Chris Heemskerk is a world-renowned innovation expert, best known as the proud Founder and CEO of The Innovation Alliance. With over ten years of corporate industry experience behind him, Chris is treasured for the remarkable impact he has had throughout the industry over recent years. Having previously worked for several leading organisations, such as Google, Apple, and Audi, his expertise spans a wide range of areas, all being utilised by business leaders globally. Known for educating audiences on topics such as innovation culture and innovation strategy, Chris is now a popular inspirational speaker for all kinds of events.
Beginning his professional career by completing a Marketing Internship for Audi in 2009, Chris has since developed a profound career within the corporate industry. Securing esteemed roles such as the Sales Operations Management Project at Apple Inc., the Global Account Management at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, and Accounts Management at Publicis, his vast skillset has allowed him to become a leading authority in his field. In 2012, Chris began his 10-year tenure at Google by working in the New Business Development area of the organisation. Working his way up the ranks, he most recently fulfilled the role of Head of Scaled Acquisitions at Google North America and secured numerous accolades throughout this period, for example being named Global Inbound Sales Leader of the Year, and the recipient of the Google Acquisitions Platinum Award.
An inspiration to audiences globally, Chris is now working as the Founder and CEO of The Innovation Alliance, an organisation which equips businesses with the innovation capabilities required to reimagine business models. Alongside this, he has also become the proud author of The Innovation Scorecard. Respected for his diverse expertise, Chris has gained the opportunity to become a member of the Visiting Faculty at The European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability and was featured as an Innovation Advisor in the Harvard Business School Case Study documenting Google’s Innovation Labs.
A leading authority in his field, Chris Heemskerk is now highly sought-after to attend speaking engagements internationally. His innovative methods in areas like workplace culture and product development have revolutionised various industries, with his clients including Google, The United Nations, CooperVision, and Verizon. If you aim to motivate your employees or enlighten your business executives on topics such as strategy and innovation labs, consider engaging Chris as a speaker at your next event to share his expertise.
How to hire Chris Heemskerk
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Chris Heemskerk for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Chris Heemskerk's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Innovation Culture
- Innovation Strategy
- Innovation Labs
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"What an inspiring and insightful masterclass! We have received great feedback from our audience. People want to learn more about the applications of the Innovation Scorecard to sustainable development, so we hope to have you back at The United Nations in Rome very soon!" - Gladys, Senior Officer, Global Head of Innovation, United Nations
"Your keynote was well received by all, and especially by our president. It elevated our event and perfectly fit in the innovation-focused programme. We truly appreciate you being part of this important R&D gathering." - Milan, VP of Global R&D, CooperSurgical
"Chris is a great speaker on the topic of innovation. He's able to both motivate diverse senior leaders and effectively convey a powerful, contextual message. I find him an amazing professional." - Borislav, CPO & Member of the Executive Board, 1&1 Versatel
"Chris has a keen ability to translate proiven innovation strategies to any organisation. He is an agile thinker and incredibly easy to work with. His passion and years of experience shine through all of his interactions. The Innovation Experience was invigorating, insightful, fun, and useful. Thank you, Chris, for opening my mind." - Odette, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands, Arizona
"Chris Heemskerk was a standout keynote speaker at the Arizona Technology Council's annual CEO Leadership Retreat. His presentations on 'Innovation Management for CEOs' was a tour de force - both enlightening and thought-provoking. Chris presented an inclusive breakdown of a CEO's role in the innovation process, effectively illustrating how leaders can catalyse meaningful change within their organisations. With his discussion on the 'Innovation Engine', he presented a compelling case for integrating traditional corporate strategies with dedicated innovation strategies. Moreover, he transformed the abstract concept of leading innovation into a practical and tangible endeavour. By incorporating the elements of the Innovation Scorecard, he provided CEOs with a powerful tool to access their innovation capabilities across culture, organisational design, external dimensions and effectiveness. Witnessing an engaged and energized public throughout the entire session, I cannot overstate my recommendation of Chris for C-Level audiences. His outstanding delivery and profound insights distinguished him as one of the premier speakers at our event." - Steven, President & CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute
"Chris Heemskerk was a real highlight for me, we met him the night before the presentation to ensure that the presentation was on message, Chris had gone to great lengths to ensure that he drew examples from the Energy sector that were relevant for the audience." - Alex, Client Development Director, First Event
- 2023 - Founder & CEO of The Innovation Alliance
- 2019 - Adjunct Faculty at the European Institute for Innovation and Sustainability
- 2016 - Head of Scaled Acquisitions at Google North America
- 2014 - Senior New Business Development Manager at Google
- 2011 - Account Management at Publicis
- 2011 - Global Account Management at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide
- 2010 - Sales Operations Management Project at Apple Inc.
- 2009 - Marketing Intern at Audi
