Harry Gibson: The Visionary CEO Behind Riva Media’s Global Success
Harry Gibson is a name synonymous with excellence in media production, talent management, and speaker representation. As the Chief Executive Officer of Riva Media, a London-based media and talent agency, he brings more than three decades of professional experience working with world-leading organisations such as BBC, ITN, Global Radio, Al Jazeera, and Channel 4. His extraordinary journey from a broadcast journalist to a top-tier talent manager reflects the evolution of modern media entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom.
Born in Manchester and educated at Bolton School and the University of Nottingham, where he studied Politics, Harry Gibson’s foundation in communication and critical analysis paved the way for an outstanding career in broadcast journalism and executive production. Today, he leads Riva Media with innovation, strategic vision, and a passion for developing world-class talent.
Riva Media: The Creation and Legacy of Harry Gibson
The Founding Vision
Riva Media was founded in 2013 by Harry Gibson, driven by his vision to create a media powerhouse that merges talent representation, speaker management, and production excellence. With over 30 years of experience as a Speaker Agent, Talent Manager, Executive Producer, and Broadcaster, he transformed Riva Media into a globally recognised name in the events and broadcasting industries.
Under his leadership, Riva Media represents broadcasters, presenters, and thought-leaders from prestigious organisations such as BBC, ITV, Bloomberg, The Times, The Financial Times, TRT World, DW, TalkTV, and Al Jazeera. Beyond representation, the company plays a vital role in developing new broadcasting talent, identifying rising stars, and connecting them with global opportunities.
Expanding into Event and Speaker Services
As a Speaker Agent, Harry Gibson has positioned Riva Media as a go-to partner for organisations seeking celebrity speakers, motivational presenters, business experts, and event hosts. The agency supplies keynote speakers across technology, sustainability, business, sport, and entertainment, offering diverse personalities ranging from entrepreneurs and innovators to sports legends and political commentators.
Riva Media’s versatility also extends to providing event MCs and moderators for conferences, awards ceremonies, and live broadcasts, ensuring that clients receive high-quality, professional talent that elevates their events.
Harry Gibson’s Professional Journey in Broadcasting
Early Career: The BBC Years
Harry Gibson began his media career at BBC Radio in the late 1980s, serving as a Senior Broadcast Journalist for eight years. During this period, he contributed to popular programmes such as Newsbeat, BBC GLR, and BBC Radio Northampton. His time at the BBC equipped him with valuable editorial skills, audience insight, and the discipline of high-pressure newsroom environments.
The ITN and ITV News Era
After his BBC Radio years, Harry Gibson moved to ITN, where he flourished as a Senior Producer, Programme Editor, and later as Executive Producer. His work on ITV News spanned more than a decade, during which he oversaw flagship broadcasts such as the Lunchtime News, Evening News, News at Ten, and Weekend News.
From 1998 to 2013, his editorial leadership contributed to the accuracy, professionalism, and visual appeal of ITV News programming. He also worked as Assistant Editor and Senior Programme Editor for the ITV News Channel, managing both production and on-air content during critical news events.
Global Experience: Al Jazeera English and LBC 97.3
Harry Gibson’s international experience expanded further at Al Jazeera English, where he served as Programme Editor between 2013 and 2020. His editorial guidance shaped current-affairs programming viewed by millions worldwide. In 2013, he also worked briefly as Executive Producer at LBC 97.3, part of the Global Radio Group, enhancing his credentials as a multifaceted media professional.
Diversifying Media Operations: Hair and Makeup Services
One of Harry Gibson’s most remarkable entrepreneurial achievements is the diversification of Riva Media into broadcast hair and makeup management. Between 2015 and 2022, Riva Media successfully operated major contracts for leading news organisations.
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For four years, the company ran the BBC News Hair and Makeup Department in London, serving all flagship programmes, including BBC One’s One, Six and Ten O’Clock News, Newsnight, BBC World, Arabic, and Persian Services.
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Following this, Riva Media managed the Hair and Makeup Department at Alaraby TV Network, providing over 240 hours of service per week for live programming.
This expansion into broadcast services demonstrates Harry Gibson’s entrepreneurial instincts — turning creative vision into operational excellence and offering integrated solutions for television networks and production houses.
Leadership Style and Core Expertise of Harry Gibson
Talent Management
Harry Gibson’s leadership in talent representation is built on trust, mentorship, and strategic networking. He identifies potential in media professionals and nurtures their growth through expert guidance and high-profile placements. His roster includes presenters, moderators, and thought-leaders who have shaped contemporary journalism and event hosting across Europe and beyond.
Speaker Representation and Global Reach
As a speaker agent, Harry Gibson ensures Riva Media consistently delivers exceptional talent for corporate events, summits, and conferences. The agency’s expertise spans multiple domains — technology, sustainability, leadership, diversity & inclusion, sports motivation, and entertainment — making it a preferred choice for major organisations worldwide.
Executive Production Excellence
With over 30 years of media experience, Harry Gibson’s executive production background allows him to oversee all aspects of broadcast content — from planning and editing to final delivery. His meticulous attention to detail and creative flair make him one of the most respected figures in the British media industry.
Educational Background and Personal Roots
Harry Gibson’s educational path mirrors his professional depth. He attended Bolton School, an institution known for fostering independent thinking and leadership, before earning a Politics degree from the University of Nottingham. This academic grounding in political science sharpened his analytical and communication skills — attributes that later defined his success as a journalist and entrepreneur.
Originally from Manchester, he has built his career and company in London, establishing Riva Media at the heart of one of the world’s most competitive media markets. Despite his global reach, he remains proudly connected to his Northern English roots, combining regional authenticity with cosmopolitan professionalism.
The Entrepreneurial Edge of Harry Gibson
Harry Gibson stands out not only as a media professional but also as an entrepreneur who reimagined the business of broadcasting. His ability to combine creativity with strategic business acumen has allowed Riva Media to thrive in multiple sectors:
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Talent representation and coaching
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Speaker booking and event management
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Broadcast production and editing
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Hair and makeup services for major networks
By uniting these services under one brand, he has built a sustainable business model that integrates talent, technology, and production expertise — a rare combination in the British media landscape.
Harry Gibson’s Lasting Impact and Future Vision
As the media landscape evolves with digital transformation, Harry Gibson continues to innovate. His focus on diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity speakers shows his commitment to representing voices that reflect modern society. His leadership ensures that Riva Media remains adaptable, forward-looking, and globally relevant.
Looking ahead, Harry Gibson aims to strengthen Riva Media’s position as a global talent hub, connecting brands with influential speakers and ensuring the agency remains synonymous with quality, reliability, and creativity.
FAQs
1. Who is Harry Gibson?
Harry Gibson is the Chief Executive Officer of Riva Media, a London-based talent and speaker management agency. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked as a Talent Manager, Speaker Agent, Executive Producer, and Broadcaster for organisations such as the BBC, ITN, Global Radio, Channel 4, and Al Jazeera.
2. What is Riva Media?
Riva Media is a media and talent agency founded by Harry Gibson in 2013. The company specialises in representing broadcasters, speakers, moderators, and experts, and also provides keynote speakers, event MCs, and production services to major organisations around the world.
3. What are Harry Gibson’s main areas of expertise?
Harry Gibson’s expertise includes talent management, speaker representation, broadcast production, and executive leadership. He is known for mentoring high-profile media professionals and supplying world-class speakers for global events and conferences.
4. Where did Harry Gibson study?
Harry Gibson studied Politics at the University of Nottingham and previously attended Bolton School. His academic foundation in communication and political science has played a key role in shaping his media career.
5. What makes Harry Gibson a leading figure in the UK media industry?
Harry Gibson’s success lies in his blend of creative and entrepreneurial skills. His ability to combine television production experience with talent management and event expertise has made him a respected leader and innovator in British media and global event management.
Conclusion: Why Harry Gibson Matters in Today’s Media World
Harry Gibson’s story is one of perseverance, versatility, and vision. From his early days at BBC Radio to his executive roles at ITN and Al Jazeera, and now as the dynamic CEO of Riva Media, he has continually redefined what it means to be a media entrepreneur.
His ability to balance editorial precision with creative innovation makes him a standout figure in British broadcasting. As a Talent Manager, Speaker Agent, and Executive Producer, Harry Gibson continues to influence the future of media and events worldwide — empowering talent, connecting ideas, and setting new standards for professional excellence.
