Stephen O'Brien CBE, Hon LLD, Hon DSc., DUniv.
Stephen O'Brien is Chairman of London First and Vice Chairman of its subsidiary Think London, the inward investment agency for London. London First's mission is to engage business in promoting and improving London, to ensure that it has the resources, leadership and infrastructure it needs to head the league of world cities.
From 1983-1992, Stephen O'Brien was Chief Executive of Business in the Community and he continues as Vice Chairman. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University of East London and Chairman of the London Regional Council of The Prince's Trust, Joint Chair of Teach First and Chair of International Health Partners. Other trusteeships include The Prince of Wales' International Business Leaders Forum, Civilians Remembered Trust, Academy Sponsors Trust, The Place2Be and London Cares.
Prior to leading business involvement in community work, Stephen O'Brien's business career culminated as Chairman of Charles Fulton Holdings, and Chairman of the Foreign Exchange and Currency Deposit Brokers Association.
Former community activity included Chairman and Co-founder of Project Fullemploy and Co-founder of Cranstoun, the drug rehabilitation charity. He was awarded the CBE in 1987, an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Liverpool in 1994, an Honorary Doctor of Science by the City University in 2000 and an Honorary Doctorate (DUniv) from Middlesex University in July 2001.
