Björn Ognibeni: Digital Strategist
Digital transformation strategist Björn Ognibeni advises global leaders on AI and Chinese digital innovation, translating complex technological change into commercially actionable strategy.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Founder of ChinaBriefs.io, focused on China’s digital and AI ecosystem
- Co-Founder and former Managing Director of BuzzRank GmbH, acquired by dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur
- Specialist in AI, digital transformation and Chinese innovation models
- Lecturer in Digital Strategy at Hamburg School of Business Administration
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Digital Transformation Strategist
- Audiences: Corporate boards, C-suite executives, innovation leaders, strategy teams and organizations navigating AI adoption and global digital competition.
- Outcomes:
- Clear understanding of China’s digital innovation landscape and AI-driven business models
- Strategic frameworks for applying emerging technologies in established organizations
- Practical guidance for leading digital transformation with commercial realism
- Travels from:
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Björn Ognibeni’s official speaker topics are listed below:
- From Dark Factories to Realtime Treasury: China’s “Zero-Touch” Enterprises as the Benchmark for Digitalization in 2026
- Your Competitor Has a 5-Year Plan. Do You?: Why China Builds Your “Nightmare Competitor” with NQPF & AI+
- AI Beyond the Bubble: Escaping the “Efficiency Trap” to Drive Real Business Value
- The 4 Modes of E-Commerce: How China Defines the Future of Online Retail with AI, Experience & Community
- AGI vs. Augmented Collective Intelligence: A More Human Vision for the Future of AI
Talent Short Bio
Björn Ognibeni is a digital strategist, keynote speaker and long-standing consultant specializing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and Chinese digital innovation. With more than two decades of hands-on experience, he is widely recognized for helping Western organizations understand and apply innovation impulses from China in ways that are commercially relevant and operationally realistic.
Originally trained in Physics, Björn later completed a Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Göttingen, where he was part of the Institute for Marketing and Commerce’s New Media research group. His early consulting career focused on organizational and IT projects, including quality management initiatives for suppliers to Volkswagen. He later held senior roles at Icon Medialab, GoViral in London and trnd International, shaping digital strategy and business development during the formative years of large-scale digital adoption. He was also involved in launching some of Germany’s first social media customer service channels for Deutsche Telekom and Deutsche Bahn.
Read Full Bio
Björn Ognibeni is a digital strategist and long-standing consultant specialising in digital transformation, AI and Chinese digital innovation. With more than two decades of hands-on experience, he is best known for helping Western organisations understand and apply innovation impulses coming from China in a way that is commercially relevant and operationally realistic. As Founder of ChinaBriefs.io and a trusted advisor to major global brands, Björn has built a reputation for turning complex technological change into clear strategic direction that senior leaders can act on with confidence.
Björn’s early career laid the foundations for this pragmatic approach. He studied Physics before completing a Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Göttingen, where he was part of the Institute for Marketing and Commerce’s New Media research group. This academic grounding was quickly complemented by real-world consulting work, initially advising on organisational and IT projects, including quality management initiatives for suppliers to Volkswagen. He went on to hold senior roles at Icon Medialab, GoViral in London and trnd International, where he helped shape digital strategy, business development and innovative communication models at a time when many organisations were only beginning to grasp the impact of digital change. A particularly formative period was his involvement in launching some of Germany’s first social media customer service channels for Deutsche Telekom and Deutsche Bahn, experiences that embedded a deep understanding of large, complex organisations and their constraints.
Over the course of his career, Björn has delivered a series of notable achievements that underpin his authority as a keynote speaker. He is Co-Founder and former Managing Director of BuzzRank GmbH, a leading social media analytics company that he successfully led to a strategic acquisition by dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur in 2017. In 2019, he launchedChinaBriefs.io, an online think tank designed to provide Western executives with fresh, unfiltered insights into China’s digital ecosystem, from super-apps to AI-driven business models. Alongside his consulting and speaking work, Björn is Lecturer in Digital Strategy at Hamburg School of Business Administration and Co-Founder and Strategic Director of the XRLab at the University of Münster, roles that keep him closely connected to both academic research and executive education.
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (35)
- (2)
Daniel Burrus is heralded as one of the globe’s preeminent futurist speakers on global trends and disruptive innovation. With an extraordinary ability to translate complex technological trends into actionable business insights, Burrus has become a pivotal figure in strategic consulting. His keen insights and articulate delivery have earned him accolades from prestigious publications like The […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Futurists Speakers
- (13)
Alex Goryachev is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of “Fearless Innovation,” and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (8)
Rebeca Hwang is a Professor of Practice at Thunderbird and the Senior Director for Thunderbird’s new Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business. Ms. Hwang is also a Managing Partner at Kalei Ventures. Rebeca is a venture capital investor who has collected experiences as innovator and inventor, founder and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, educator and ecosystem builder. […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (20)
Michelle Lee is a trailblazing AI keynote speaker, renowned technology strategist, and leadership expert who is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. As the founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies, she has carved out a niche in guiding organizations through the complexities of AI adoption, ethical implementation, and future-ready leadership. With a […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Futurists Speakers
- (54)
Dan Chuparkoff is a keynote speaker with more than 25 years of hands-on, team-transformation experience at organizations of all shapes and sizes. He’s been a leader at Google, McKinsey, Atlassian, and an impressive array of startups and enterprises. He has consulted with countless other teams on AI, innovation, change-management, and collaboration. Dan’s clients have included […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Innovation Speakers
- (141)
Jonathan Brill is a globally recognized futurist, innovation strategist, and thought leader, ranked as the #1 Futurist in the World by Forbes. Renowned for his ability to foresee and navigate complex business landscapes, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and leading organizations on how to anticipate disruption and leverage emerging opportunities. His insights on […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Futurists Speakers
- (18)
Lital Marom challenges current and future leaders to develop a bolder vision for human potential. She believes that from human potential springs business potential, and it should be used to create a more sustainable, inclusive future. Lital Marom got her start building computer systems for companies in Israel and Europe, before advancing to lead global […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (23)
- (2)
Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
