Founder, CEO & Chief Test Pilot for Gravity Industries

Richard Browning is the founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Test Pilot of Gravity Industries, a pioneering company dedicated to developing advanced human flight technologies. Widely recognised as a real-life innovator, he has twice set a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed in a body-controlled jet engine-powered suit, first reaching 32 miles per hour before surpassing it at an extraordinary 85 miles per hour. Beyond his engineering achievements, Richard was appointed Visiting Fellow at Cass Business School in 2021, where he shared his expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship and pushing the boundaries of human potential.

Credentials and Impact

Richard has made a remarkable impact in the technology industry through a combination of entrepreneurial vision, technical expertise and a drive to push the limits of human potential. After completing a BSc in Exploration Geology at Cardiff University in 2001, he began his career with BP, working first as a Crude Paper Trader and later as an Oil Trader. During this time, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial flair by championing a five-hundred-million-dollar cargo tracking platform that transformed operational efficiency. His career path later took a pioneering turn as he applied his creativity and engineering skills to the challenge of human flight.

A former Royal Marine Reservist and dedicated STEM advocate, Richard channelled his resilience, discipline and passion for technology into founding Gravity Industries. His groundbreaking jet suit innovation has been experienced virtually by over two billion people worldwide, inspiring audiences and industries alike. By blending engineering excellence with visionary leadership, he has redefined perceptions of what is possible in personal aviation. Richard’s unique credentials, spanning geology, energy trading, entrepreneurship and aerospace innovation, position him as a distinctive and influential figure within the global technology landscape.

Publications and Media

In his biography ‘Taking On Gravity’, Richard shares the story of creating Gravity and developing human flight. His contributions to technology extend beyond writing, with appearances across major broadcasters and publications such as Sky News, BBC’s The One Show and Wired. Through these platforms, he has provided valuable insights into innovation, engineering and the future of technology, inspiring audiences worldwide with his pioneering achievements and vision for human potential.

Why Hire Richard Browning?

Richard is a highly sought after technology speaker, renowned for his ability to inspire audiences with his pioneering work in human flight and innovation. He has delivered keynote speeches for leading organisations such as CISCO, Microsoft and Google, and has appeared on prestigious stages around the world. At TED’s MainStage he presented his talk “How I Built a Jet Suit” to global acclaim, sharing the journey of transforming an ambitious vision into a groundbreaking reality. His speaking engagements include celebrated live events such as TED’s annual conference in Vancouver, TEDx Glasgow, Berlin’s CUBE Connects and Red Bull gatherings, where he captivates audiences with his unique blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial insight and personal storytelling.

Recognised for his achievements, he received the BP Group Innovation Award, further demonstrating his ability to combine creativity, engineering skill and business acumen. Richard connects with audiences not only as an inventor but also as a thought leader who challenges conventional limits. His talks shed light on the process of innovation, the importance of resilience and the exciting potential of technology to transform industries. This rare combination makes him a compelling choice for organisations seeking to inspire bold thinking and breakthrough ideas.

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