Björn Ognibeni

Björn Ognibeni is a speaker on artificial intelligence and digital transformation who brings a perspective few Western organisations have in their portfolio. With more than two decades at the forefront of digital strategy, Björn focuses on how AI can drive real business value rather than incremental efficiency gains. His work centres on a distinctive lens, the systematic analysis of Chinese digital and AI-driven innovation, translated into practical insight for Western executives facing competitive pressure, legacy structures and cultural constraints.

For over 20 years, Björn has advised leading organisations including Deutsche Telekom, Volkswagen, and Deutsche Bahn on digital transformation, product strategy, and go-to-market innovation. Earlier in his career, he played a central role in shaping some of Germany’s most influential digital initiatives, including the ‘Horst Schlämmer Blog’ viral campaign for Volkswagen and the launch of Germany’s first social media customer service platforms for major national brands. He later co-founded BuzzRank GmbH, a social media analytics company where he served as Co-Founder and Managing Director, leading strategy, product and sales through to a successful acquisition by dpa, Germany’s national news agency. This combination of corporate consulting, entrepreneurship and execution underpins Björn’s credibility with senior business audiences.

Eight years ago, Björn began an intensive immersion into China’s digital ecosystem after recognising that many of the world’s most advanced AI implementations were emerging there, not Silicon Valley. This work culminated in the founding of ChinaBriefs.io, an online think tank dedicated to translating Chinese innovation into actionable strategy for Western markets. Rather than approaching the topic as a traditional China expert, Björn remains deeply embedded in Western business realities, allowing him to bridge both worlds with clarity and relevance. His research spans AI-first enterprises, zero-touch operations, super-app ecosystems and next-generation e-commerce models, with a strong emphasis on what leaders can actually apply.

Alongside his advisory work, Björn is a sought-after keynote speaker and academic. He regularly opens and moderates international conferences and AI summits across Europe and has collaborated with global technology leaders at major industry events. He also serves as a Lecturer in Digital Strategy at Hamburg School of Business Administration and as Lecturer and Strategic Director of the XR Lab at the University of Münster, teaching executives how AI, extended reality and platform models are reshaping competition. As a speaker, Björn delivers incisive, pragmatic keynotes on AI strategy, digital transformation and China’s role in shaping tomorrow’s ‘nightmare competitors’, equipping audiences with frameworks they can use immediately.