and leadership. Former CEO and Chair of Interbrand, she transformed the consultancy into a global powerhouse before co-founding BrandCap. With over 35 years at the forefront of advertising and brand strategy, Rita has guided organisations from Google to Barclays on building enduring, world-class brands. An acclaimed author and inspiring keynote speaker, she continues to influence the corporate world with her unique blend of strategic expertise, leadership insight, and vision for sustainable, purpose-driven business growth.

Credentials and Impact

Rita’s career began at Saatchi & Saatchi, where she rose to Vice Chairman and Executive Planning Director, breaking barriers as one of the most senior women in advertising at the time. In 1997, she was appointed CEO and later Chair of Interbrand, where she expanded its global presence and reinforced its status as the leading brand consultancy. In 2013, she co-founded BrandCap, helping businesses of all sizes unlock brand-driven growth.

Her contributions to the industry were recognised in 2014 when she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the advertising sector. In addition, she has been honoured with accolades from media outlets including the Financial Times, which named her the “Brand Guru,” and the Daily Telegraph, which dubbed her “Brand Leading the Brands.”

Rita later built a distinguished portfolio of non-executive directorships with organisations such as Nationwide Building Society, ASOS, and BP. She also chairs Forum for the Future, a sustainability non-profit working with global corporations. In 2025, she was appointed Chairperson of Simplyhealth while continuing to serve as Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership.

Alongside corporate leadership, Rita is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge, mentoring the next generation of brand innovators.

Publications and Media

Rita Clifton has authored ‘The Future of Brands’, ‘Brands and Branding’, and ‘Love Your Imposter’, which examines leadership with candour and resilience. She contributes articles to the Financial Times, The Guardian, and Harvard Business Review, sharing insights on branding, leadership, and sustainability. Her expertise has featured on the BBC, ITV, and Sky News. Rita’s TEDx talk, Branding Democracy, further showcased her ability to connect branding with wider societal issues.

Why Hire Rita Clifton?

Booking Rita Clifton brings audiences the expertise of one of the world’s most respected branding authorities. With over three decades shaping global businesses, she delivers powerful insights into building world-class brands, navigating disruption, and leading with authenticity. Her engaging style blends practical strategies with captivating storytelling, drawn from experiences at Saatchi & Saatchi, Interbrand, and her board-level roles across leading organisations.

Rita is also a passionate advocate for leadership diversity, personal branding, and resilience, inspiring individuals to embrace challenges and opportunities alike. Her unique perspective as a pioneering female leader makes her especially impactful for organisations seeking to drive cultural change.

Whether as a keynote speaker, panel contributor, or after-dinner speaker, Rita provides audiences with actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives. Previous clients, including Google and Barclays, attest to her impact in energising teams and equipping leaders to strengthen brands, cultures, and long-term growth strategies.

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