Neal Stone

Neal Stone is a visionary leader in design and innovation, renowned for his transformative approach to integrating design thinking into organisations’ strategies. Founding leapSTONE in 2009, he uses design and creativity to cut through complexity, help organisations better understand their customers' needs and deliver innovative solutions. His work in various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and conservation, showcases his versatility and commitment to driving positive change.

Neal believes design is a fundamental business tool that convenes diverse teams, aligns perspectives, and generates sustainable value. His strategic use of design focuses on the end-to-end customer experience delivering significant advancements with clients including Intercontinental Hotels Group, NHS, WWF-UK, DfT, South Western Railway, BBC and regional governments.

His contributions to projects highlight his ability to blend innovation with practical, impactful solutions in complex multi-stakeholder environments like the London 2012 Olympic Torch, new UK high speed trains, reducing violence in A&E and the world’s first flat beds in business class for British Airways, where he was Head of Design.

Neal's influence extends beyond his projects; he is a coach to SMEs for (Innovate UK’s) Design for Growth, Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and Member of the Design Management Institute. He has taught at Royal College of Art and Imperial College Business School. Through his teaching and leadership, Neal continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to harness the power of design to create a more sustainable, equitable world. When not designing he is an o]shore skipper and music enthusiast.