Michael Spence
Nobel Laureate in Economics (2001) | William R. Berkley Professor at NYU Stern | Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution | Co-author, Permacrisis
Stephane Garelli
Professor Emeritus, IMD Business School | Founder, IMD World Competitiveness Center | Former Managing Director, World Economic Forum
Stéphane Garelli is the world's leading authority on competitiveness and founder of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, whose annual rankings shape policy worldwide. A former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, his keynotes blend rigorous data with compelling storytelling, giving senior leaders the strategic clarity to navigate disruption and build lasting advantage.
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Stephane Garelli biography
Speaker Stéphane Garelli is one of the world’s foremost authorities on competitiveness and global economic strategy. As Professor Emeritus of World Competitiveness at IMD Business School in Lausanne and at the University of Lausanne, he has spent over three decades shaping how nations, businesses, and leaders understand what drives prosperity. He founded the IMD World Competitiveness Center, the institution behind the globally recognized World Competitiveness Yearbook that benchmarks the performance of over sixty economies each year.
Before dedicating himself to academic research, Garelli held prominent roles at the intersection of business, media, and global governance. He served as Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, where he oversaw the Davos Annual Meetings. He also chaired the board of the Swiss newspaper Le Temps, held positions at Banque Edouard Constant and Sandoz Financial and Banking Holding, and served as a senior adviser to Hewlett-Packard’s management team.
Shaping the Global Competitiveness Agenda
Garelli’s intellectual contributions extend well beyond the classroom. His bestselling book Top Class Competitors: How Nations, Firms, and Individuals Succeed in the New World of Competitiveness remains a foundational text in the field. His latest work, World Competitiveness: Rewriting the Rules of Global Prosperity, published by Wiley, examines how the economic landscape has fractured and what strategies nations and corporations must adopt in an era of rising protectionism and digital disruption. He sits on the International Olympic Committee’s commission on Sustainability and Legacy and the Board of the Fondation Jean Monnet pour l’Europe.
As a speaker, Stéphane Garelli delivers data-rich, thought-provoking keynotes that translate complex macroeconomic trends into actionable strategies. Fortune 500 companies and heads of state alike turn to him for clarity on navigating uncertainty, building resilience, and seizing competitive advantage in a rapidly shifting world.
Stephane Garelli Speaking Videos
Stephane Garelli - The world in reset mode
30 years of Competitiveness - "How to turn a good idea into a success?"
Stephane Garelli Keynote Topics
The global economic order is being rewritten by protectionism, digital transformation, and geopolitical fragmentation. In this keynote, Stéphane Garelli draws on decades of research and the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook to map out which nations and industries are gaining ground — and which are falling behind. He offers a clear-eyed assessment of the forces reshaping trade, investment, and talent flows, and provides executives with a strategic framework for positioning their organizations to thrive amid complexity. Attendees leave with practical insights on how to turn macro-level disruption into micro-level competitive advantage.
Competitiveness is not only about economic indicators — it is fundamentally about people and culture. In this thought-provoking keynote, Garelli explores why the most successful nations, companies, and leaders share a common trait: the willingness to continuously reinvent themselves. Drawing on case studies from across the globe, he examines how resilience, ambition, and comfort with uncertainty separate winners from the rest. This session challenges leaders to look beyond operational efficiency and cultivate the organizational mindset needed to sustain excellence through periods of turbulence and transformation.
Digital readiness is fast becoming the defining factor in national and corporate competitiveness. In this forward-looking keynote, Garelli analyzes how artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decision-making are creating new winners and losers across industries and geographies. He explores what it takes to bridge the digital competitiveness divide and offers actionable strategies for leaders seeking to harness technology as a driver of sustainable growth. From government policy to corporate innovation, this session provides a comprehensive roadmap for competing in an increasingly digital world.
FAQs on Booking Stephane Garelli
Why Stéphane Garelli?
Stéphane Garelli brings an unparalleled combination of academic rigor and real-world experience to the stage. As the founder of the IMD World Competitiveness Center and former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, he has spent over thirty years advising governments and Fortune 500 companies on competitive strategy. His keynotes are renowned for making complex global economic trends accessible and actionable, blending data, storytelling, and practical frameworks. Whether addressing a boardroom of executives or a conference of thousands, Garelli delivers insights that audiences remember long after the event. Book Stéphane Garelli through Aurum Speakers Bureau for your next event.
What is the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking?
The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is an annual assessment published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, which Stéphane Garelli founded. It evaluates and ranks over sixty economies based on hundreds of criteria including economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The ranking is widely regarded by governments, international organizations, and business leaders as one of the most authoritative global benchmarks of national competitiveness. Garelli developed the methodology and has overseen its evolution into a key tool for economic policy worldwide.
What makes Stéphane Garelli's keynotes unique for corporate events?
Unlike many economic commentators, Garelli combines deep academic expertise with decades of hands-on experience advising corporations and governments. His presentations are highly customized, incorporating the latest competitiveness data relevant to the audience's industry and region. He is known for his engaging delivery style that transforms complex macroeconomic analysis into clear, memorable takeaways. Senior executives particularly value his ability to connect global trends to specific strategic decisions their organizations face. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to bring Stéphane Garelli to your stage.
What are Stéphane Garelli's most influential books?
Garelli is the author of several influential books on competitiveness and global business. His bestseller Top Class Competitors: How Nations, Firms, and Individuals Succeed in the New World of Competitiveness is considered a foundational text in the field. His book Are You a Tiger, a Cat or a Dinosaur? explores competitiveness through an accessible lens. His most recent work, World Competitiveness: Rewriting the Rules of Global Prosperity, published by Wiley, examines how the post-pandemic economic landscape demands entirely new approaches to national and corporate strategy.
How to book Stephane Garelli as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Stephane Garelli as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Stephane Garelli's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Stephane Garelli or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Stephane Garelli speaking fee?
Stephane Garelli speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Stephane Garelli to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Stephane Garelli.
How can I contact Stephane Garelli?
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Can I book Stephane Garelli for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Stephane Garelli is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Stephane Garelli for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
