Simon_Knocker | thebigteam

Simon Knocker
Programme, Project & Transformation Change Leader

Programme and Transformation Director | Automotive & Business Change Expert | Founder of thebigteam

Simon Knocker is a highly accomplished Programme, Project, and Transformation Change Manager with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex, large-scale transformation programmes for global blue-chip brands. A former British Army officer, Simon’s leadership journey began at Sandhurst, where he graduated in the top 10 of all officer cadets. Since then, he has built a career defined by innovation, commercial acumen, and the ability to deliver measurable business change.

Simon has held senior leadership and consulting roles with Societe Generale, Papworth Trust, Audi UK, Volkswagen Group UK, Jaguar Land Rover Global, and Volvo Cars UK, as well as founding and managing FlyMeNow – the world’s first online private aviation booking platform, often described as “the Uber of the skies”.

Driving Transformation Across Global Brands

As the founder and Managing Director of thebigteam, Simon leads a consultancy renowned for delivering award-winning change, innovation, and engagement programmes. His recent projects include:

Volkswagen Group UK (VWG) – Led the multi-brand transition to an agency retail model, managing 15+ workstreams and developing engagement tools such as an AI business simulator, network readiness tools, and gamified workshops for 700+ retailers.
Jaguar Land Rover (Global) – Designed and delivered the Customer Services Target Operating Model, realising a £250m+ benefit case and earning recognition in the Financial Times.
Volvo Cars UK – Defined omnichannel strategy by benchmarking digital journeys against 15 leading brands and retailers, shaping the roadmap for Volvo’s future e-commerce transformation.
Scobie & Junor Group – Delivered e-commerce transformation and Target Operating Model (TOM) design for a major UK food distribution business.

Leadership, Innovation, and Cultural Change

Simon is recognised as a pioneer in programme delivery and cultural change management, combining strategic insight with creativity and energy. His approach to workshops and stakeholder engagement is dynamic and participative, ensuring ideas are surfaced, challenged, and shaped into actionable outcomes. He has developed multiple award-winning gamification techniques and AI-inspired sales tools to engage teams and embed change.

As a Certified PRINCE2 and Agile Practitioner and Barrett Values Centre Cultural Transformation Consultant, Simon blends structure and agility — applying the right tools, at the right time, to deliver tangible business results. He is also a qualified videographer, drone pilot, and workshop facilitator, reflecting his passion for creativity in business communication.

Testimonials

“His change management expertise was invaluable, particularly in the design and delivery of large scale training and workshops. Simon doesn’t just complete the tasks at hand; he shares ideas and experience, empowers others to lead, and makes change sustainable.”
— Penny Ross-Smith, VWG UK Transformation Lead

“Simon first worked with me whilst I was at JLR. Within days of working with him a load was taken away from me as he could lead complex changes and solve difficult problems with pragmatic and innovative solutions. His style bringing energy, fun and making change easier for the business was refreshing.”
— Anna McGhee, Global Team, Jaguar Land Rover

“His process improvement was legendary, and with a focus on measurable results, people were queuing up for his help when he worked for me whilst I was at Audi UK. He also helped me when I was building @Objectivity (now Accenture) and we worked together delivering solutions for Volkswagen and others. I will definitely work with Simon again.”

— Peter Brookes-Smith, Managing Director, Objectivity

Passions and Personal Interests

Away from work, Simon is an adventurous sports enthusiast. He’s a qualified RYA Skipper, windsurfing and ski instructor, and enjoys sailing, skiing, and wakeboarding with his family. Whether leading a mountain expedition or a boardroom transformation, Simon thrives on energy, challenge, and delivering impact.