Albert Read is an accomplished author and business leader, currently serving as executive chairman of the London Evening Standard. He was previously the managing director of Condé Nast Britain, the publisher of renowned titles such as Vogue, GQ, Wired, and Traveler, where he oversaw one of the company’s most successful periods. 

In addition to his leadership role in the UK, Read played a pivotal role in launching Condé Nast brands across China, India, and the Middle East. Amid a rapidly changing business landscape, he has guided the company in innovative directions, adapting to industry challenges with notable foresight. 

Today, Read is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author. His critically acclaimed book, The Imagination Muscle, emphasizes the transformative power of creativity in business. Described by The Economist as "a beautifully written meditation" and by The Spectator as "brimming with big ideas" and "extraordinary," it was nominated by Bloomberg’s best books of 2023 and selected by JPMorgan’s 2025 Next List.

Read’s philosophy centers on continuous growth—anticipating change, fostering creativity, and cultivating psychological safety where ideas can thrive. He believes that unlocking the imaginative potential within yourself and your teams leads to limitless opportunities. Read holds a degree in classics from Oxford University and an MBA from INSEAD.