Simon Orrell

Simon Orrell is an internationally respected agile coach and product management expert with over two decades of experience in transforming how teams and organizations build value. Originally trained as a metallurgical engineer, Simon transitioned into the agile world in 2004, where he has since helped organizations navigate complexity, enable collaboration, and scale with intention.

He became a Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC) in 2010 and has contributed significantly to the development of scaling frameworks and agile learning pathways. His breadth of industry experience includes software and hardware development, construction and operations, finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Known for his pragmatic, systems-based coaching, Simon helps teams and leaders break down silos, improve product delivery, and foster long-term adaptability.

Simon also brings a human-centered lens to his work, influenced by his background in music and engineering. He was recently selected by Scrum Alliance to co-develop their Scaling Agility curriculum, a reflection of his thought leadership and deep practical knowledge. Whether working with teams on the ground or coaching senior executives, Simon partners with organizations to unlock their full agile potential.

Industry Experience

Automotive & Mobility Energy & Natural Resources Financial Services Healthcare & Life Sciences Infrastructure & Construction Media & Entertainment Social & Public Sector Technology Transportation

Work with Simon

Simon is open to provide training, coaching and consulting services. Contact us to learn more about how Simon can support you.

Articles & Case Studies

Agile Turkey Summit 2017 – "Billion Dollar Agile"

In this talk, Simon discusses applying Scrum values and principles to large construction projects, sharing insights from his experience in the oil and gas industry.

Why Scaling Agility So Often Fails (And What to Do About It)

Simon explores common pitfalls in scaling Agile practices and offers strategies to address them effectively.

Beating Production Expectations by Embracing Agility

Simon shares how Agile principles can lead to exceeding production expectations, drawing from real-world applications.

Conjunction Junction: Split User Stories with Grammar

Simon introduces a technique for breaking down user stories using grammatical cues, enhancing clarity and manageability.

LabScrum: A Case Study for Agility in Academic Research Labs

Simon co-authored this case study on adapting Scrum for academic research environments, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional settings.

Executing Large EPC/EPCM Projects Using Scrum Values and Principles

This experience report explores how Scrum was successfully applied to large-scale Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC/EPCM) projects—traditionally managed using rigid methods. Faced with communication breakdowns, silos, and lack of accountability, the team experimented with Scrum values like Focus, Courage, Openness, Respect, and Commitment. The approach led to better collaboration, visibility, and delivery by adapting Scrum roles and events to the engineering context—demonstrating that Agile principles are effective well beyond software.