"Fast, flexible, fearless business thinking is the only way forward."
Michael Tobin CBE is a renowned entrepreneur, visionary leader, author and philanthropist, best known for transforming the global tech infrastructure landscape through disruptive innovation and bold leadership.
As the former TelecityGroup CEO, he spearheaded the company’s growth from a struggling business into a top-tier FTSE250 data centre provider, overseeing a hundredfold increase in market capitalisation and a successful sale valued at over £3 billion.
Honoured with an OBE in 2014 for Services to the Digital Economy, and a CBE for Services to Charity in 2025, Michael is also an influential Non-Executive Director, board advisor, and investor across multiple tech and sustainability ventures worldwide.
Beyond business, Michael is a passionate philanthropist and adventurer, having completed challenges from trekking to the South Pole, and running 40 marathons in 40 consecutive days – all raising significant funds for children's charities.
His four bestselling books reflect his unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and purpose.
Today, Michael continues to drive impact at the intersection of technology, business, and social responsibility.
As seen in:
30+ non-executive roles held internationally:
Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur and Business Leader
Michael's achievements have led to him being a regular speaker at events such as TEDx and the Tech Economic Forum. He's active in Government and charity work, working tirelessly to support causes for the education, empowerment and welfare of young people.
He has won dozens of industry awards including:
UK IT Services Entrepreneur of the Year (three years running)
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Data Centre Industry at the Data Centre Europe Awards
"Michael Tobin is one of Britain's most successful and inspirational business leaders."
Gavin Esler
BBC Presenter
"Michael proves no challenge is ever too big. If you want something, you can achieve it."
Alec Stewart OBE
Director of Cricket, Surrey CCC
years in telecoms & tech sector
non-executive roles held
business awards won
Bestselling Author
Michael has drawn heavily on his own life - from early hardship to major business success - in his four bestselling books.
Whether talking about leadership, work-life balance, or organisational strategy, Michael has a boldness and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, with an emphasis on resilience, adaptability, freedom, and human-centred values over rigid planning.
Committed Philanthropist: Raised £Millions for Charitable Causes
Michael has personally supported and worked with numerous charities and organisations - including Action for Children, The Prince's Trust, The King’s Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Make‑A‑Wish Foundation UK, Loomba Trust, The British Asian Trust, Action for Children, Missing People, Action Against Hunger, and charities supporting children with serious illnesses or in vulnerable situations.
Started the CEO Sleepout UK charitable initiative in 2014 for Action for Children.
Ran 40 marathons in 40 days during 2016 for the Prince's Trust's 40th Anniversary.
Trekked to the South Pole in 2020 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Founded The Tobin Foundation, raising essential funds for Education, Empowerment and Welfare of Children.
Showing no sign of slowing down, Michael is as determined as ever to leave a lasting legacy on the business world, and enable future generations to benefit from his extensive expertise.
