Barry Hearn

Barry Hearn is a renowned British sports promoter and high-performance speaker known for his dynamic presence, entrepreneurial flair, and captivating storytelling. As a speaker, Barry combines decades of experience across multiple sports industries with infectious energy, making him a sought-after name on the motivational and business speaking circuit. His insights into leadership, resilience, and innovation are grounded in real-life successes and failures, making him highly relatable and inspiring to audiences across sectors.

Barry began his career as a chartered accountant before turning his attention to sports promotion in the 1970s. He initially made his mark in snooker, managing players such as Steve Davis, and was instrumental in transforming the sport into a commercial powerhouse. He went on to found Matchroom Sport, a company that has become synonymous with the modern promotion of snooker, darts, boxing, and other entertainment-based sporting events. Through bold risk-taking and a keen eye for marketable talent, Barry built an empire rooted in his love for competition and showmanship.

In more recent years, Barry has overseen the rise of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), helping elevate darts from a pub game to a global televised spectacle. Under his leadership, the PDC achieved record-breaking TV audiences, sell-out arenas, and multi-million-pound sponsorship deals. He also revitalised World Snooker, significantly expanding its international reach, prize money, and broadcast presence. His efforts earned him an OBE in 2021 for services to sport, cementing his legacy as one of the UK’s most influential sports figures.

Organisations hire Barry as a high-performance speaker not only for his remarkable track record but for his no-nonsense, engaging delivery and unique ability to translate sporting strategy into business wisdom. He speaks passionately about the value of hard work, adaptability, and seizing opportunity — values that resonate with corporate audiences and aspiring leaders alike. Whether addressing boardrooms or large-scale conferences, Barry leaves a lasting impression with his authentic, humorous, and motivational style.