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Keynote SpeakerThomas Bach

President, International Olympic Committee (IOC) 2013-2025; A visionary and uniting leader of one of the world’s most enduring institutions

Elected Honorary President for Life of the IOC, the visionary leader in global sport and diplomacy shares firsthand insights on high-stakes leadership—and being a uniting force in divisive times. At the helm of one of the world’s most influential institutions—which comprises 206 National Olympic Committees and dozens of International Sports... Read more

Popular Talks by Thomas Bach

  • The Future Plays On: What the Olympics Taught Us About Leadership, Unity, and Resilience

    In this powerful and timely keynote, Thomas Bach, former President of the International Olympic Committee, shares strategic lessons in global leadership, crisis management, and diplomacy from one of the most unprecedented moments in modern sports history—the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 held during a global pandemic. As the leader responsible for…
  • Exclusive Access to the Olympic Games: Leadership, Innovation, Global Impact

    As former President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach shares a rare insider’s look at the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential and unifying institutions. In this compelling keynote, he provides behind-the-scenes stories of how Olympic host cities are selected, how global partnerships are forged, and…

Biography

Elected Honorary President for Life of the IOC, the visionary leader in global sport and diplomacy shares firsthand insights on high-stakes leadership—and being a uniting force in divisive times.

At the helm of one of the world’s most influential institutions—which comprises 206 National Olympic Committees and dozens of International Sports Federations—Thomas Bach works at the intersection of elite sport, global diplomacy, and visionary leadership. An Olympic gold medalist in fencing and a champion for peace through sport, Bach has reshaped the Olympic Movement for the 21st century—steering it through geopolitical complexity, technological transformation, and the unifying power of shared values. Under his leadership, the Games have evolved beyond competition to become a catalyst for sustainability, innovation, and global unity.

A master storyteller with world-stage presence, Bach speaks to the values that unite sport and business: resilience, adaptability, and legacy. He draws examples from his accomplishments, including:
– Fostering unity between North and South Korea in the Olympic Games in PyeongChang 2018, marking the first time ever that the two countries presented a joint team at the Olympics (Women’s Ice Hockey).
– Leading the safe and successful production of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020—in 2021 after the first ever postponement of an Olympic Games during the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Hosting the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the face of both Russia and Ukraine and their respective allies threatening boycott.
– Launching the first-ever Olympic AI Agenda, presenting the impact that AI will bring to sports.

In a time when bridging divides is more crucial than ever, Bach’s keynotes resonate across industries—whether he’s addressing Fortune 500 executives, policymakers, or emerging leaders. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of global collaboration, organizational transformation, and values-driven leadership in times of change.

Through the lens of his compelling Olympic stories, Bach shares timeless and actionable strategies for leading through uncertainty, aligning diverse stakeholders, and making bold decisions under pressure.

Ready to invite Thomas Bach to your event?

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How to book Thomas Bach as a keynote speaker

How do I book Thomas Bach for a keynote speech?

You can book Thomas Bach through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Thomas's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Thomas Bach's speaking fees?

Thomas Bach's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Thomas tailored to your event.

What topics does Thomas Bach speak about?

Thomas Bach speaks on Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Olympic, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Thomas to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Thomas Bach available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Thomas Bach for events worldwide, subject to Thomas's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Thomas Bach deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Thomas Bach is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Thomas Bach?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Thomas can accommodate.

Can Thomas Bach tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Thomas Bach on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Thomas can offer.

What languages does Thomas Bach present in?

Thomas Bach delivers keynotes in English, German. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Thomas Bach a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Thomas Bach's areas of expertise include Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Olympic, Performance. To get a clear sense of Thomas's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Thomas Bach speak at?

Thomas Bach can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Olympic, Performance is relevant. Details of Thomas's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Thomas Bach offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Thomas Bach is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Thomas Bach?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Thomas Bach, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Thomas's current availability for your dates.