Simon Woodroffe is one of the Great Britain’s most famous entrepreneurs. Upon leaving school at the age of sixteen, Woodroffe spent 30 years in the entertainment industry designing and staging concerts for artists such as Rod Stewart, George Michael and Stevie Wonder. In the 1990’s Woodroffe moved into television and spearheaded the concept of selling television networks the rights to air rock concerts on a global scale.
In 1997, Woodroffe founded YO! Sushi, the first conveyor-belt sushi bar in the United Kingdom. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drink trolleys and Japanese television programming. The first restaurant opened on London's Poland Street and became an overnight phenomenon. Today the chain continues to expand both in the UK and abroad. There are now over 50 restaurants worldwide, with franchises in England, Ireland, France and the Middle East.
Woodroffe was awarded an OBE by the Queen of England in 2006 in recognition of his contribution to the field of hospitality. He was an original panelist on the BBC’s hit television program, Dragon’s Den and has also been featured on Discovery TV’s VIP Weekends with Ian Wright, ITV’s Homes & Property, The Millionaire’s Club and Through the Keyhole with David Frost.
In July of 2007, Woodroffe launched YOTEL, the world’s most radical hotel with rooms of just ten square meters and space travel-inspired interiors. The first YOTEL opened in London’s Gatwick Airport, followed by branches in Heathrow and also Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport and in New York City.
Woodroffe is developing additional YO! brands including YO! Zone, YO! Home, and the YO! Foundation which supports various charitable causes that are important to him.
As a result of being continually asked to share the story of his entrepreneurial success, Simon has developed a strong reputation as Europe’s leading authority on innovation and creative strategy. Avoiding the usual business clichés, his story is inspiring to everyone – be it a large corporate setting or those working at a start-up level.
Simon Woodroffe, founder of all things YO!, including YO! Sushi and YOTEL, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Simon Woodroffe is also available for corporate meetings and events, business seminars, panel discussions, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Simon Woodroffe.
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