Former LEON CEO joins GCA Conference speakers
Entrepreneur and former LEON Restaurants CEO John Vincent MBE has joined the speaker line-up for the Garden Centre Association's annual conference in January 2027.
John will speak at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Tuesday 26 January, sharing insights into navigating financial challenges, strengthening brand principles and building resilient organisations.
As co-founder of LEON, John helped establish the restaurant chain as a recognised name for naturally healthy and sustainable food, while developing a strong focus on purpose and social impact.
His presentation will draw on his experience of leading LEON through a significant corporate restructuring and returning the business to its core brand principles.
John also played a key role in guiding LEON through the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Feed NHS initiative, which delivered more than one million meals to healthcare workers.
His wider work focuses on wellbeing, employee mental health, food inequality and environmental sustainability, bringing a people-first perspective to business leadership.
GCA Chairman Ben Harrison said John's experience of managing financial pressures and rescuing endangered brands would provide practical and relevant insight for members.
John is known for an engaging speaking style that combines real-world business experience with broader perspectives on purpose, leadership and organisational resilience.
GCA CEO Peter Burks said John's focus on adaptability and purpose would offer members a fresh perspective as they continue to develop their own organisations.
The GCA's annual conference attracts hundreds of garden centre professionals from across the UK, providing opportunities for networking, industry insight and presentations from leading speakers.
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the members’ section of www.gca.org.uk.