“The Wizard of Leisure”

Described by El País newspaper as “El mago del ocio” — “The Wizard of Leisure” — Julio Bruno is a London-based international executive, chair, founder and investor who builds consumer platforms across hospitality, media and experience-led brands.

He is Executive Chairman of Lío Group, the luxury dining-show and nightlife platform with destinations including Ibiza, Mallorca, Mykonos and London. He is also Founder & CEO of BeBeMe, a London wine merchant and hospitality business, and owner of Bottles at Old Spitalfields Market.

Wikipedia

Through BR1 Creative, Julio advises owners, boards and investors on strategy, digital transformation, operating models, M&A and international expansion. He has also acted as an investor, advisor or board director to a select portfolio, including (among others) Mercato Metropolitano, Trilantic Capital, L Catterton, LifeX Ventures, Floe, Audicus, Roasting Plant Coffee, ¡Hola! and Cervantes Theatre.

Previously, Julio was Chief Executive Officer of Time Out Group plc, leading its AIM IPO (2016), subsequent capital raises, a multi-year turnaround and digital transformation, and the international scaling of Time Out Market, which became a global benchmark in premium food halls.

Recipient of two Spanish state honours, conferred by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain: The Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic (2025) and the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (2019).

He has also been recognised on the HERoes Advocate Executives, EMpower Advocate Executive and OUTstanding LGBT+ lists (2021).

He writes a bi-weekly column for La Nueva España on international affairs, socioeconomics and culture, hosted The Internationalist podcast (2022–2024), and is the author of Passion to Lead (2022). He was named Business Leader of the Year – Consumer Media (Campaign Publishing Awards, 2021).