The Best Digital Disruption & Transformation Speakers Trending in 2025

The Age of Digital Disruption & Transformation

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with businesses and organisations forced to adapt to rapid technological advancements. According to McKinsey & Company, companies that invest in digital transformation are 26% more profitable than their industry peers, while 70% of businesses have a digital transformation strategy in place or are working on one. This surge in digital innovation is driven by artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing, with leaders at the forefront guiding businesses through disruption.

As AI and automation redefine industries, organisations require expert insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. Reports indicate that by 2025, over 90% of executives believe their business models will need to change due to digitisation. With the global digital transformation market projected to reach $1.3 trillion, businesses must adapt or risk falling behind. This shift has created demand for digital disruption thought leaders who can provide strategic foresight and actionable solutions.

Why is digital transformation important in 2025?

Digital transformation is essential for UK businesses in 2025, as those failing to adapt risk falling behind competitors. With AI, cloud computing, and automation advancing rapidly, organisations must integrate digital solutions to stay competitive. The UK’s digital transformation market, valued at £27 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at 27.7% CAGR by 2030. Digitally mature firms see 3.2% higher annual revenue growth than less advanced peers. The UK government aims to save £101 million annually by 2025 through digital initiatives. However, 27% of businesses cite legacy technology as a barrier, and 34% struggle with data quality. Adopting digital transformation is key to staying competitive in an evolving market.

How can a digital disruption speaker help my business?

A digital disruption speaker provides insights into emerging trends, industry shifts, and actionable strategies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. These experts help businesses understand the impact of AI, blockchain, and cloud technologies while providing tailored approaches to innovation and transformation. Hiring a speaker ensures that your organisation stays ahead of the curve and leverages digital advancements effectively.

Who are the top digital disruption & transformation speakers in 2025?

Gathering exclusive feedback from official event polls at 311 artificial intelligence-themed conferences and summits, collected between 2022 and 2024, The AI Speakers Agency have collated a vetted selection of the Best Digital Disruption and Transformation Speakers Trending in 2025. These experts are pioneering AI integration, digital transformation strategies, and future-proofing businesses in an ever-changing technological environment.

1. 1. Professor Henrik von Scheel – Originator of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
   2. Alex Goryachev – Former Head of Innovation Strategy at Cisco
   3. Dame Wendy Hall – University of Southampton Regius Professor of Computer Science
   4. Kay Firth-Butterfield – Former Head of AI & Machine Learning for the WEF
   5. Baroness Martha Lane Fox – President of the British Chambers of Commerce
   6. Yuval Dvir – Former Head of Online Partnerships, Google Cloud
   7. Chris Barton – Founder of Shazam
   8. Cassie Kozyrkov – Former Chief Decision Scientist at Google
   9. Jennifer Vessels – CEO of Next Step & Future Ready Expert
   10. Dan Cobley – Former Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland
   11. Ray Kurzweil – Futurist, Inventor & Author
   12. Jeff Dean – Chief Scientist at Google DeepMind

1.) Professor Henrik von Scheel

Originator of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Professor Henrik von Scheel is a leading expert in digital transformation, specialising in AI-driven business models. As a former technology strategist at a top-tier consulting firm, he has advised Fortune 500 companies on integrating AI into their operations. Henrik’s insights help businesses unlock the potential of digital transformation while mitigating risks associated with automation.

2.) Alex Goryachev

Former Head of Innovation Strategy at Cisco

Alex Goryachev is a globally recognised AI and innovation expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, with extensive experience leading AI-driven transformation at Fortune 500 companies such as Cisco, IBM, and Dell Technologies.

3.) Dame Wendy Hall

University of Southampton Regius Professor of Computer Science

Dame Wendy Hall is a pioneering computer scientist, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, and a globally recognised expert in AI, data science, and web science, known for her groundbreaking work in hypermedia, leadership in AI governance, and advocacy for women in STEM.

4.) Kay Firth-Butterfield

Former Head of AI & Machine Learning for the WEF

Kay Firth-Butterfield is a globally recognised expert in ethical AI governance, serving as the world’s first Chief AI Ethics Officer, former Head of AI and Machine Learning at the World Economic Forum, founding Executive Director of the Centre for Trustworthy Technology, and now CEO of the Good Tech Advisory, with a distinguished legal and academic background shaping her influence in AI policy, law, and responsible technology leadership.

5.) Baroness Martha Lane Fox

President of the British Chambers of Commerce

Baroness Martha Lane Fox is a British entrepreneur, co-founder of Lastminute.com, and a leading advocate for digital inclusion, known for her contributions to technology, public service, and progressive policymaking.

6.) Yuval Dvir

Former Head of Online Partnerships, Google Cloud

Yuval Dvir is a senior tech executive, AI keynote speaker, and advisor with a strong background in artificial intelligence, business transformation, and SaaS commerce, having led AI-driven initiatives at Microsoft, Google, and SandboxAQ to drive innovation and organisational success.

7.) Chris Barton

Founder of Shazam

Chris Barton, the founder of Shazam, is an AI innovator and keynote speaker who pioneers disruptive technology, shaping global AI-driven innovation across industries, including Google, Dropbox, and Guard Inc., with 12 patents.

8.) Cassie Kozyrkov

Former Chief Decision Scientist at Google

Cassie Kozyrkov is a globally recognised AI leader, CEO of Kozyr, and the founder of Decision Intelligence, best known for her transformative role as Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist and her influential work in AI strategy, keynote speaking, and responsible AI adoption.

9.) Jennifer Vessels

CEO of Next Step & Future Ready Expert

Jennifer Vessels is a globally recognised AI expert, keynote speaker, and CEO of Next Step, renowned for guiding businesses in AI integration and digital transformation through her strategic insights, PEACE Methodology, and leadership in the Executive Growth Alliance.

10.) Dan Cobley

Former Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland

Dan Cobley is a renowned AI-driven fintech expert, former Managing Director of Google UK, and entrepreneur who has co-founded multiple AI-powered ventures while advising businesses on digital transformation, predictive marketing, and the future of artificial intelligence in finance.

11.) Ray Kurzweil

Futurist, Inventor & Author

Ray Kurzweil is a renowned futurist, inventor, and Director of Engineering at Google, known for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence, optical character recognition, and human-machine integration.

12.) Jeff Dean

Chief Scientist at Google DeepMind

Jeff Dean is a world-renowned computer scientist and AI expert, currently serving as Senior Fellow and SVP of Google Research and AI, where he has been instrumental in pioneering advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and AI infrastructure.

Hire a Digital Distruption & Transformation Speaker Today!

If you are looking to increase your understanding of artificial intelligence, look no further! Hire a World-leading artificial intelligence speaker today with The AI Speakers Agency! To hire an AI speaker, either enquire about one of the speakers in this post, or browse our other talented artificial intelligence speakers. Contact one of our dedicated booking agents on 0203 4109897 or complete our online contact form, to secure the perfect artificial intelligence speaker for 2025 events!