AI

BEST
AI
SPEAKERS

speakers featured
EN - NL - FR
Languages covered
2026
roster updated

The Shortlist.

Ranked by nexxworks on relevance, stage experience and how directly each talk moves an AI agenda forward for senior audiences.
Nestor Maslej
.
Nestor Maslej is a globally recognized AI strategist and researcher working at the intersection of technology, business, and public policy. He is the Founder and CEO of Nestor Maslej Consulting Inc., and has advised leading organizations (McKinsey, Sanofi, Goldman Sachs) on how to deploy AI for measurable productivity gains while prioritizing safety and responsible use. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Stanford’s AI Index at the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), he led the Index into becoming one of the world’s most widely read and cited reports on AI. He remains a Research Associate at Stanford and is also an author of the International AI Safety Report (2026) .His work is widely cited by governments (Canada, UK, US) and international institutions (UN, OECD, IMF) and featured in major global media (New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg).
Dado Van Peteghem
.
Dado Van Peteghem is a leading authority on digital transformation and the impact of AI on organizations and society. He has been named one of Belgium’s top 30 thought leaders in technology.With over 15 years of experience advising startups and global corporates, he blends strategic insight with human-centric innovation. ‍He has authored five acclaimed business books and is a guest professor and keynote speaker across the globe. ‍Dado is passionate about how AI reshapes our people, processes, and platforms. As a father of three Gen Alpha kids, he stays ahead of tech trends that shape the next generation.
Geert Van Mol
.
As Chief Digital Officer at Belfius, he didn’t just go digital – he turned the bank into a world class chart-topping act that transformed the bank. His new mission is to merge his two passions, innovation and music.
Christina Stathopoulos
.
Christina Stathopoulos, the 'data whisperer', has enjoyed a career in tech at fortune 500 companies
Mieke De Ketelaere
.
Adjunct Professor Sustainable, Ethical and Trustworthy AI at Vlerick Business School & Author. She was part of the team who wrote the draft of the 'Ai Act' for the European Union, which is currently being voted into EU law.
Maarten Verschuere
.
Maarten Verschuere is The AI Navigator - an international keynote speaker, AI entrepreneur, and researcher who helps organisations adopt AI without losing people, trust, or control.
Pascal Coppens
.
Pascal is a sinologist, entrepreneur, author, speaker & partner at nexxworks. He lived in China and San Francisco for 20 years where he first worked for MNCs and later on founded and ran multiple software companies in both Silicon Valley and Shanghai. In 2017 he returned to his hometown of Ghent where he lives and works today.
Peter Hinssen
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Global keynote speaker, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, startup investor and trusted board member. Author of six books including The Uncertainty Principle (2025) and The Day After Tomorrow. Lectures at London Business School and MIT Sloan. Has delivered 1,500+ keynotes worldwide for Fortune 1000 companies. Co-founder of nexxworks, helping organizations thrive in the Never Normal era.
Rik Vera
.
Global Advisor, Keynote Speaker and author of The Net Curiosity Score, Managers in the Day After Tomorrow and The Guide to the Ecosystem Economy. 20+ years of C-level experience leading international companies. Delivered 1,600+ keynotes in 40+ countries. Lecturer at London Business School. Known for his sharp, provocative style, blending deep insights with humor to challenge organizations to embrace change. Co-founder of nexxworks.
How we shortlist

Not a
popularity
contest.

Every nexxworks category page is curated by
the people who book these speakers every week, not an
algorithm.
01

Stage-tested

Every name has delivered the talk live, to a
senior audience, more than once. No first-timers.
02

Relevance over reach

We rank how directly the talk moves a leadership
team's agenda, not for follower counts.
03

Reviewed every quarter

Conversations move fast, so this list is revisited
every quarter. Speakers can get on or off the list.