The Leading Speakers Bureau

Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, Harvard Business School

Rakesh Khurana teaches a doctoral seminar on Management and Markets as well as The Board of Directors and Corporate Governance in the Harvard MBA program. Rakesh’s current research grows out of the same interests in the social context of business leadership and the allocation of leadership positions that motivated his research on the CEO labor market.

“Expert in Leadership Development”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rakesh’s research uses a sociological perspective to focus on the processes by which elites and leaders are selected and developed. He has written extensively about the CEO labor market with a particular interest on the factors that lead to vacancies in the CEO position, the factors that affect the choice of successor; the role of market intermediaries such as executive search firms in CEO search and the consequences of CEO succession and selection decisions for subsequent firm performance and strategic choices.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Rakesh offers businesses his knowledge of how to help improve their CEO succession, governance, and executive development practices. In 2009 Thinkers 50, the global ranking of management gurus, placed him among the list of most influential thinkers. He shares key leadership skills that delegates will be able to take away and put into practice.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Rakesh Khurana provides fascinating researched insights into leadership and other issues with great clarity and charisma in his tailored presentations.[/expand]
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World’s Leading Historian of the Global Economy

Niall Ferguson is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading historian of the global economy. He is a prolific commentator on contemporary politics and economics and a regular contributor to television and radio on both sides of the Atlantic. He is also a contributing editor for the Financial Times. In 2010 Niall takes up the chair in History and International Affairs at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

“the most talented British historian of his generation”

[expand title=”In detail”] Niall Ferguson is Professor of History at Harvard University and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. In 2009 the London School of Economics appointed Niall to chair History and International Affairs. For a documentary series based on his book ‘The Ascent of Money’, Niall received the International Emmy for Best Documentary. He is currently researching the life and times of Henry Kissinger for a new book.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Named as one of the world’s hundred most influential people by Time magazine, Niall believes that money is the cornerstone of human progress but can also be the catalyst for catastrophe for individuals, companies and nations. Through his in-depth analysis and research into historical events as well as current economical and political trends, he offers invaluable advice for leading businesses world wide.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An experienced television and radio presenter, Niall Ferguson is an accomplished and dynamic speaker. His thought-provoking presentations are delivered with the perfect balance of wit and analytical clarity to challenge conventional thinking.[/expand]
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Expert on Obama & the U.S., Award – Winning Journalist

Christoph von Marschall is arguably the best German speaking expert on the US president, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. As bureau chief of the Berlin Tagesspiegel in Washington, he followed Obama’s two year campaign, closely observing the presidential couple even after their entry into the White House. He writes for major internal magazine including Die Zeit, Cicero and the Atlantic Times. Marschall appears frequently as a commentator in the international media.

“An expert on the intricacies of the US election system and on the changing mood of the electorate”

[expand title=”In detail”] Christoph von Marschall holds a Ph.D. in Eastern European History from Freiburg University. His journalistic career began in 1989 at the Süddeutsche Zeitung and he has won several awards: In 2002 he received the German-American Prize for a commentary post related to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and its consequences for American foreign policy. In 2005 he was honoured with the German-Polish journalism award for a report on Skierbieszów, the birthplace of the Federal President Horst Köhler. In the same year he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for his contribution to the German-Polish reconciliation.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Christoph von Marschall openly talks about his unique experience following the President-Elect during the 2008 elections. He expertly analyzes how the questions of race, religion and the economic crisis dominate America’s policy. The award winning journalist offers insights into the political landscape of the United States of America and the role of Europe.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]In his highly sought-after presentations, Christoph von Marschall provides his audiences with a vivid and insightful analysis of power relations and the political climate.[/expand]
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Global Business Strategist

Akio Miyabayashi was a former CEO of Minolta Europe, responsible for the launch of Minolta Europe in 1965, and Minolta’s own distribution network in the USA 1966, he became CEO Minolta Europe in 1975.

[expand title=”What he offers you”]His clear understanding of the criteria and driving forces of global competitiveness enabled him to successfully develop the European Operations of this multi-national corporation from a staff of 17 in 1965 to 5,200 in 1995 when he became a senior corporate adviser for the Minolta worldwide. His ability to understand the different cultures of the world and utilizing it for the successful growth, enabled Minolta to become a major player in the European market, with 44 companies and subsidiaries and 2 factories throughout Europe, including Eastern Europe and some parts of the former Soviet Union.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A charismatic speaker with the knowledge of different cultures (European, American and Japanese), Akio Miyabayashi has shared centre stage with some of the world prominent politicians and business leaders. His presentations leave the audience with a valuable insight into European and Asian developments in industry, management and society, and offer meaningful projections into the 21st century.[/expand]
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Author, Journalist and BBC World Affairs Editor

John Simpson was appointed BBC world affairs editor in 1988 following periods as diplomatic editor and presenter of the Nine O’Clock News. In a BBC career spanning more than 30 years, John has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most experienced and authoritative journalists. He has reported from more than 100 countries across the globe, from 30 war zones, and has interviewed numerous world leaders.

“His remarkable life offers a ringside seat at every major event in recent global history” Amzon.com

[expand title=”In detail”] John has faced many dangerous situations including being shelled in Afghanistan, attacked with poisonous gas in the Gulf and dodging bullets in Tiananmen Square. During his career he has also worked as a correspondent in South Africa, Brussels and Dublin. He has received numerous awards including a CBE in the Gulf War Honours in 1991, three Baftas and an International Emmy award for News Coverage for his report on the fall of Kabul for the BBC Ten O’Clock News.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]He is an accomplished public speaker and enthrals audiences across the world with his lively and entertaining talks and lectures. With over 30 years experience in international journalism he has the ability to cover topics from highly factual and intense World Affairs to more light-hearted and amusing anecdotes from his extensive travels.[/expand]
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Former Canadian Minister of Trade, Canadian Ambassador to the WTO, President Canada China Business Council

Sergio Marchi is a former Canadian politician who served as a federal Cabinet Minister in three different portfolios during his time in government: Citizenship and Immigration, Environment, and International Trade. He was also the Ambassador of Canada to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Office of the United Nations (UN), in Geneva, 1999 – 2004, and a UN Migration Commissioner, 2004 – 2006. He also served as the former President of the Canada China Business Council. Sergio Marchi is an Adjunct Professor at Webster University, in Geneva, where he teaches a graduate course on Globalisation.

“Sergio Marchi is one of the leading voices on global politics and economics”

[expand title=”In detail”] Marchi left politics in 1999 to accept an appointment as Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. He was subsequently elected unanimously as Chairman of the WTO’s General Council. In the private sector he has fulfilled roles as the Senior Business Advisor, Lang Michener LLP, from 2006 to 2008 and is the Senior Advisor, to the Chairman of a Family-owned International Business Enterprise. He was also the Chairman of the Canadian Services Coalition from 2006 to 2008.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Sergio Marchi informs and engages as he contributes incisive analysis of how organisations and individual leaders can deal with challenges, prepare for a new world and develop a truly global perspective. He brings a trusted, tested international perspective to such issues as the world economy, politics, and globalisation showing audiences how global events resonate locally. An extensive career, both in business and government, puts the Honourable Sergio Marchi in an excellent position to also explain the impressive growth and role of China within the international community.[/expand]
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Expert on the Middle East and Former Israeli Deputy National Security Adviser

Professor Chuck Freilich is a highly respected specialist on the Middle East. As co-director of a Middle Eastern affairs consultancy, his primary areas of expertise are US-Mid East policy and Israeli national security policy. He teaches political science at Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and is also a Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center at Harvard’s Kennedy School, where he is writing a book on Israeli national security decision making.

“A revitalized U.S.-Israel strategic dialogue is more vital than ever”

[expand title=”In detail”] Professor Freilich was Israeli’s Deputy National Security Adviser and a Senior Analyst at the Israel Ministry of Defense, focusing on strategic affairs. He was Policy Advisor to a cabinet minister and a Delegate at the Israeli Mission to the UN. He was also the Executive Director of two non profit organizations and served in the Israel Defense Forces for five years (reserve major). Prof. Freilich earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Few are better positioned to talk in depth about the current state of the political and economic situation in the Middle East than Chuck Freilich. With a wealth of hands on experience he offers an insider’s perspective to businesses, not only of US/Middle East relations but also of the opportunities that will present themselves to the region in the future.[/expand]
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Former Director of Communications & Strategy for Tony Blair

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in Labour politics, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, charitable fundraising, politics and campaigns.

“Controversial, thought-provoking and highly entertaining.”

[expand title=”In detail”] After writing for Forum magazine Alastair joined the Mirror Group, where he became the Mirror’s chief political economist. He then worked as news editor for the Today newspaper. When Tony Blair became leader of the Labour Party he asked alastair to became his press secretary. For three years, he played a key role helping to create New Labour and return the Party to power. After the 1997 election he became the Prime Minister’s Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman during Labour’s first term. After helping New Labour win a second landslide election victory, he became Director of Communications and Strategy until 2003.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Drawing on his experience of ten years alongside Tony Blair, and his considerable understanding of the modern media, he specialises in strategy, making change, dealing with the media and crisis management – often at the same time.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]He is an engaging and innovative speaker able to apply his insights and experience to the work of others with wit and passion.[/expand]
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Former US Assistant Secretary of State and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University

James P. Rubin is currently an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a prominent commentator and lecturer on U.S. foreign policy. From 2000 to 2007, Mr. Rubin lived in London, working as a broadcaster, professor, commentator and communications consultant. Most recently, from 2005 to 2007, he was international news anchor and world affairs commentator for SKY news. Mr. Rubin served under President Clinton as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief Spokesman for the State Department from 1997 to 2000.

He shares his insights of how media covers world events and how the public receives news

[expand title=”In detail”] During the 2004 election, Mr. Rubin served as Senior Adviser for National Security for the Kerry/Edwards Campaign. In the 1996 election, Mr. Rubin was Director of Foreign Policy for the Clinton/Gore ’96 Campaign. While in London, Mr. Rubin was a Visiting Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics from 2001-2004, a partner in the Brunswick Group – a financial advisory firm – from 2001 -2004, and in 2002 and 2003 the host of the PBS series Wide Angle, a primetime, weekly international affairs program.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]James is an authority on foreign affairs and will give your audience insight into national security policies and US foreign policy initiatives that impact the world. James provides behind-the-scenes perspectives on his personal experiences during negotiations spanning the globe, from the Middle East and Iraq to Russia and China, in addition to the diplomatic missions which he led to Kosovo. Mr. Rubin is a regular contributor to a number of American and European newspapers, including The Financial Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]James is a stimulating speaker with a proven track record and is ideal for addressing international audiences as well as UK-based audiences.[/expand]
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The First Female Anchor of the Prime Time Italian Rai News & Author

Lilli Gruber is a journalist and writer. She is a highly respected journalist for foreign affairs, specialised in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and gulf wars. Lilli is a member of the European Parliament and is chairman of the delegation for the relationships with the states of the Gulf; member of the commission for the civil rights, the justice and the internal affairs and member of the delegation for the relationships with Iran.

“An Italian Media Pioneer”

[expand title=”In detail”] In 1987 Lilli Gruber became the first female anchor to present the TG1, Italy’s most popular television news. In 1988, she became international political correspondent for RAI, covering events such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in the former Yugoslavia, the situation in the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the Iraqi war. Lilli has worked for the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa, and for Io Donna, the women’s magazine of Italy’s leading newspaper Corriere della Sera, and for magazines Tv Sorrisi e Canzoni and Anna.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Lilli uses her considerable experience to entertain and educate decision makers from all fields with her insight into world events, many of which she has witnessed firsthand.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Lilli is a well known face to television viewers. She is an experienced speaker and continues to be in great demand at a variety of prestigious events.[/expand]
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