Leadership speaker Angela Ahrendts

Angela Ahrendts

Former SVP, Apple Retail & CEO, Burberry | Lead Independent Director, Ralph Lauren | Chair, Save the Children International | DBE

Few executives have led two of the world's most iconic brands at the highest level. Angela Ahrendts DBE tripled revenue as CEO of Burberry, then reimagined retail for a billion annual visitors as SVP at Apple. Now Lead Independent Director at Ralph Lauren and Chair of Save the Children International, she brings a rare blend of commercial rigor and purpose-driven vision to conversations on leadership, culture, and digital transformation.

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    Angela Ahrendts biography

    Speaker Angela Ahrendts DBE is one of the most influential leadership speakers in global business. She currently serves as Lead Independent Director at Ralph Lauren Corporation, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at WPP, and board member at Airbnb — a portfolio of governance roles that reflects her standing at the intersection of technology, luxury, and brand strategy.

    Her career-defining chapter at Apple, where she served as Senior Vice President of Retail from 2014 to 2019, saw her reimagine the customer experience for over 500 stores across 24 countries. She oversaw 70,000 employees, launched the “Today at Apple” educational initiative, and transformed Apple’s retail spaces into community hubs that blended technology with human connection. Before Apple, she spent nearly a decade as CEO of Burberry, where she tripled revenue and quadrupled the share price, elevating the heritage brand into a global digital luxury powerhouse.

    Purpose-Driven Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

    Beyond corporate governance, Ahrendts has devoted herself to causes that mirror her leadership philosophy. She has served as Chair of Save the Children International since 2021 and sits on the boards of charity: water and the HOW Institute for Society. She also serves as Senior Operating Advisor at SKKY Partners. In 2013, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to business.

    As a speaker, Angela Ahrendts draws from her rare experience leading two of the world’s most iconic brands to challenge audiences on what it means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose. Her keynotes move beyond theory — she offers hard-won frameworks for building trust across diverse teams, navigating digital transformation, and creating cultures where people choose to give their best. Senior executives and boards leave her sessions with a renewed understanding of why human-centered leadership is not just admirable but essential for long-term business performance.

    Angela Ahrendts Speaking Videos

    Leading From the Heart with Angela Ahrendts
    Angela Ahrendts - Responsible Leadership in an Artificial World

    Angela Ahrendts Keynote Topics

    True leadership isn't defined by a title — it's earned through trust and connection. Angela Ahrendts challenges today's leaders to reflect deeply by asking, "If my team could choose their leader, would they choose me?" Drawing from her experience as CEO of Burberry and SVP of Retail at Apple, Angela shares how she successfully led diverse, multi-generational teams across the globe. Her approach centered on empathy, authentic communication, and empowering others — not command and control. By choosing to coach rather than dictate, she fostered loyalty, creativity, and long-term commitment. Attendees leave inspired to lead with purpose, build genuine human connections, and create environments where people feel empowered to thrive.

    The rise of the smartphone and social media has given younger generations a powerful platform to express themselves — and they've grown up knowing their voices matter. Yet in many workplaces, that same sense of agency and inclusion is often missing. In this keynote, former Apple Retail executive Angela Ahrendts explores how today's digital-native employees expect more than just direction — they seek purpose, connection, and a voice. Angela shares how leaders must evolve their approach to meet these expectations by fostering authenticity, open communication, and meaningful engagement. Attendees gain actionable strategies to better connect with younger talent, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute and grow.

    Drawing from her experience as CEO of Burberry and SVP at Apple, Angela Ahrendts reveals the leadership principles behind two of the most successful brand transformations in modern business. She shares how she digitized Burberry from a traditional fashion house into a digital-first luxury brand, and how she reimagined Apple's retail spaces to deepen human connection in an increasingly digital world. Audiences gain practical strategies for leading brand evolution without losing the authenticity and heritage that made the brand valuable in the first place.

    FAQs on Booking Angela Ahrendts

    Why Angela Ahrendts?

    Booking Angela Ahrendts for your event means securing one of the most accomplished leaders in global business. As the executive who tripled Burberry's revenue and then reimagined Apple's retail experience for over 500 stores worldwide, she offers unmatched insight into brand transformation, digital innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Her keynotes resonate deeply with senior audiences because they are rooted in real decisions made at the helm of two of the world's most iconic companies. Book Angela Ahrendts through Aurum Speakers Bureau for your next corporate event or leadership summit.

    Was Angela Ahrendts the CEO of Apple?

    Angela Ahrendts was not CEO of Apple — that role was held by Tim Cook throughout her tenure. She served as Senior Vice President of Apple Retail from 2014 to 2019, making her one of the highest-ranking executives at the company. In this role, she oversaw more than 500 stores across 24 countries and 70,000 employees. She led the transformation of Apple Stores into community gathering spaces and launched the "Today at Apple" educational initiative. Before Apple, she was CEO of Burberry from 2006 to 2014.

    What is Angela Ahrendts known for?

    Angela Ahrendts is known for her transformative leadership at two of the world's most iconic brands. As CEO of Burberry, she tripled revenue and quadrupled the share price, turning the British heritage brand into a global digital luxury leader. At Apple, she reimagined the retail experience for over a billion annual visitors and launched "Today at Apple." She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013. Today, she serves as Lead Independent Director at Ralph Lauren, board member at Airbnb and WPP, and Chair of Save the Children International.

    What topics does speaker Angela Ahrendts cover?

    Angela Ahrendts speaks on human-centered leadership, digital transformation, building purpose-driven cultures, and the future of retail and customer experience. Her keynotes draw from her experience leading Burberry's global turnaround and Apple's retail transformation, offering practical frameworks for empowering teams, navigating disruption, and creating genuine connections between brands and people. Her sessions are especially impactful for senior leadership teams, boards, and organizations seeking to evolve their culture alongside their strategy. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to book Angela Ahrendts for your next event.

    How to book Angela Ahrendts as a keynote speaker?

    Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Angela Ahrendts as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Angela Ahrendts's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Angela Ahrendts or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.

    How much is Angela Ahrendts speaking fee?

    Angela Ahrendts speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Angela Ahrendts to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Angela Ahrendts.

    How can I contact Angela Ahrendts?

    We only work with Angela Ahrendts on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Angela Ahrendts and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Angela Ahrendts speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Angela Ahrendts for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.

    Can I book Angela Ahrendts for a virtual keynote?

    Yes, Angela Ahrendts is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Angela Ahrendts for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.