Outernet CEO Philip O’Ferrall to Co-chair London's Bid for World Pride
Philip O’Ferrall, CEO and co-founder of Outernet will become the co-chair of the UK’s 2030 WorldPride bid. He joins Christopher Joell-Deshields, Chief Executive of Pride in London as his fellow chair.
Philip has led game changing shifts in broadcasting and immersive entertainment. He brings decades of experience in the media sector including a 13-year tenure as Executive Vice President at broadcaster ViacomCBS prior to launching Outernet.
As one of the highest-profile LGBTQ + executives in the entertainment industry social action and the inclusion of minority groups have always been central to Philip’s work. Whilst global Executive Champion for Viacom’s LGBTQ+ group Philip made major changes to the D&I policies to help protect LGBTQ+ staff. In 2016 he was the winner of the Abercrombie & Fitch European Diversity Champion award.
Outernet is also the official sponsor of the bid. Across its giant screens Outernet presents extraordinary communal arts, culture and media experiences for audiences and brands – all free to attend.
World Pride would be a transformational moment for London and the UK in many ways driving huge economic investment and delivering a comprehensive 10-day festival that goes beyond celebration to create lasting change.
The bid will showcase London's world-class infrastructure and vibrant LGBTQ+ community while emphasising key priorities including:
Pushing for comprehensive reform of the Gender Recognition Act
Advocating for a complete ban on conversion therapy
Improving LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools
Enhancing support for LGBTQ+ persons seeking asylum
Philip O’Ferrall, CEO of Outernet said:
“We have had a strong relationship with Pride since we opened and at the heart of Outernet is the power of community and inclusion. World Pride coming to the UK would be a pivotal moment. I want to create something that champions everything Pride stands for and call upon business leaders to support an event that will generate hundreds of millions for the UK economy. I’m so proud to lead the bid both with Christopher and his team to build on all the great work they have done with Pride along with the huge support from the Mayor and City Hall.”
Christopher Joell-Deshields, Chief Executive of Pride in London said:
“I am delighted to welcome Philip O'Ferrall as my co-chair of the World Pride 2030 steering committee. As both a prominent LGBTQ+ business leader and CEO of Outernet, Philip will help us bridge London's business sector and LGBTQ+ community as we develop our bid. Together, we'll work closely with our diverse LGBTQ+ organisations to create a compelling vision for World Pride that not only celebrates our city's values of inclusion but will deliver a transformative legacy for London's LGBTQ+ community.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I’m delighted that Philip O’Ferrall and Outernet are a key part of London’s bid to host World Pride. Philip’s wealth of experience in the entertainment industry and as a LGBTQ+ rights champion will be integral to demonstrating why our capital is a beacon of inclusivity and the perfect host for World Pride 2030. This prestigious event will celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, welcome visitors from across the globe and bring a significant boost to London’s economy. I’m committed to helping to deliver a fantastic event in London, as we build a better, more inclusive city for everyone.”