Thomas Bach

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.