The conference, taking place today at ESMT Berlin, provides insights into the interdependence of global technological, economic, and social challenges. The coronavirus crisis has accelerated developments that were already underway and poses new challenges to industries, companies, and employees. In inspiring discussions, top leaders will examine how we can use technological change to shape our future. The Annual Forum directly follows an afternoon at the ESMT Leadership Day that highlights cutting-edge executive education.

The CEO Talk, a core element of the ESMT Annual Forum 2021, will take a special look at the post-pandemic period in a discussion titled “Opportunity from crisis: How can we make Europe a role model for decarbonization, digitalization, and education?” Martin Brudermüller, CEO of BASF SE; Timotheus Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG; Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and chair of the ESMT Foundation Board of Trustees; and Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group will analyze how Europe can become a pioneer in terms of reducing carbon emissions, digital disruption, and education. They will debate how the future of Europe can be shaped and what relevance Europe will continue to have for globally active companies. Additionally, the speakers will discuss how current technological progress is affecting their companies and provide insights into digital transformation, e-mobility, and the future of air travel.

The panel discussion “The post-pandemic workplace: Will there be a new normal?” is dedicated to the working models of the future. Andrea Hendrickx, country head at Infosys Germany; Molly Nagler, CLO at PepsiCo; Hiltrud Werner, member of the board of management for integrity and legal affairs at Volkswagen AG; and Judith Wiese, CHRO and member of the board of management at Siemens will discuss whether we will return to the old normal after the pandemic, what transformations are necessary for “new work,” and what influence the pandemic has had and will continue to have on organizational structures. Gianluca Carnabuci, Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze, and Francis de Véricourt will exchange views in an additional discussion round titled “Decisions and analytics in the digital age.” The experts, all members of the ESMT faculty, will explore the link between data and gut feeling, how networks can limit the benefits of big data, and the relevance of framing information to make better decisions.

Please find more information on the ESMT Annual Forum 2021 and the option to register here.