Keynote SpeakersJohn Vincent MBE is Co-Founder of LEON, the naturally fast food chain.
John co-founded LEON with Henry Dimbleby in 2004 to make it easier for everyone to eat well.
Previously, John had worked as a strategy consultant for Bain & Company, where his business travels made him realise that the only available food on the go was making everyone fall asleep and wake up fat!
With the declared aim to create “a McDonalds in heaven”, and working with chef Allegra McEvedy, John and Henry opened the first LEON on Carnaby Street in 2004.
Shortly after it was awarded ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Observer Food Monthly Awards.
John took over Leon’s day-to-day operations in 2014. He led the menu innovations and has co-authored several Leon cook books.
By 2021, LEON had grown to around 70 outlets and was acquired by EG Group.
John co-authored the School Food Plan for the UK Government in 2013, which persuaded the Government to put cooking back on the curriculum and provide free school meals for all infants.
He was awarded an MBE in 2015 for his services to school food.
John is married to TV newscaster and presenter Katie Derham, with whom he has two daughters.
John Vincent is a naturally gifted presenter, bringing humour, charm and a sharp business brain to any conference or meeting.
