Will WhitehornFormer President of Virgin Galactic and Pioneer in Commercial Spaceflight

Will Whitehorn is a distinguished business leader and the former President of Virgin Galactic, where he transitioned the concept of commercial space travel into a tangible reality. Beginning his career as a search-and-rescue helicopter crewman, he famously rescued Sir Richard Branson from the North Sea before joining the Virgin Group. He rose through the ranks to become the Director of Corporate Affairs and a Special Advisor, serving as a primary strategist for large-scale initiatives such as the Pendolino train project. His extensive portfolio spans multiple sectors, including his roles as the Chair of Seraphim Space Investment Trust and Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University. He has held prestigious positions as the President of UKspace and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Beyond the aerospace industry, his expertise has benefited a diverse range of organisations, including Stagecoach Group, Transport Systems Catapult, and various firms in the online gaming and real estate sectors. He also serves as a director for the Science and Technology Facilities Council. As a speaker, Will explores the vital distinctions between invention and innovation, advocating for the private sector's role in driving a new industrial revolution. He provides a unique perspective on brand resilience and the cultivation of an innovative culture within global enterprises. Audiences value his ability to translate high-level aerospace strategy into practical lessons for branding, leadership, and future-focused thinking. On stage, Will Whitehorn is best known for talks on Branding & Marketing, Manufacturing & Engineering, Innovation, Leadership, Strategy and Reputation. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Will Whitehorn is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Conference Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Will Whitehorn would approach your audience.