



Renowned humanitarian leader, change maker and international strategist, he helps leaders to expand their horizons on critical issues shaping our future and contributes to challenging and sharpening their strategic thinking to prepare for tomorrow.


















"With his exceptional oratory skills, Yves Daccord is certainly the guest speaker (in a real or digital way) to invite if you are looking to illustrating international issues in an open-minded, unbiased and comprehensive way."
"Yves Daccord is a powerful thinker and an inspirational leader creating tangible value at the front-line of humanity’s most pressing problems. His views on issues like trust, global security, leadership are horizon-expanding - and his ability to make these relevant to business has had a « knock-the-socks-off » impact on Vanguard participants more than once. I highly recommend Yves to leaders and executives seeking a challenging discussion partner on the issues shaping our future."
Yves Daccord is a renowned humanitarian leader, seasoned executive, former Director-General at the International Committee of the Red Cross (2010-2020), and an international relations expert interested in the seismic global shifts currently emerging. As the chief executive of a global organisation employing 20,000 people in more than 100 countries, with a budget of over USD 2 billion, Yves spearheaded major institutional reforms in areas such as diversity, inclusion and people management; partnerships and stakeholder management; and innovation and technology.
Yves consistently strives to work on the frontlines of new global challenges, helping to define the humanitarian, political and societal agendas in our fast-evolving world, having refined its viewpoint through work conducted for the International Red Cross in some of the most difficult conflict zones and in negotiation with some of the toughest leaders of the world. From this exposure, Yves provides thought leadership on the changing nature of our societies; leadership in extreme situations; the risks and opportunities of new technologies; data privacy and security; the role of business in global crises; and the importance of radical collaboration in a changing world.
In his (virtual) keynotes, workshops or facilitation work, Yves Daccord has an amazing ability to translate personal insight and understanding of real-world problems into solution-orientated visions of the future of our societies. His views on issues like trust, global security, people, and leadership are horizon-expanding – and his ability to make these relevant to business has a «knock-their-socks-off» impact on participants. He inspires his audiences with passion and purpose.
With long experience on global stages and platforms, he is highly regarded not only as an inspiring speaker and innovative thinker but also as a skilled MC and moderator. A former journalist, TV producer and international relations expert, Yves holds various titles and honours – including chair of the influential…
Yves Daccord is a renowned humanitarian leader, seasoned executive, former Director-General at the International Committee of the Red Cross (2010-2020), and an international relations expert interested in the seismic global shifts currently emerging. As the chief executive of a global organisation employing 20,000 people in more than 100 countries, with a budget of over USD 2 billion, Yves spearheaded major institutional reforms in areas such as diversity, inclusion and people management; partnerships and stakeholder management; and innovation and technology.
Yves consistently strives to work on the frontlines of new global challenges, helping to define the humanitarian, political and societal agendas in our fast-evolving world, having refined its viewpoint through work conducted for the International Red Cross in some of the most difficult conflict zones and in negotiation with some of the toughest leaders of the world. From this exposure, Yves provides thought leadership on the changing nature of our societies; leadership in extreme situations; the risks and opportunities of new technologies; data privacy and security; the role of business in global crises; and the importance of radical collaboration in a changing world.
In his (virtual) keynotes, workshops or facilitation work, Yves Daccord has an amazing ability to translate personal insight and understanding of real-world problems into solution-orientated visions of the future of our societies. His views on issues like trust, global security, people, and leadership are horizon-expanding – and his ability to make these relevant to business has a «knock-their-socks-off» impact on participants. He inspires his audiences with passion and purpose.
With long experience on global stages and platforms, he is highly regarded not only as an inspiring speaker and innovative thinker but also as a skilled MC and moderator. A former journalist, TV producer and international relations expert, Yves holds various titles and honours – including chair of the influential Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR); member of the Board of Trustees of the UK Overseas Development Institute (ODI); and recipient of an honorary doctorate in social sciences from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.


Over the course of a diverse career that spans entertainment, education and consulting, Adam Kingl has worked for decades immersed in the fields of innovation, strategy, culture, and leadership. As a dual British-American, he sees leadership as a creative pursuit – shaping the future through vision and adaptability – informed by his background in entertainment, consulting and education.


Professor Costas Markides, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, is a leading voice on strategic leadership, disruptive innovation and business model change. He was ranked #31 on the Thinkers50 list in 2011 and shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Strategy Award that year, a strategic management award. He holds the Robert P Bauman Chair in Strategic Leadership at London Business School.


The most exciting and personable businessman alive and the man behind one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands, Virgin. The brand has expanded into air and rail travel, hospitality and leisure, telecommunications, health and wellness, and clean energy through more than 300 companies in 30 countries.


Pioneering conductor and composer Eímear Noone is a respected visionary in the world of music. Best known for her compelling video game and film scores, she is also celebrated as the first female conductor to have led the orchestra at the Oscars. Eímear’s music and powerful leadership insights reflect her exceptional talent.


Sinéad Hewson works internationally with organisations undergoing change, scaling up, or seeking high performance. A consultant, coach and facilitator, she empowers leaders and teams to communicate effectively, make stronger decisions, and optimise their performance in both virtual and face-to-face settings.


Pellegrino Riccardi is world-renowned for his ability to inspire corporate audiences with powerful insights on communication, connection, cultural diversity, and leadership. He shows leaders and teams how to build authentic relationships across distance, devices, and differences — so they strengthen communities, deepen collaboration, and unlock human potential through the power of real connection.


Monte Königs is a sociologist, leadership trainer, and keynote speaker specialising in future human behaviour, ethics, and trust. Known for his engaging and interactive style, he equips leaders and teams with practical tools to thrive amid digital disruption, societal change, and times of polycrisis.


Dominic Alldis is a distinguished musician and innovative business speaker, renowned for creating transformative learning experiences. He combines rich musical insights with business wisdom, addressing key areas like leadership, innovation, and collaboration in today’s dynamic business environment.