Speakers
Having retired from top level cricket at a relatively young age, Chris Cowdrey went on to find his forte as a public speaker. Chris has been one of the most popular After Dinner Speakers for 20 years. He is now in great demand as a Sports After Dinner Speaker, Auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies at all types of corporate events. Having left Tonbridge School in 1975 Chris went straight into a victorious tour of West Indies as Captain of Young England and a career in Cricket. A predictable route for the eldest son of one of the great names of English Cricket, Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge C.B.E (Colin Cowdrey). Chris himself captained England Schools, England Under 19’s, Kent for 6 years and in 1988 he achieved the ultimate when he was appointed Captain of England against West Indies. Chris Cowdrey’s account of lining up against his opposite number, Viv Richards, has been widely regarded as one of the great after dinner tales. Chris also played all 5 Tests on David Gower’s winning England Tour of India in 1984. One remarkable statistic is that Chris, his father and his brother Graham were on the Kent team sheet for 48 consecutive years – an unprecedented record. Since his playing days Chris has followed a career in public speaking and broadcasting. He has worked with Sky TV and Test Match Special and became the lead Presenter for eight overseas England tours with TalkSport radio alongside Geoffrey Boycott. Chris was also Chairman of an Auction fundraising business from 2007-2011 and has been an avid supporter of many charities, culminating in his appointment as President of the The Lord’s Taverners. Chris made his name as an entertaining speaker after his sports career at a wide range of sporting and corporate events. His natural humour lends itself to any event whether with a sporting bias or not. He is also an effective motivational speaker. The son of a famous father, he emerged as a natural leader himself. Chris also has a great understanding of how to run an event with his experience in the business as an MC. You are guaranteed with Chris at the helm that the event has the right blend of humour and entertainment and will have the best chance of running to time. His charm will ensure a good atmosphere. He has hosted many of the major awards events and is comfortable with autocue, scripts and interviews. Chris has conducted more than 50 Auctions every year since 2007 when he founded a charity fundraising business. His natural humour and charisma has made him a popular auctioneer who claims never to ‘go on too long to spoil the fun of the evening!’.
