Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg keynote speaker
- A New Era in Global Politics: The Role of the United States and the Implications for Business and Society
- ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and Fake News: The New Cyber Threat Landscape
- Europe in a World of Upheaval – Crisis-Stricken or Opportunity-Driven?
- Inflation, the Energy Transition, and Geopolitical Shifts: Where Are Germany and Europe Headed?
- Investing in Times of Uncertainty: A Geopolitical Perspective
- The Transatlantic (Dis)Alliance: How Europe and America Can Shape the Digital Future Together
- The Transatlantic Partnership Between Europe and the United States
- The United States, China, Russia, and the Middle East: Europe in an Increasingly Challenging Future
- War and the Refugee Crisis: The Middle East as a Geopolitical Flashpoint and Its Impact on Europe
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg served as Germany's Federal Minister for Economics and Technology and later as Federal Minister of Defence. Today, he is Chairman of Spitzberg Partners LLC, an international strategic advisory and investment firm. In addition, Baron zu Guttenberg serves on the supervisory and advisory boards of numerous international companies and organisations. A trained lawyer, he earned a PhD in Finance in 2019.
Alongside his work in business and strategic advisory, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is active as a producer, host, and moderator of various media formats and is the author of numerous publications. His latest book, "3 Worte" ("Three Words"), was published in the summer of 2025.
Since 2023, he has co-hosted the weekly Germany Podcast with Gregor Gysi. In early 2026, he also launched the programmes "Land in Sicht" ("Land Ahead") and "Make Amerika Good Again". At the same time, several of his personal media projects were brought together under the Guttenberg brand.
As a Distinguished Statesman at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg leads a high-level initiative promoting transatlantic dialogue on pressing political, economic, and financial issues.
Since December 2011, he has also served as a Senior Adviser to the European Union's No Disconnect Strategy Commission, providing strategic guidance to internet users, bloggers, and cyber activists living under authoritarian regimes.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was Germany's youngest-ever Federal Minister for Economics and Technology.
He served as a Member of the German Bundestag from 2002 to 2011 and was a member of the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee from 2002 to 2008. As Federal Minister of Defence, he oversaw some of the most significant structural reforms in the history of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). Throughout his career, he has published extensively on foreign policy, economic affairs, and security issues.
As one of Chancellor Angela Merkel's most prominent cabinet members, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg earned a reputation as one of her standout performers. Although at times a controversial political figure, he offers unique insights into global affairs, foreign policy, economics, and security. His expertise in technology and his practical experience in European internet policy have also established him as a sought-after commentator on technological innovation and the effective use of the internet.
A dynamic keynote speaker and respected commentator, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a frequent guest at major national and international conferences and forums.
Who is Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg?
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a German politician, entrepreneur, and strategic adviser. A former member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), he served as Germany's Federal Minister for Economics and Technology before becoming Federal Minister of Defence from 2009 to 2011. He resigned from office following a plagiarism controversy concerning his doctoral thesis.
After leaving German politics, he founded the advisory firm Spitzberg Partners in New York and has since focused on international business, investment, and geopolitical advisory work. He is also active as an international keynote speaker, documentary host, and podcast presenter.
Since 2023, he has co-hosted the podcast Gysi gegen Guttenberg – Der Deutschland Podcast ("Gysi vs. Guttenberg – The Germany Podcast") with Gregor Gysi, where they engage in lively discussions on current political developments and public affairs.
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