The Global Trust Conference

Sir Bob Geldof

Businessman, Political Activist, Songwriter, Musician & Author

As a tireless campaigner for numerous good causes and charities throughout the world, Sir Bob Geldof is able to use his high profile to great effect. From African famines and aid organisations to business, global politics and communications, Sir Bob has raised awareness of a wide range of causes.

Rising to fame thanks to his music career, which began with The Boomtown Rats in 1975, Sir Bob is known for the hit albums and singles he has recorded – both as part of a band and as a solo artist, and he continues to be a prolific recording artist. During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, he turned his attention to charity work, organising Band Aid and the fundraising event Live Aid. In light of his charity work, he received a knighthood in 1986.

Through his co-ownership of Planet 24, a television production company that launched The Big Breakfast in 1992, Sir Bob became firmly established as an astute businessman. He also founded Deckchair.com, and online travel agent, in the late 90s, and sold it in June 2003. Following the sale of Planet 24, in 1999 Sir Bob and Alex Connock went on to found Ten Alps Communications. This company produced documentaries for Channel 4, Sky and the BBC, among others.

In 2006 Sir Bob completed a series for the BBC entitled Geldof in Africa, during which he travelled through West, Central and East Africa. He has also written a number of articles for publications including Time magazine. Sir Bob continues to pursue his charitable and political activism today.

The Live 8 concerts, undertaken in 2005 and performed in the same spirit as Live Aid 20 years previously, were a huge global fundraising event, and cemented Geldof’s place as a tireless campaigner for global charities. As such, he has received a number of awards, including the Nobel Man of Peace Award, several Honorary Doctorates, and a number of Nobel Peace Prize nominations.

As part of his plans to support Africa and assist in its development, in order to bring it in line with China and India, Sir Bob set up a private equity fund in 2010, called The 8 Mile Fund.

He uses his experiences and insight into global issues to talk in an informative, provocative and entertaining way about a variety of topics. Lauded for his inspiring and motivating speeches, he’s available for a variety of events.