The leading business conference

The On- and Offline Classroom for Business Leaders

"We have been able to listen to very good lectures from people who are really into the subject. The premises also make it possible to get in touch very quickly. This will definitely not be my last event."

Carsten Klingels

Head of Digital IT

E.ON

"Thanks to World Class Business Leaders who organized this event, bringing together brilliant minds, insightful participants, and engaging moderators. Thus, the exchange about #digitaltransformation in various industries was extremely inspiring."

Dr. Sven Bettermann

Global Head of Digitalization

Evonik

"Exciting two days in Leipzig at World Class Business Leaders Institute's Digital Transformation conference. I was pleased that many interesting presentations showed the challenge of digitalization and the appropriate approaches to solving it."

Maik Schawalder

Chief Executive Officer

DocuMatrix Switzerland

How It Works

Like-minded peers show their latest developments, successes and failures in case study presentations
Get access easily to all speakers and delegates through Q&A sessions and hands-on workshops
Network face-to face as well as engage in the online Think Tank

Facts

Limited to

150

Attendees
Limited to

100

Companies

30

Speakers

70/30

Corporate Decision-Maker / Vendor Ratio

Why attend?

Unique insights from many industries to keep up with the digital transformation landscape
Deep dive with decision-makers from the areas of IT, change management, and customer experience
Find innovative business partners for future projects

Agenda

First day of conference

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH

9:00

Conference Opening by the Organizer and Welcome to the Chairman of the Track

Armel Djeukou

Senior Vice President Digital Products Ecosystem
Airbus
France

9:15

The Power of People: Building a Grassroots Digital Transformation Culture

Jamie Martino

Head of Digital Technology Communication & Change
UCB Biopharma
Belgium

9:45

Building a Holistic, End-to-End Framework for Successful Transformation

Susanne Ratzenberger

Senior Vice President Transformation & Integration
E.ON
Germany

10:15

Oliver Sonders

Founder of Operaide
Operaide
Germany

From Days to Seconds: How Toyota Germany Transformed Support with AI-Powered Knowledge

Peter-Pascal Meik

Manager Digital Innovation
Toyota Deutschland GmbH
Germany

10:45

Coffee Break with Networking

11:15

From A(i)wareness to Productive AI: Integrating AI into Your Corporate Mindset

Matthias Holder

Head of Artificial Intelligence
UZIN UTZ
Germany

11:45

Corporate AI Projects: How to move from pilot to production?

Rogier van Boxtel

Director Pre‑Sales DACH & Benelux Nordics
Axway
The Netherlands

12:15

Radical Product: Why Your Software Team Should Work Like a Startup

Leon Strauss

Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Opencreek
Germany

12:45

Round-Table Discussions

Strategy, Technology, and Leadership

  1. The Power of People: Building a Grassroots Digital Transformation Culture

    Jamie Martino (UCB Biopharma)
  2. Building a Holistic, End-to-End Framework for Successful Transformation

    Susanne Ratzenberger (E.ON)
  3. From Days to Seconds: How Toyota Germany Transformed Support with AI-Powered Knowledge

    Oliver Sonders (Operaide)
    and
    Peter-Pascal Meik (Toyota Deutschland GmbH)
  4. From A(i)wareness to Productive AI: Integrating AI into Your Corporate Mindset

    Matthias Holder (UZIN UTZ)
  5. Corporate AI Projects: How to move from pilot to production?

    Rogier van Boxtel (Axway)
  6. Radical Product: Why Your Software Team Should Work Like a Startup

    Leon Strauss (Opencreek)

Round-Table Discussions

Strategy, Technology, and Leadership

  1. The Power of People: Building a Grassroots Digital Transformation Culture

    Jamie Martino (UCB Biopharma)
  2. Building a Holistic, End-to-End Framework for Successful Transformation

    Susanne Ratzenberger (E.ON)
  3. From Days to Seconds: How Toyota Germany Transformed Support with AI-Powered Knowledge

    Oliver Sonders (Operaide)
    and
    Peter-Pascal Meik (Toyota Deutschland GmbH)
  4. From A(i)wareness to Productive AI: Integrating AI into Your Corporate Mindset

    Matthias Holder (UZIN UTZ)
  5. Corporate AI Projects: How to move from pilot to production?

    Rogier van Boxtel (Axway)
  6. Radical Product: Why Your Software Team Should Work Like a Startup

    Leon Strauss (Opencreek)

13:30

Conversation Starter

Vytenis Sakalas

COO
Moterra
Lithuania

13:40

Lunch with Networking

15:00

Exhibitor Tour

Get inspired by the latest innovations and join us on this 15-minute journey through the networking space

15:15

The Financial Lens: Driving Digital Transformation for Business Impact

Vipin Arora

Global Finance
SPRINGER NATURE
Germany

15:30

Beyond the Resume: Leading AI-Powered HR Transformation and Cultural Change

Wieland Rhenau

Chief Expert Digital Innovation & Strategy
Deutsche Bahn
Germany

15:45

Moving from Promise to Practice: the Pillars of Successful AI Transformation

Darin Patterson

VP, Market Strategy
Make
United States of America

16:15

From Autonomous Driving to the Autonomous Enterprise - Holistic AI Transformation for Global Competitiveness

Gereon Hinz

CEO
STTech
Germany

16:30

To be Confirmed Soon

Jeremy Drury

Chief Digital Officer
IKEA
Germany

16:45

Round-Table Discussions

  1. The Financial Lens: Driving Digital Transformation for Business Impact

    Vipin Arora (SPRINGER NATURE)
  2. Beyond the Resume: Leading AI-Powered HR Transformation and Cultural Change

    Wieland Rhenau (Deutsche Bahn)
  3. To be Confirmed Soon

    Jeremy Drury (IKEA)
  4. Moving from Promise to Practice: the Pillars of Successful AI Transformation

    Darin Patterson (Make)
  5. From Autonomous Driving to the Autonomous Enterprise - Holistic AI Transformation for Global Competitiveness

    Gereon Hinz (STTech)

Round-Table Discussions

  1. The Financial Lens: Driving Digital Transformation for Business Impact

    Vipin Arora (SPRINGER NATURE)
  2. Beyond the Resume: Leading AI-Powered HR Transformation and Cultural Change

    Wieland Rhenau (Deutsche Bahn)
  3. To be Confirmed Soon

    Jeremy Drury (IKEA)
  4. Moving from Promise to Practice: the Pillars of Successful AI Transformation

    Darin Patterson (Make)
  5. From Autonomous Driving to the Autonomous Enterprise - Holistic AI Transformation for Global Competitiveness

    Gereon Hinz (STTech)

17:30

Coffee Break with Networking

18:00

Beyond the Buzzword: The Real Secrets of Success with AI/Generative AI

Shuang Wu

Lead Data Engineer
Mesta
Norway

18:15

Building Data-Centric Organizations with Data Platforms

Jonny Daenen

Knowledge Lead
Dataminded
Belgium

18:45

From Fuel Cards to Digital Journeys: How MOL Move is Redefining Customer Loyalty in Fuel Retailing – and Beyond

Marton Hars

Head of Data Analytics and AI
MOL Group
Hungary

19:00

Hyper-Personalized Advice This is How AI is Revolutionizing the Customer Experience

Steven Bailey

Director Strategic Business
mediaman
Germany

19:15

Round-Table Discussions

  1. From Fuel Cards to Digital Journeys: How MOL Move is Redefining Customer Loyalty in Fuel Retailing – and Beyond

    Marton Hars (MOL Group)
  2. Hyper-Personalized Advice This is How AI is Revolutionizing the Customer Experience

    Steven Bailey (mediaman)
  3. Beyond the Buzzword: The Real Secrets of Success with AI/Generative AI

    Shuang Wu (Mesta)
  4. Building Data-Centric Organizations with Data Platforms

    Jonny Daenen (Dataminded)

Round-Table Discussions

  1. From Fuel Cards to Digital Journeys: How MOL Move is Redefining Customer Loyalty in Fuel Retailing – and Beyond

    Marton Hars (MOL Group)
  2. Hyper-Personalized Advice This is How AI is Revolutionizing the Customer Experience

    Steven Bailey (mediaman)
  3. Beyond the Buzzword: The Real Secrets of Success with AI/Generative AI

    Shuang Wu (Mesta)
  4. Building Data-Centric Organizations with Data Platforms

    Jonny Daenen (Dataminded)

20:00

End of the 1st Day with Summary and Startup Pitch Session

20:15

Evening Reception with Refreshments, Gourmet Snacks, and Networking

Strengthen your network after a day full of knowledge sharing, groundbreaking presentations, and interesting conversations. Join delegates and speakers in the relaxed atmosphere of the event venue

Second day of conference

THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH

9:00

No Chairperson Yet

If you'd like to be a chairperson at this event, this slot is available.

No Chairperson Yet

If you'd like to be a chairperson at this event, this slot is available.

9:15

Why Fear, Not Ambition, is the Primary Driver of Successful Change Implementation

David Toborek

Chief Digital Officer
Stabilus
Germany

9:45

How to Lead in a Time of Constant Change

Armel Djeukou

Senior Vice President Digital Products Ecosystem
Airbus
France

10:15

Bridging the Gap Between People and AI: Balancing Efficiency, Creativity, and Human Culture

Dmitry Olerinskiy

Digital Strategy Director
Decathlon
Netherlands

10:30

Coffee Break with Networking

11:00

The Process-First Mindset: Avoiding the Technology Trap to Achieve a Successful Transformation

Arnold Maier

Chief Digital Officer
Ammann Group
Austria

11:15

The European Challenge: Using AI and Digital Transformation to Compete Globally

Marcel Pfeiffer

Digital Innovation Officer
thyssenkrupp
Germany

11:30

The Coalition of the Willing: Driving Transformation in a Decentralized Company

Eric Croon

Digital Transformation Director
Bunzl
Belgium

12:00

Round-Table Discussions

  1. Why Fear, Not Ambition, is the Primary Driver of Successful Change Implementation

    David Toborek (Stabilus)
  2. How to Lead in a Time of Constant Change

    Armel Djeukou (Airbus)
  3. Bridging the Gap Between People and AI: Balancing Efficiency, Creativity, and Human Culture

    Dmitry Olerinskiy (Decathlon)
  4. The Process-First Mindset: Avoiding the Technology Trap to Achieve a Successful Transformation

    Arnold Maier (Ammann Group)
  5. The European Challenge: Using AI and Digital Transformation to Compete Globally

    Marcel Pfeiffer (thyssenkrupp)
  6. The Coalition of the Willing: Driving Transformation in a Decentralized Company

    Eric Croon (Bunzl)

Round-Table Discussions

  1. Why Fear, Not Ambition, is the Primary Driver of Successful Change Implementation

    David Toborek (Stabilus)
  2. How to Lead in a Time of Constant Change

    Armel Djeukou (Airbus)
  3. Bridging the Gap Between People and AI: Balancing Efficiency, Creativity, and Human Culture

    Dmitry Olerinskiy (Decathlon)
  4. The Process-First Mindset: Avoiding the Technology Trap to Achieve a Successful Transformation

    Arnold Maier (Ammann Group)
  5. The European Challenge: Using AI and Digital Transformation to Compete Globally

    Marcel Pfeiffer (thyssenkrupp)
  6. The Coalition of the Willing: Driving Transformation in a Decentralized Company

    Eric Croon (Bunzl)

12:45

Lunch with Networking

14:15

Thriving Through Change: Strategies from High-Performing Companies Across Industries

David Sandberg Larsen

Group Senior Director, HR Strategy, Digital & Talent Acquisition
Knauf
Denmark

14:30

How To Drive Centralization Activities Through Digital Transformation

Vladyslav Ostapiuk

Group Head of Business Intelligence and Transformation Finance
Metro
Germany

14:45

Beyond the Hype: Making GenAI Work through Data, Context & Collaboration

Andreas Steinbacher

Senior Digital Director
Novo Nordisk
Denmark

15:00

Navigating the Reality of Digital Transformation: Lessons from an Ongoing Journey

Steve Morrison

Global Head of HR Digital Processes, Analytics & Rewards
ANDRITZ
Austria

15:15

Faster, Better Decisions: A Framework for Agile Governance in the Digital Age

Przemek Kotecki

Director Transformation Office
Brenntag
Poland

15:30

Round-Table Discussions

  1. Thriving Through Change: Strategies from High-Performing Companies Across Industries

    David Sandberg Larsen (Knauf)
  2. Beyond the Hype: Making GenAI Work through Data, Context & Collaboration

    Andreas Steinbacher (Novo Nordisk)
  3. How To Drive Centralization Activities Through Digital Transformation

    Vladyslav Ostapiuk (Metro)
  4. Navigating the Reality of Digital Transformation: Lessons from an Ongoing Journey

    Steve Morrison (ANDRITZ)
  5. Faster, Better Decisions: A Framework for Agile Governance in the Digital Age

    Przemek Kotecki (Brenntag)

Round-Table Discussions

  1. Thriving Through Change: Strategies from High-Performing Companies Across Industries

    David Sandberg Larsen (Knauf)
  2. Beyond the Hype: Making GenAI Work through Data, Context & Collaboration

    Andreas Steinbacher (Novo Nordisk)
  3. How To Drive Centralization Activities Through Digital Transformation

    Vladyslav Ostapiuk (Metro)
  4. Navigating the Reality of Digital Transformation: Lessons from an Ongoing Journey

    Steve Morrison (ANDRITZ)
  5. Faster, Better Decisions: A Framework for Agile Governance in the Digital Age

    Przemek Kotecki (Brenntag)

16:15

End of the Conference with Summary

Book Your Tickets

Get Discount

Get 5% early bird discount for your pass using the code WCDT2_5 until 06.03.2026.

* You have to add the discount code at checkout to apply the discount.
  • WCDT2_5

Tickets

Conference Pass

Vendors and consultants cannot book this pass, but must book the Vendor Conference Pass.

€499,00 Book Now

Vendor Conference Pass

Vendors and consultants must book this pass to attend the conference.

€2.499,00 Book Now

  • The Conference Pass is your gateway to the complete World Class experience, both on- and off-line.
  • Gain complete access to all event tracks, workshops, exhibitions, and premium catering.
  • Enjoy 12 months of access to World Class Unlimited, your platform to connect, match, and network with other attendees during the live events or online.
  • Get online access to all PDF documents, live streams, attendee lists, and video presentations through the Think Tanks.
  • To secure your Conference Pass, simply choose the option that fits you best and click “Book Now.”
    Please note: tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, you will receive a voucher valid for a future World Class event.

World Class Unlimited Online Pass

World Class Unlimited Annual Subscription

€299,99 Book Now

World Class Unlimited Monthly Subscription

€29,99 Book Now

  • Access the presentations from this conference online as well as hundreds of other case study videos from global business leaders.
  • The videos are full-length and include the PDFs of the presentation.
  • More videos are added each month with new World Class Business Leaders business transformation conferences bringing best practices to you from around the world.
  • Don't lose this opportunity to stay on top of what business leaders currently do and plan for the future to gain a competitive edge.
  • 12 months of World Class Unlimited are included in any of the Conference Passes.

Become a Speaker or Business Partner

Speaker Application

We are looking for the best practices that shape tomorrow's world. If you would like to contribute to this event as speaker, please fill out the speaker application form here.

Speaker Application

Become a Business Partner

Do you provide a solution or service that is relevant for the attending decision-makers and want to share your expertise with them to generate leads? Inquire here about your options.

Partnership Configurator

Location

Supported by Business Partners such as

Contributors

Think Tank

As a registered attendee, visit the event’s online think tank where you can see your fellow attendees’ profiles and priorities to get in touch, arrange meetings and collaborate with your best networking opportunities. Also, your conference documentation awaits you in this World Class Business Leaders think tank.

Visit the Think Tank  How to Use the Think Tank? 

Media Kit

Are you looking to make the most of your experience at the upcoming event? Take advantage of our exclusive event material!

Download our networking strategies guide, our confirmed speaker's list and much more.

Plus, gain access to exclusive content before and after the event.

Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your return on investment in the event and make the most of your experience! Download additional materials about the conference. You will find flyers, logos, banners, signature templates, and press releases.

Download Conference Materials