Ramy Nassar

Ramy Nassar is a globally recognised AI strategist, futurist and innovation expert who helps organisations understand and implement artificial intelligence with confidence. With more than 25 years of experience at the forefront of emerging technology, he has advised over 250 organisations, including Apple, TD Bank, TELUS, Verizon, New Balance and the Government of Canada. As the former Head of Innovation at Mattel, where he helped transform one of the world’s most recognisable brands and contributed to the production team behind the $1.5 billion grossing Barbie film, Ramy has built a reputation for translating complex technologies into practical business opportunities. Today, he is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Zero to One AI and 1000 Days Out, helping organisations turn AI ambition into measurable results.

Originally beginning his career as a software engineer at LSI Logic, Ramy developed a strong technical foundation before progressing into senior leadership positions at BlackBerry, where he managed strategic partnerships and business development within the financial services sector. He later drove significant growth as Vice President of Business Development at Myplanet before launching the successful technology venture Stash Social, which grew into a multimillion-dollar business before being acquired. His expertise in digital transformation continued through leadership roles at Architech, Cadillac Fairview and Aigency, where he worked at the intersection of design thinking, machine learning and enterprise innovation. His appointment to lead Mattel’s first Innovation Lab further cemented his reputation as a pioneer in applying emerging technologies to global business challenges.

Alongside his commercial success, Ramy has built an impressive academic and advisory portfolio. He teaches innovation, entrepreneurship and AI at McMaster University, Toronto Metropolitan University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, while previously designing Canada’s first MBA level FinTech and entrepreneurship course at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He is a Strategic Advisor to the Global AI Summit, serves on several boards including TALENT and FWD50, and founded TEDxWaterloo, one of North America’s largest TEDx communities. A regular TEDx speaker himself, his talks, including ‘The Gap Between Old & New Economies’, have explored trust, innovation and the future of technology. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, The World After AI, exploring the choices that decide what AI becomes and the part leaders get to play in them.

Ramy Nassar is hired as an AI speaker because he bridges the gap between technical innovation and executive decision making. Rather than focusing on AI theory alone, he equips audiences with practical frameworks for AI strategy, governance, risk management and real world implementation. Drawing on first hand experience building enterprise AI agents, leading innovation labs and advising organisations through technological disruption, he demonstrates how businesses can embrace AI responsibly while creating lasting competitive advantage. His engaging storytelling, strategic foresight and hands on expertise empower leaders to move beyond uncertainty, enabling them to navigate emerging technologies with clarity, confidence and purpose. Whether addressing executive teams, government bodies or international conferences, Ramy leaves audiences inspired and equipped to build the future rather than simply react to it.