Mike Hutchenson
Innovation expert, creative strategist and business leader helping organisations think differently
Overview
Mike Hutchison is an innovation expert, creative strategist and business leader who has spent decades helping organisations unlock new ideas, drive growth and stay ahead of change. With a career spanning advertising, product development, innovation and business leadership, Mike is recognised for his ability to challenge conventional thinking and inspire organisations to embrace creativity as a competitive advantage. His engaging presentations combine practical business insight with humour, energy and actionable strategies for innovation.
Who is Mike Hutchison?
Originally studying law, Mike Hutchison quickly discovered that his passion lay elsewhere—in the world of ideas, creativity and innovation. Early in his career, he was awarded the prestigious Reader's Digest Scholarship as New Zealand's Most Outstanding Young Advertising Man, a recognition that foreshadowed a highly successful career in advertising and business leadership.
Mike went on to hold senior leadership roles within the advertising industry, including serving as Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi. During this time, he worked with major brands and organisations, helping them develop innovative strategies, stronger customer connections and impactful marketing campaigns.
Driven by a passion for creativity and innovation, Mike later founded The Lighthouse Ideas Company, a consultancy focused on innovation, product development and helping businesses generate new opportunities for growth. His work has helped organisations across multiple industries build cultures of creativity and develop practical approaches to innovation.
Today, as Executive Director of Image Centre Group, Mike continues to work with organisations seeking fresh thinking, stronger innovation capability and better ways to adapt to an increasingly competitive world.
Career Highlights
• Awarded Reader's Digest Scholarship as New Zealand's Most Outstanding Young Advertising Man
• Former Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi
• Founder of The Lighthouse Ideas Company
• Executive Director of Image Centre Group
• Recognised expert in creativity, innovation and product development
• Successful entrepreneur, strategist and business leader
• International speaker, facilitator and innovation consultant
• Advisor to organisations seeking growth through innovation
Key Speaking Themes
• Innovation and creative thinking
• Building a culture of innovation
• Product development and new opportunities
• Leadership in changing environments
• Creativity as a business advantage
• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Customer engagement and market differentiation
• Adapting to disruption and change
What Your Audience Will Gain
Mike helps audiences understand how innovation can become a practical, everyday capability rather than an occasional breakthrough. Through engaging stories, real-world examples and proven frameworks, attendees learn how to generate better ideas, solve problems creatively and build organisations that thrive in changing markets. Audiences leave inspired, challenged and equipped with practical tools to drive innovation and growth.
Ideal For
• Innovation and future-focused conferences
• Leadership and executive forums
• Business growth and strategy events
• Marketing and communications conferences
• Entrepreneurship and startup programmes
• Corporate transformation initiatives
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Mike Hutchison speak about?
Mike speaks about innovation, creativity, leadership, product development, business growth and building organisations that thrive through change.
Who is Mike Hutchison?
Mike Hutchison is an innovation expert, former advertising executive, entrepreneur and business leader with decades of experience helping organisations unlock creative potential.
What is Mike Hutchison best known for?
He is best known for his leadership roles in advertising, founding The Lighthouse Ideas Company and helping businesses drive innovation and growth.
What companies has Mike Hutchison led?
Mike has served as Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi, founded The Lighthouse Ideas Company and currently serves as Executive Director of Image Centre Group.
Why is Mike Hutchison a sought-after keynote speaker?
His combination of business experience, creativity and practical innovation strategies helps organisations turn ideas into measurable results.
What leadership lessons does Mike Hutchison teach?
He focuses on innovation, adaptability, creative problem-solving, strategic thinking and building cultures that encourage new ideas.
Who benefits most from Mike Hutchison's presentations?
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, marketers, executives and organisations seeking innovation and growth gain significant value from his insights.
Is Mike Hutchison available for keynote presentations and workshops?
Yes. Mike Hutchison is available for keynote speaking engagements, innovation workshops, leadership programmes and business conferences.