50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI Strategy for Executives (2026)

Your executive team needs to understand artificial intelligence. Not the algorithms, not the architecture, not the code. They need to understand what AI means for your business model, your competitive position, your workforce, and your strategic decisions over the next three to five years. That is why finding the right keynote speaker on AI strategy for executives has become one of the most consequential booking decisions event organisers and leadership teams make in 2026.

The challenge is real. The AI keynote market is saturated with speakers who fall into one of two traps. Some are deeply technical, delivering presentations built for data scientists and engineers that leave executive audiences confused and disengaged. Others are pure futurists who paint dramatic pictures of a world twenty years from now but offer nothing actionable for the leadership decisions your team faces this quarter. The sweet spot, speakers who translate AI into strategy, governance, competitive advantage, and people leadership without requiring a computer science degree, is surprisingly narrow.

McKinsey's 2025 workplace research found that while almost every company is investing in AI, only 1% describe themselves as mature in deployment. CIO magazine reported that 61% of senior business leaders felt more pressure to prove AI ROI in 2025 than the year before. The gap between AI investment and AI value creation is enormous, and the bottleneck is almost never the technology. It is leadership clarity, strategic alignment, governance, and the ability to lead people through change.

This directory is the most comprehensive resource available for event planners, conference producers, and executive teams searching for keynote speakers who deliver AI strategy content for non-technical audiences globally. It covers 50 speakers across multiple categories, evaluation criteria, fee guidance, and a framework for making the right choice.

One important note before we begin. Many organisations discover that their biggest AI challenge is not the technology but the leadership and people challenge. If your event needs a speaker who addresses the human side of AI-driven change, helping leaders build aligned teams, navigate difficult conversations, and lead people through uncertainty, Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, is worth serious consideration. Jonno works with schools, corporates, and nonprofits around the world and regularly travels for speaking and facilitation engagements. International travel is often far more affordable than clients expect. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss your event.

How We Ranked These Speakers

The speakers in this directory were evaluated across six dimensions designed specifically for executive and board-level audiences. These criteria separate speakers who genuinely translate AI into business strategy from those who deliver recycled technology presentations with a business label attached.

First, executive accessibility. Can this speaker explain AI clearly to a room where the baseline technical understanding varies dramatically? The best speakers in this space adjust their depth without losing credibility. Second, strategic relevance. Does the speaker connect AI to business models, competitive positioning, governance, and leadership, or do they default to tools, demos, and product features?

Third, credentials and experience. Has this speaker actually advised CEOs, boards, or Fortune 500 organisations on AI strategy? We prioritised speakers with genuine corporate advisory experience, published research, and verifiable track records. Fourth, practical frameworks. Does the speaker provide actionable takeaways that executives can implement, or do they deliver inspiration without direction?

Fifth, audience customisation. Will they tailor content to your industry, your organisation's AI maturity level, and your specific strategic challenges? Sixth, independence. Is the speaker genuinely independent, or are they effectively promoting a software platform or consulting engagement? The most valuable AI strategy speakers give objective guidance rather than vendor pitches.

For more on how to evaluate keynote speakers and what to look for when booking, check out my blog post '50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI and the Future of Work (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-future-of-work.

The Complete Rankings

1. Jonno White, Clarity Group Global

At the top of our list is Jonno White, and for good reason. While many AI strategy speakers focus exclusively on the technology side of artificial intelligence, Jonno addresses the challenge that determines whether AI investments actually succeed: leadership alignment, team dynamics, communication, and the people side of transformation. He is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator delivering the world's fastest growing team assessment, completed by over 1.3 million people globally in less than five years.

Jonno is the bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally, host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast with 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries, and founder of The 7 Questions Movement with 6,000+ participating leaders. He achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference.

What makes Jonno particularly valuable for executive events focused on AI strategy is his ability to bridge the gap between the AI conversation and the leadership conversation. While technical AI speakers explain what the technology can do, Jonno addresses the team alignment, communication patterns, and leadership behaviours that determine whether organisations capture value from their AI investments. His Working Genius workshops, DISC sessions, and CliftonStrengths facilitation give executive teams practical tools they implement immediately.

Services include keynote presentations, half-day and full-day workshops, executive team offsites, strategic facilitation, and professional MC services for conferences and events. Jonno has delivered across Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, Romania, South Africa, Finland, Namibia, Mongolia, and more. Many organisations find that flying Jonno in costs less than engaging high-profile local providers through speaker bureaus.

Best for: Executive leadership events, corporate offsites, and conferences where the audience needs the people and leadership lens on AI transformation. Ideal when your team needs help navigating change, building alignment, and leading through uncertainty.

To book Jonno White for your next event, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

2. Zack Kass (USA)

Zack Kass spent his time at OpenAI as Head of Go-to-Market, building the teams responsible for sales, partnerships, and customer success, turning GPT technology into real business solutions. He personally advised executives across dozens of industries on deploying AI at scale. His 2026 book The Next RenAIssance became a USA Today and LA Times bestseller.

Kass now works as an independent AI advisor and Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce. His keynotes focus on practical implications: how AI changes competitive dynamics, what skills employees need, how to evaluate AI vendors, and where the hype ends and real opportunity begins. He is particularly strong with non-technical executive audiences because he communicates with authority without relying on jargon.

Best for: Board retreats, C-suite strategy sessions, and flagship conference keynotes. Bureau: BigSpeak, Washington Speakers Bureau.

3. Cassie Kozyrkov (USA)

Cassie Kozyrkov founded the field of Decision Intelligence at Google, where she served as the company's first Chief Decision Scientist. She guided Google's transformation into an AI-first company and shaped how data and machine learning power innovation across the organisation. She has since launched her own consultancy, bringing her frameworks to organisations globally.

Her keynotes translate complex AI concepts into clear decision-making frameworks that business leaders can apply immediately. She is a Forbes AI cover star, LinkedIn Top Voice, and has captivated audiences across 40 countries. Her strength is making AI safe, reliable, and practical for leadership audiences who need to make decisions about AI investments without a technical background.

Best for: Executive strategy events, board-level AI governance discussions, and decision-focused leadership audiences. Bureau: BigSpeak, Washington Speakers Bureau.

4. Amy Webb (USA)

Amy Webb is a quantitative futurist, CEO of the Future Today Institute, and Professor of Strategic Foresight at New York University Stern School of Business. She publishes an annual Emerging Tech Trends report that is required reading for many corporate strategy teams. Her scenario planning methodology helps executives move from reactive to anticipatory strategy.

Her keynotes connect AI to long-range strategic planning, industry disruption, and competitive positioning. She is one of the most frequently booked futurist speakers on the corporate circuit and is particularly effective at helping executive teams think beyond the current quarter to the structural shifts AI will create over three to ten years.

Best for: Corporate strategy sessions, board retreats, and leadership summits focused on long-term AI planning. Bureau: Leading Authorities, Chartwell Speakers.

5. Ajay Agrawal (Canada)

Ajay Agrawal is a Professor at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and co-founder of the Creative Destruction Lab, the world's largest AI startup incubator. He is the co-author of Prediction Machines and Power and Prediction, two of the most widely cited books on AI business strategy.

His keynotes frame AI as a drop in the cost of prediction, giving executives a clear economic lens for understanding which business decisions AI will transform. He is one of the few speakers who can make the economic argument for AI investment in language that resonates with boards and C-suite audiences. At a recent ATB Financial event, the organiser reported that his session was referenced in business conversations for weeks after the presentation.

Best for: Corporate strategy events, innovation conferences, and executive audiences who need to understand AI's economic implications. Bureau: The Lavin Agency.

6. Sol Rashidi (USA)

Sol Rashidi is a pioneering AI leader who helped launch IBM's Watson and became one of the world's first Chief AI Officers. A former Fortune 100 executive with roles at Estee Lauder, Merck, and Royal Caribbean, she has led over 200 AI deployments worldwide. She bridges strategy and execution in a way that few speakers can match.

Her keynotes are intensely practical, focused on enterprise AI ROI, operating model transformation, and helping boards understand both the opportunity and governance requirements of AI adoption. She is a three-time TEDx speaker and bestselling author. Her corporate experience gives her presentations a credibility that purely academic or consulting speakers often lack.

Best for: Enterprise leadership events, board briefings, and organisations seeking practical AI deployment guidance. Bureau: BigSpeak, GDA Speakers.

7. Ethan Mollick (USA)

Ethan Mollick is an Associate Professor at the Wharton School and author of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. He is one of the most widely followed practical AI educators, known for his research-backed insights on how generative AI is actually being used in workplaces today.

His keynotes help executive audiences understand the real productivity gains from AI adoption and the management changes required to capture them. Mollick's research-driven approach makes him especially credible with sceptical executive audiences who want evidence rather than hype. He is the rare AI speaker who combines genuine academic rigour with highly practical, immediately applicable insights.

Best for: Executive education sessions, leadership development events, and organisations wanting research-backed frameworks for AI adoption.

8. Brian Solis (USA)

Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital analyst, futurist, and bestselling author who has been called a digital anthropologist. He advises Fortune 500 companies on business transformation, customer experience, and innovation strategy in the age of AI.

His keynotes connect AI disruption to customer behaviour, leadership transformation, and organisational reinvention. He is particularly strong when the event goal is executive mindset shift rather than technical education. His ability to connect technology trends to human behaviour makes him effective with mixed audiences.

Best for: Customer experience conferences, marketing leadership events, and organisations wanting AI connected to business transformation. Bureau: Talent Bureau, VaynerSpeakers.

9. Nina Schick (UK)

Nina Schick is the author of the world's first generative AI book, Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse, and is widely recognised as a creator of the Era of Generative AI narrative. She has advised world leaders including former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and President Joe Biden on AI governance and digital trust.

Her keynotes address the macro business impact of generative AI, synthetic media, and the trust challenges that AI creates for organisations and society. She is particularly effective for executive audiences grappling with AI governance, risk, and the strategic implications of a world where AI-generated content is indistinguishable from human content.

Best for: Board-level governance discussions, risk-focused executive events, and conferences addressing AI trust and integrity. Bureau: Washington Speakers Bureau, AI Speakers Agency.

10. Conor Grennan (USA)

Conor Grennan is the Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern and CEO of AI Mindset. He has emerged as one of the most effective practical AI educators for non-technical professionals, focusing on how executives can actually use generative AI in their daily work and decision-making.

His keynotes are intensely practical, teaching leaders the mindsets and habits they need to integrate AI into their professional lives. He is particularly effective with audiences who are overwhelmed by AI and need a confidence-building, hands-on approach rather than a strategic overview.

Best for: Leadership development events, executive education programmes, and organisations wanting hands-on AI productivity guidance for senior leaders. Bureau: Washington Speakers Bureau.

11. Bernard Marr (UK)

Bernard Marr is a globally recognised strategic business and technology advisor, bestselling author of over 20 books, and one of the most prolific AI business commentators in the world. His content regularly reaches millions through Forbes, LinkedIn, and his YouTube channel.

His keynotes translate enterprise AI strategy into clear, practical frameworks that link AI capabilities directly to business KPIs and competitive advantage. He is particularly effective at making complex technology accessible to senior leadership audiences without oversimplifying the strategic implications.

Best for: Corporate strategy events, executive education, and organisations wanting to connect AI to measurable business outcomes. Bureau: BigSpeak.

12. Nancy Giordano (USA)

Nancy Giordano is a strategic futurist who helps boards and leadership teams understand what comes after the first wave of AI adoption. She focuses on the longer-range strategic implications of AI for business models, organisational design, and competitive strategy.

Her keynotes challenge executive audiences to think beyond productivity gains and consider the fundamental business model shifts that AI enables. She is particularly valuable for organisations that have already begun their AI journey and need guidance on the next horizon of transformation.

Best for: Board retreats, strategic planning offsites, and executive audiences ready for beyond-the-basics AI strategy. Bureau: BigSpeak, Executive Speakers Bureau.

13. Noelle Russell (USA)

Noelle Russell brings experience from Accenture, AWS, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft AI, and IBM. She is explicitly positioned as helping business leaders implement AI into business strategy, combining deep technical knowledge with an ability to communicate at the executive level.

Her keynotes empower senior leaders to harness AI and digital transformation by providing clear implementation roadmaps rather than abstract visions. She is particularly effective for organisations at the early stages of AI strategy who need guidance on where to start and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Best for: Corporate AI strategy events, digital transformation summits, and organisations building their first AI roadmap. Bureau: Leading Authorities.

14. Alison McCauley (USA)

Alison McCauley is one of the clearest non-technical translators of AI for business professionals and leaders. Her bureau positioning explicitly highlights her ability to help executives who do not have technical backgrounds understand what AI means for their organisations and what to do next.

Her keynotes provide practical frameworks for executives who are being asked to make AI decisions without the technical background to evaluate the options. She is particularly valuable for mixed audiences where some leaders are AI-literate and others are just beginning their understanding.

Best for: Mixed-seniority executive audiences, industry conferences, and organisations wanting practical AI guidance for non-technical leaders. Bureau: Leading Authorities.

15. Clara Shih (USA)

Clara Shih is a former Salesforce AI leader now building business AI at Meta. She brings direct experience scaling customer-facing AI products at two of the world's largest technology companies. She has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Company Directors as a leading voice on digital transformation.

Her keynotes focus on customer-facing business AI, enterprise adoption, and digital transformation strategy. She is particularly strong for audiences focused on how AI will transform customer relationships, revenue models, and go-to-market strategy.

Best for: Sales and marketing leadership events, customer experience conferences, and enterprise AI adoption audiences. Bureau: Leading Authorities, Premiere Speakers.

16. Jonathan Brill (USA)

Jonathan Brill is the former Global Futurist at HP and is now positioned as a futurist-in-residence at Amazon. He focuses on the collision of AI, geopolitical, and economic trends, helping executives understand how these forces interact to create both risk and opportunity.

His keynotes help senior leaders act on the intersection of technology disruption and global uncertainty. He is particularly effective for organisations navigating AI strategy in the context of supply chain disruption, geopolitical tension, and macroeconomic volatility.

Best for: Corporate strategy events, risk-focused executive audiences, and organisations needing AI connected to broader business environment analysis. Bureau: Washington Speakers Bureau.

17. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (UK/USA)

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup and author of I, Human. He is one of the most published organisational psychologists in the world, and his keynotes address the psychological impact of AI on teams, the leadership traits needed for AI-augmented organisations, and why the human dynamics of AI adoption matter more than the technical implementation.

His combination of academic rigour and corporate leadership experience makes him one of the most credible voices on how AI changes team psychology and leadership effectiveness. He is particularly valuable for HR conferences and talent-focused executive events.

Best for: HR conferences, executive leadership events, and organisations wanting psychological science applied to AI transformation.

18. Mo Gawdat (UK/UAE)

Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer at Google X, where he played a pivotal role in commercialising groundbreaking technologies including self-driving cars. His book Scary Smart explores the future of AI, robotics, and ethics over the next two decades.

His keynotes explore AI's societal impact, ethical considerations, and what makes humans irreplaceable as intelligence becomes abundant. He brings a rare blend of genuine technical credibility from Google X with human-centric storytelling that connects with executive audiences on an emotional level.

Best for: Large conference keynotes, leadership summits focused on responsible AI, and events wanting a thought-provoking perspective on AI and humanity.

19. Allie K. Miller (USA)

Allie K. Miller was formerly the Global Head of Machine Learning Business Development for Startups and VC at Amazon Web Services. She launched IBM Watson's first multimodal AI team and has been named a TIME100 Most Influential Person in AI. She is the most followed AI business voice on LinkedIn.

Her keynotes focus on the AI-First mindset, helping businesses bridge the gap between technical AI potential and measurable business return. She is a vocal advocate for diversity in the AI workforce and accessible AI design.

Best for: Innovation conferences, tech-forward executive audiences, and events focused on enterprise AI scaling. Bureau: Various.

20. Simon Kriss (Australia)

Simon Kriss is Australia's leading voice on AI adoption, AI literacy, governance, and practical AI for boards and executive teams. He is strongly positioned for the non-technical executive audience, focusing on helping leaders understand what AI means for their organisation without requiring engineering knowledge.

His keynotes provide clear adoption strategies and governance frameworks specifically designed for board and C-suite audiences. He is particularly effective in the Australian and APAC market where organisations need locally relevant AI guidance alongside global perspective.

Best for: Australian and APAC executive events, board education sessions, and organisations building AI governance frameworks.

21. Nick Abrahams (Australia)

Nick Abrahams is a futurist, international keynote speaker, and author who is praised for translating complex AI and technology ideas into practical, forward-thinking insights. He brings a legal and governance perspective that is particularly valuable for board-level audiences concerned with AI risk and compliance.

His keynotes address practical AI adoption, governance, implementation, and industry-tailored strategy. He is represented by Saxton, ICMI, and Platinum speakers bureaus and is one of the most established AI business speakers in the Australian market.

Best for: Board briefings, governance-focused executive events, and Australian corporate audiences. Bureau: Saxton, ICMI, Platinum.

22. Ayesha Khanna (Singapore)

Ayesha Khanna is the CEO of ADDO AI and is widely positioned as an AI strategist for boards, smart cities, fintech, and business transformation across Asia. She brings deep experience helping organisations across the Asia-Pacific region navigate AI adoption at the strategic level.

Her keynotes combine global AI trends with region-specific implementation guidance, making her particularly valuable for multinational organisations with significant Asia-Pacific operations.

Best for: Asia-Pacific executive audiences, fintech conferences, and smart city leadership events. Bureau: Premiere Speakers.

23. Catriona Wallace (Australia)

Dr Catriona Wallace is the founder of the Gradient Institute and one of Australia's most prominent voices on responsible AI, corporate governance, and AI ethics for board directors. She has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings genuine boardroom credibility.

Her keynotes address AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, and the ethical considerations that boards and executive teams must address as AI becomes embedded in business operations.

Best for: Board education sessions, governance-focused conferences, and Australian executive audiences wanting responsible AI guidance. Bureau: Keynote Entertainment, Celebrity Speakers.

24. Martin Ford (USA)

Martin Ford is a New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Robots and Rule of the Robots. He is one of the most established voices on AI automation, the future economy, and long-term strategic planning for organisations navigating technological displacement.

His keynotes help executive audiences think beyond the current AI cycle to the structural economic shifts that AI will create. He is particularly effective for audiences that need a sobering, research-backed perspective alongside the optimism.

Best for: Economic forums, strategic planning events, and executive audiences wanting long-range AI impact analysis. Bureau: The Lavin Agency.

25. Kevin Roose (USA)

Kevin Roose is a New York Times technology columnist and bestselling author of Futureproof: 9 Rules for Surviving in the Age of AI. He brings a journalist's ability to find compelling human stories within complex technology trends.

His keynotes help executive audiences understand what humans can do that machines cannot, providing a framework for workforce strategy that goes beyond the standard automation narrative. He is particularly effective with audiences that are anxious about AI disruption.

Best for: Leadership summits, workforce transformation events, and audiences wanting a balanced human-centred AI perspective. Bureau: Leading Authorities.

26. Heather E. McGowan (USA)

Heather McGowan is arguably the most recognised future of work strategist globally. LinkedIn ranked her as its number one global voice for education, and Forbes named her one of the Top 50 Female Futurists. She is the co-author of The Adaptation Advantage and The Empathy Advantage.

Her keynotes focus on workforce adaptability, lifelong learning, and human capability in the AI era. She consistently brings the conversation back to people, making complex workforce transformation topics accessible through graphic frameworks and powerful metaphors.

Best for: HR conferences, workforce transformation events, and executive audiences focused on talent strategy in the AI era.

27. Stephen Scheeler (Australia)

Stephen Scheeler is the former CEO of Facebook for Australia and New Zealand and now CEO and co-founder of Omniscient. His career has given him a unique vantage point on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping business strategy and competitive advantage.

His keynotes draw on direct experience leading one of the world's most influential technology companies. He speaks on AI leadership, digital disruption, the future of business, and how organisations can position themselves to thrive in an AI economy.

Best for: Executive leadership events wanting a former big tech CEO who can speak with authority on AI strategy. Bureau: Saxton, Keynote Entertainment.

28. Peter Diamandis (USA)

Peter Diamandis is the founder and chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation and co-founder of Singularity University. He is one of the world's most recognised futurists and innovation speakers. His keynotes provide big-picture AI framing that helps executives understand the exponential nature of AI development.

He is particularly effective at expanding the ambition of executive audiences, helping them see AI not as a threat but as a tool for abundance and exponential growth. His presentations are high-energy and optimistic.

Best for: Innovation conferences, corporate strategy summits, and executive audiences wanting an expansive vision of AI possibility. Bureau: BigSpeak.

29. Ian Khan (Canada/USA)

Ian Khan is a technology futurist, national bestselling author, and creator of the Future Readiness Score, a system that helps organisations measure their readiness for technological transformation. He has been nominated for a Thinkers50 award and delivers keynotes for Fortune 1000 companies.

His keynotes combine AI, leadership, and strategic foresight into practical frameworks that help executives move from awareness to action. His Future Readiness methodology gives organisations a measurable baseline for their AI preparedness.

Best for: Corporate innovation conferences, technology leadership events, and organisations wanting a measurable framework for AI readiness.

30. Paul Roetzer (USA)

Paul Roetzer is the founder of the Marketing AI Institute and author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence. He has built one of the most comprehensive AI education platforms specifically for business professionals, with particular depth in marketing, sales, and revenue growth applications.

His keynotes help executive audiences understand how AI transforms marketing, sales, and customer acquisition. He is particularly effective for commercially focused audiences who need AI connected to revenue outcomes.

Best for: Marketing leadership events, revenue-focused executive audiences, and CMO-level conferences.

31. Elin Hauge (Norway)

Elin Hauge is an AI strategist based in Norway who connects artificial intelligence to sustainable and profitable business decision-making. She brings a European perspective on AI governance that is particularly relevant as EU AI regulation reshapes the global landscape.

Her keynotes help executives understand the intersection of AI strategy, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. She is particularly valuable for European audiences and organisations with significant European operations that need to navigate the EU AI Act.

Best for: European executive audiences, sustainability-focused conferences, and organisations navigating EU AI regulation.

32. Verity Harding (UK)

Verity Harding is a director at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University and a leading voice on AI policy, international regulation, and geopolitical risk. She co-founded several AI ethics organisations and brings genuine policy expertise to the keynote stage.

Her keynotes address the regulatory and geopolitical dimensions of AI that boards and executive teams must understand. She is particularly effective for multinational organisations navigating the increasingly complex global AI governance landscape.

Best for: Board governance sessions, policy-focused executive events, and multinational organisations. Bureau: Chartwell Speakers.

33. Nikki Greenberg (USA/Australia)

Nikki Greenberg is a world-leading futurist and innovation strategist focused on preparing organisations for a technology-enabled future. She is a thought leader, frequent speaker at leading global conferences, and recipient of numerous international awards.

Her keynotes help executive audiences understand AI's impact on physical assets, cities, real estate, and the built environment. She brings a unique angle that connects technology disruption to industries not traditionally associated with AI innovation.

Best for: Real estate and infrastructure conferences, urban planning leadership events, and industry-specific AI strategy.

34. Kai-Fu Lee (China/USA)

Kai-Fu Lee is the CEO of Sinovation Ventures and author of AI Superpowers, one of the most widely read books on AI geopolitics. He has held executive positions at Apple, Microsoft, and Google, giving him a perspective that spans both Eastern and Western AI ecosystems.

His keynotes provide a global perspective on AI strategy, particularly focusing on how different nations and regions approach AI development and what those differences mean for multinational organisations. He is one of the strongest speakers for executive audiences wanting to understand AI's geopolitical dimensions.

Best for: Global strategy events, geopolitics-focused executive audiences, and organisations with significant Asia operations.

35. Shelly Palmer (USA)

Shelly Palmer is one of the most widely booked AI transformation speakers for business leaders. His keynotes translate advanced AI concepts into clear, relatable language that helps non-technical executives understand what AI means for their organisations. He focuses on helping audiences move from AI awareness to AI action.

His ability to connect AI disruption to real-world business decisions across marketing, leadership, and culture makes him a consistent choice for corporate events seeking practical AI guidance without technical depth.

Best for: Marketing conferences, media events, and non-technical executive audiences.

36. Brian Evergreen (USA)

Brian Evergreen is a global AI strategy advisor and author of Autonomous Transformation. As Microsoft's former Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation, he has helped Fortune 500 companies implement AI agents to streamline workflows and decision-making.

His keynotes focus on redesigning roles and business processes in the era of agentic AI, emphasising empathy, ethics, and human creativity at the core of AI deployments. He is particularly strong on the transition from AI as a chatbot to AI as an autonomous agent.

Best for: Technology conferences, enterprise leadership events, and organisations implementing agentic AI at scale.

37. Daniel Susskind (UK)

Daniel Susskind is the author of A World Without Work and co-author of The Future of the Professions. As a fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, he brings genuine academic rigour to the question of what happens to jobs and professions as AI capabilities expand.

His keynotes challenge executive audiences to think beyond the optimistic narrative and grapple seriously with structural displacement risks. He is particularly effective for audiences that want intellectual honesty rather than pure optimism.

Best for: Academic and policy conferences, executive education events, and audiences wanting rigorous analysis of AI's workforce implications.

38. Ross Dawson (Australia)

Ross Dawson is a bestselling author, futurist, and one of Australia's most established voices on the intersection of humans and AI. He brings decades of experience helping organisations understand technology transformation.

His keynotes address AI strategy, the future of work, and how organisations can position themselves to thrive in an AI-driven economy. He is particularly effective for Australian and Asia-Pacific audiences wanting a locally credible voice on global AI trends.

Best for: Australian corporate events, APAC conferences, and organisations wanting a seasoned futurist perspective on AI.

39. Lital Marom (Canada)

Lital Marom is a global AI visionary and innovation strategist based in Canada. She focuses on platform business models, future-proofing organisations in the AI age, and helping leaders understand how AI fundamentally changes competitive dynamics.

Her keynotes help executives move beyond AI tools to AI strategy, understanding how artificial intelligence reshapes industries, value chains, and competitive positioning.

Best for: Innovation conferences, strategy-focused executive events, and audiences wanting AI connected to business model transformation.

40. Anders Sorman-Nilsson (Australia/Sweden)

Anders Sorman-Nilsson is a futurist who merges innovation with sustainability, offering bespoke, impactful keynotes. Trusted by organisations including Apple and Google, he transforms uncertainties into strategies, captivating audiences with actionable insights.

He is commonly booked in the Asia-Pacific region on digital and AI futures for business leaders. His dual Australian-Swedish base gives him a genuinely global perspective on technology adoption patterns.

Best for: APAC corporate events, sustainability-focused conferences, and organisations wanting AI connected to innovation strategy. Bureau: Keynote Entertainment.

41. Daron Acemoglu (USA)

Daron Acemoglu is a Nobel Prize-winning economist and MIT professor. His research on AI's macro-economic impacts, labour market disruption, and institutional shifts provides the most rigorous academic perspective available on what AI means for economies and organisations.

His keynotes bring genuine intellectual depth that is particularly valued by highly analytical executive audiences, board directors, and policy-oriented leadership teams.

Best for: Economic forums, board-level policy discussions, and academic-corporate crossover events. Bureau: The Lavin Agency.

42. Erik Qualman (USA)

Erik Qualman is a five-time bestselling author including Socialnomics and Digital Leader. He helps companies decode how digital behaviour, AI, and emerging technology are transforming leadership, trust, and performance.

He is the rare AI keynote speaker who speaks both executive and engineer, bridging the C-suite and the data lab. He connects AI disruption to real-world decisions across marketing, leadership, and culture without hype.

Best for: Marketing leadership events, corporate strategy sessions, and mixed-audience conferences.

43. Marek Kowalkiewicz (Australia)

Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz is a QUT professor and former SAP innovation leader. He combines academic framing with executive strategy and digital economy positioning, bringing a researcher's depth alongside practical corporate experience.

His keynotes address AI strategy, digital economy disruption, and how organisations can build sustainable competitive advantage in an AI-driven market. He is active on LinkedIn and brings genuine research depth to executive audiences.

Best for: Australian executive audiences, academic-corporate crossover events, and strategy-focused conferences.

44. Richard Foster-Fletcher (UK)

Richard Foster-Fletcher is the Founder and Executive Chair of MKAI.org and a leading advisor on AI strategy and governance. A former director at Oracle and graduate of the MIT AI Strategy program, he serves as an advisor to the United Nations and the UK Parliament on ethical AI implementation.

His keynotes take a counterintuitive approach, moving beyond the hype to discuss how AI reshapes human judgment and organisational culture. He is particularly effective for audiences wanting a governance-first perspective on AI strategy.

Best for: Governance-focused executive events, UK and European conferences, and policy-oriented leadership audiences. Bureau: Chartwell Speakers.

45. Jordan Morrow (USA)

Jordan Morrow is a leading voice on data and AI literacy and strategy for leadership audiences. He focuses on helping organisations build the foundational capabilities that executives and teams need before AI can be effectively deployed.

His keynotes address the literacy gap that prevents many organisations from capturing value from AI investments. He is particularly effective for organisations that recognise they need to build AI understanding across their leadership team before making strategic commitments.

Best for: Data literacy events, leadership development programmes, and organisations building foundational AI capability.

46. Toby Walsh (Australia)

Professor Toby Walsh is one of Australia's most prominent AI researchers and a leading voice on responsible AI adoption. He brings genuine technical credibility combined with an ability to communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical audiences.

His keynotes address the strategic, ethical, and societal dimensions of AI in a way that is accessible without being simplistic. He is particularly effective for executive audiences who want to understand both the opportunity and the risk.

Best for: Board education sessions, Australian corporate events, and executive audiences wanting a research-grounded AI perspective. Bureau: Keynote Entertainment.

47. Dan Chuparkoff (USA)

Dan Chuparkoff brings experience from Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian and is positioned as a practical AI educator for business audiences. He focuses on helping leaders understand how to integrate AI into existing workflows and team processes.

His keynotes translate enterprise AI experience from major technology companies into practical guidance for organisations at all stages of AI maturity.

Best for: Technology leadership events, practical AI adoption workshops, and enterprise audiences.

48. Michael McQueen (Australia)

Michael McQueen is a trend forecaster, business author, and one of Australia's most established keynote speakers. He focuses on change readiness and leadership adaptation in the AI era, helping audiences understand why some organisations thrive through disruption while others fail.

His keynotes connect AI disruption to broader patterns of organisational adaptation and resilience, making them effective for audiences who need the change management perspective alongside the technology conversation.

Best for: Australian corporate events, change management conferences, and executive audiences wanting AI connected to organisational resilience. Bureau: Keynote Entertainment.

49. Neil Hoyne (USA)

Neil Hoyne is the Chief Strategist at Google and a bestselling author. He specialises in data strategy and using AI to build better customer relationships, bringing direct Google experience to the keynote stage.

His keynotes help executive audiences understand how AI transforms customer relationships, data strategy, and business growth. He is particularly effective for commercially oriented audiences focused on revenue and customer value.

Best for: Marketing and sales leadership events, data strategy conferences, and commercially focused executive audiences. Bureau: The Lavin Agency.

Quick Comparison Table

Speaker	Country	Primary Angle	Best For
Jonno White	Australia	Leadership & people side of AI	Executive offsites, corporate events
Zack Kass	USA	Demystifying AI for leaders	Board retreats, C-suite sessions
Cassie Kozyrkov	USA	Decision Intelligence	Board governance, strategy events
Amy Webb	USA	Strategic foresight	Long-range planning, board retreats
Ajay Agrawal	Canada	AI economics	Corporate strategy, innovation
Sol Rashidi	USA	Enterprise AI deployment	Board briefings, practical AI
Ethan Mollick	USA	Practical AI adoption	Executive education, research-backed
Brian Solis	USA	Business transformation	Customer experience, mindset shift
Nina Schick	UK	Generative AI governance	Risk-focused, board-level
Conor Grennan	USA	AI mindset for executives	Hands-on AI productivity
Bernard Marr	UK	Enterprise AI strategy	KPI-linked AI strategy
Nancy Giordano	USA	Post-adoption AI strategy	Board retreats, strategic planning
Noelle Russell	USA	AI implementation roadmaps	Digital transformation events
Alison McCauley	USA	Non-technical AI translation	Mixed audiences
Clara Shih	USA	Customer-facing business AI	Sales/marketing leadership
Simon Kriss	Australia	AI literacy and governance	APAC boards, executive teams
Nick Abrahams	Australia	AI governance and adoption	Board briefings, governance
Ayesha Khanna	Singapore	APAC AI strategy	Fintech, smart city events

The full directory above includes detailed profiles for all 50 speakers. The table above highlights the top 18 for quick reference.

How to Choose the Right AI Strategy Speaker for Your Executive Audience

Choosing the right keynote speaker on AI strategy for your executive event starts with clarity about what outcome you need. An organisation that wants a visionary opening keynote needs a different speaker than one seeking a practical workshop that helps executives use AI tools the following Monday.

Start by assessing your audience's current AI maturity. If your executives are still in the awareness phase, you need a speaker who builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Zack Kass, Alison McCauley, and Conor Grennan excel in this space. If your leadership team has already embraced AI and needs strategic direction, speakers like Amy Webb, Ajay Agrawal, and Nancy Giordano provide the longer-range frameworks.

Consider whether you need a pure keynote or a deeper engagement. Many organisations find that pairing a keynote with a workshop or executive roundtable creates significantly higher retention and implementation. Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and experienced keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, executive offsite leader, and MC, offers full-service event delivery that extends the impact well beyond a single presentation.

Ask potential speakers three qualifying questions. First, can you show me a recording or case study from a similar executive audience? Second, will you customise content for our industry and our organisation's specific AI challenges? Third, what do you expect our people to do differently on Monday morning as a result of your presentation? The answers will tell you whether the speaker delivers strategy or spectacle.

Whether virtual or face to face, reach out to jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss how Jonno might support your event.

For more on the human dynamics dimension of AI transformation, check out my blog post '35 Best Keynote Speakers on AI and Team Dynamics (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-team-dynamics.

What to Expect: Investment Guide

AI strategy keynote speaker fees vary significantly based on profile, experience, demand, and event format. Based on current market data from major speaker bureaus and broader market intelligence, here is what event planners should budget.

Emerging experts and specialist consultants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a keynote presentation. These speakers often bring deep technical or strategic expertise and can provide highly tailored content for specific industries. Established authors, former executives, and recognised thought leaders typically range from $15,000 to $40,000. These speakers bring published work, advisory experience, and name recognition that draws registrations.

High-profile researchers, bestselling authors, and former tech executives typically command fees of $40,000 to $75,000 or more. The most recognised names, particularly former senior executives from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and similar organisations, can command fees exceeding $100,000 for a single appearance.

The AI speaker market has bifurcated in 2025 and 2026. Generalist technology speakers have seen their fees stagnate, while genuine AI strategy experts with corporate advisory experience are commanding premium fees and longer booking lead times. Event planners should budget early and book 3 to 6 months in advance for top-tier speakers.

For a custom quote from Jonno White, bestselling author and trusted facilitator across Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best keynote speaker on AI strategy for executives?

For the leadership, people, and culture dimension of AI strategy, Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, is the top choice for executive events globally. For pure AI business strategy, Zack Kass, Cassie Kozyrkov, and Ajay Agrawal are among the strongest options. The best fit depends on your audience's AI maturity, your industry, and whether you need a keynote, workshop, or full-day engagement.

How much does an AI strategy keynote speaker cost?

Fees range from $5,000 to $15,000 for emerging specialists, $15,000 to $40,000 for established thought leaders, and $40,000 to $100,000 or more for high-profile former tech executives and bestselling authors. Many organisations find that flying in a globally recognised speaker is more affordable than expected.

Can AI keynote speakers present to non-technical audiences?

The best AI strategy speakers excel at this. Speakers like Zack Kass, Alison McCauley, Conor Grennan, and Simon Kriss are specifically known for making AI accessible to executives without technical backgrounds. The key is matching the speaker to your audience's baseline understanding and strategic needs.

What topics are most in demand for AI executive keynotes in 2026?

The market has shifted from general AI awareness to four specific demand areas. First, AI ROI and implementation, helping organisations scale from pilots to production. Second, AI governance and risk, particularly as regulation increases globally. Third, agentic AI, autonomous systems that execute multi-step business workflows. Fourth, the human side of AI transformation, how to lead people through AI-driven change.

Should I hire a technical AI speaker or a business AI speaker for my executive event?

For executive and board-level audiences, a business AI speaker is almost always the better choice. Technical speakers tend to default to tools, algorithms, and demonstrations that leave non-technical audiences disconnected. The speakers in this directory are specifically selected for their ability to translate AI into strategy, governance, leadership, and competitive advantage without requiring technical knowledge.

Can I hire someone to facilitate an AI strategy workshop as well as deliver a keynote?

Yes. Many speakers on this list offer workshops, executive roundtables, and facilitation alongside keynote presentations. Jonno White, trusted facilitator across Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, delivers keynotes, workshops, executive team offsites, and strategic facilitation for organisations navigating AI-driven change. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss your event.

Final Recommendation

The AI strategy keynote market is crowded, and the gap between speakers who deliver genuine strategic value and those who deliver polished technology presentations is significant. The best speakers for executive audiences are those who connect AI to the decisions your leadership team faces today: business model transformation, workforce redesign, governance, competitive positioning, and leading people through uncertainty.

For organisations that want a speaker who pairs the AI conversation with the leadership and people conversation, Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally, Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast with 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries, delivers practical, interactive sessions that teams implement immediately. His Working Genius workshops, DISC sessions, and CliftonStrengths facilitation give executive teams tools they use the day after the event, not just inspiration they forget by the following week.

For a comprehensive view of AI speakers across different angles, check out my blog post '50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI in the USA (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-usa, and '25 Best Keynote Speakers on AI in Australia and New Zealand (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-australia-nz.

The organisations that get AI right over the next three years will not be the ones with the best technology. They will be the ones with the best leadership. Choose your speaker accordingly.

To book Jonno White for your next keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author, and leadership consultant who has worked with schools, corporates, and nonprofits across the UK, India, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Finland, Namibia, and more. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and his podcast The Leadership Conversations has featured 230+ episodes reaching listeners in 150+ countries. Jonno founded The 7 Questions Movement with 6,000+ participating leaders and achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Jonno works globally and regularly travels for speaking and facilitation engagements. Organisations consistently find that international travel is far more affordable than expected.

While Jonno is included in these rankings based on objective criteria, readers should note his authorship in the interest of full transparency.

To book Jonno for your next keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

Next Read: 50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI and the Future of Work (2026)

Finding the right keynote speaker on artificial intelligence and the future of work is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an event organiser in 2026. The wrong choice delivers an hour of recycled AI hype that your audience forgets before they reach the car park. The right choice fundamentally shifts how your leadership team thinks about job redesign, workforce transformation, and human potential in an era of unprecedented technological disruption.

The challenge is significant. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 86% of global employers expect AI and information processing technologies to be highly transformative to their business by 2030. The same report projects that AI will displace roughly 92 million existing jobs while creating approximately 170 million new roles.

Keep reading: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-future-of-work