Tom Oliver is a businessman, global social entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and visionary who has worked with some of the world’s leading figures, such as Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and the CEOs of several Fortune 500 companies.
Tom Oliver is the Founder and Chair of the global Leadership Circle at the Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom, where he teaches and mentors MBA students from dozens of countries. Oliver grew up in Germany and the USA; he attended the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania and completed a master’s degree in economics at the University of Cologne in Germany.
Oliver is the founder and CEO of the World Peace Foundation and the founder of the World Peace Festival, which Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu called “the most influential peace gathering in history.” The World Peace Foundation has been supported by many dignitaries and Nobel Prize laureates and by an impressive list of international partners, including the United Nations, Virgin, and Google, philanthropists such as Peter Buffett, and business leaders such as Richard Branson.
His expertise is sought after by corporations including Google, financial institutions such as the World Bank, and business schools such as Kellogg School of Management. The European Parliament, the UN, and several governments including those of Austria and China have invited Tom to address the world’s leaders.
Tom Oliver is dedicated to the concept of business as a catalyst for social change. He has been a member of the Global Philanthropists Circle, which includes 70 of the leading philanthropic families in the world. Oliver´s work has received numerous awards and recognitions, among them the title of “Best practices and innovations in individual philanthropy and social investment around the world” by the Synergos Institute. Oliver has been awarded a lifelong seat as a creative member in the think tank the Club of Budapest and a lifelong seat as a distinguished member in the Committee of the 100 for Tibet.
Tom Oliver is also a renowned singer and songwriter, artist, pianist and music producer. As a live performer, he has headlined festivals around the world.
Oliver is also a passionate surfer, kitesurfer and kung fu black belt. He speaks five languages fluently (German, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese) and divides his time between the South of France, Germany, and New York.