The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF) inaugural conference and awards dinner will be back in 2023, taking place on Thursday 7 December, and the federation has revealed its first conference speaker as Nick Leeson.
Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes, the IAAF is said to be bringing talks, insights and trends from industry experts, plus networking opportunities, announcement of the IAAF award winners, food and entertainment to the industry.
This year’s theme apparently focuses on “the brilliance of resilience” and will discuss how the aftermarket continues to evolve in the ever-changing world.
The IAAF has confirmed Nick Leeson as its first speaker signed up to address delegates at the event. The original “rogue trader” whose risk-taking reportedly caused the collapse of Barings Bank, and whose story was turned into a movie starring Ewan McGregor.
Former derivatives trader, Leeson, is said to be known for bankrupting Barings Bank, the UK’s oldest merchant bank, in 1995. After opening a Future and Options office in Singapore, Leeson became a rogue trader, eventually supposedly losing over $1 billion of Baring’s capital as its head of operations on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
Whilst serving his sentence in a Singapore prison, Leeson was diagnosed with cancer. In 1999 he was released from prison and returned to the UK where he is said to have re-built his life.
The book he wrote in prison, based on his life, was then turned into a film and in 2001 he says he completed a Psychology degree. Leeson claims to have held various positions over the years including General Manager of Galway United Football Club, rising to CEO of the club before his resignation in February 2011.
Mark Field, chief executive at IAAF comments: “We’re delighted to have Nick join us on 7 December to discuss how he brought himself ‘back from the brink’, overcoming huge challenges, mentally and physically, and using his experiences to educate others.”
The IAAF’s 2023 event is apparently predicted to sell out fast, so the federation is encouraging the automotive aftermarket to book tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Field adds: “We hope businesses in the aftermarket will join us in celebrating our brilliant sector once again and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes in December.”
