Johan Hanekom

Johan Hanekom is a prominent keynote speaker on artificial intelligence, technology, and digital disruption, known for his ability to demystify complex topics and inspire transformative action. Currently the Principal for Sustainability & Innovation at Amazon Web Services, Johan has been instrumental in guiding organisations toward their net zero targets. His innovative leadership has empowered businesses to integrate sustainable practices seamlessly into their operations while leveraging technology to scale growth. Through his work, Johan shares insights on AI’s transformative potential, enabling leaders to harness its power to drive smarter decision-making and achieve sustainable success.

With a diverse career spanning multiple industries, Johan has held key positions, including Director of Strategy at Liberty Global and Global Account Director for the Enel Group. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his early role as Business Development Director at Hanbro, where he contributed to significant organisational growth. Johan’s expertise in fostering a culture of innovation and building agile teams has made him a sought-after consultant for over 1,000 C-level executives globally, whose companies collectively represent nearly half of the world’s GDP. Notably, Johan played a pivotal role in the introduction of Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire, an electric motorcycle that became a milestone in sustainable technology.

Johan’s passion for education and workforce development is reflected in his leadership of initiatives that have trained over 31 million learners in cloud computing across 200 countries and territories. A contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur, and HuffPost, Johan is a thought leader in topics ranging from sustainability and AI to the future of innovation. As a patron of the Royal Academy of Arts and a host of the Game Changers: Decoding the Future podcast, Johan seamlessly bridges the worlds of business, culture, and technology. His academic credentials, including studies in Psychology and Criminology at UNISA and Political Economy at Oxford University, further underscore his multidisciplinary approach.

As a keynote speaker, Johan captivates audiences with practical strategies for leveraging AI, fostering creativity, and navigating digital disruption. His signature talks, such as “AI as Your Co-Pilot” and “Garage Thinking: Building a Culture of Innovation like the Magnificent 7,” provide actionable insights that empower organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether addressing leadership teams or global conferences, Johan Hanekom is the ideal speaker to inspire forward-thinking strategies and unlock the potential of artificial intelligence for a sustainable, technology-driven future.