Rory Sutherland, currently Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, is a marketing and advertising industry veteran, celebrated for his ground-breaking work in behavioural science.
At Ogilvy, Sutherland co-founded a behavioural science practice within the agency, where he personally collaborates with a team of psychology graduates. The practice focuses on identifying subtle, often overlooked opportunities in consumer behaviour that can ultimately lead to significant business and social impacts.
Before establishing Ogilvy’s Behavioural Practice, Sutherland spent over two decades as a copywriter and creative director of Ogilvy, beginning as a graduate trainee in 1988. His extensive industry experience led him to serve as President of the IPA and Chair of the Judges for the Direct Jury at Cannes. He has also been a TED Global speaker, with more than 7 million views, and is a regular contributor to publications like The Spectator, Management Today, Impact, and Wired.
Sutherland is the compelling author of “The Wiki Man,” “Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas that Don’t Make Sense,” and “Transport for Humans,” which he co-authored with Pete Dyson. He hosts the “OnBrand with ALF” podcast, and partners with MAD//Masters to lead a 12-week CPD accredited personal development programme for marketers. The programme is aimed at helping professionals adapt to rapid disruption by harnessing creativity, innovation and behavioural science to gain a competitive edge.
Sutherland is an active trustee of the Benjamin Franklin House in London; he serves on the Development committee of the National Gallery; and he is a Patron of Rochester Cathedral. His career is marked by innovative thinking and a deep commitment to understanding and influencing consumer behaviour in the world of advertising and marketing.
Married to a vicar, Rory Sutherland has twin daughters. They reside in Napoleon III’s former home, albeit in the attic.
