Karl Dinkelmann

Karl Dinkelmann is a business growth strategist, Co-Founder & CEO of Nexus Data, and an Amazon Best-Selling Author of ‘Drive RAPPID Results From Data’. A high-impact keynote speaker, he shows leaders how to turn analytics and AI into measurable value. His biggest achievement is translating complex data work into clear financial outcomes that boards can trust.

Karl’s journey began in finance. He studied accounting and finance at the University of Pretoria before completing a BCompt Honours at the University of South Africa and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (SA). He trained at KPMG South Africa, where he learned to interrogate numbers with rigour and communicate them simply. Keen to move closer to operational impact, he stepped into data and technology. He served as BI Project Lead and later Senior Manager: Business Advisory at MultiChoice, guiding cross-functional teams and building analytics capability at scale. Short stints in strategy consulting and senior data roles rounded out his early career and set the stage for his leadership focus on value, not vanity metrics.

Karl is now recognised for shaping programmes that connect data to profit. In 2020, he co-founded Nexus Data and became its CEO, advising global brands on the business of data. Earlier work he led was nominated for Microsoft Data & Analytics Partner of the Year, reflecting disciplined delivery and client impact. In 2024 he was a Finalist in the SAICA Chairman’s Awards (Business Trailblazer), celebrating his influence at the intersection of finance and data. The following year he became an Amazon Best-Selling Author, co-authoring a practical playbook for executives. Across roles, Karl has built high-performing teams, mentored senior leaders and helped enterprises recover lost revenue, reduce churn and fund the right AI initiatives. His track record spans media, financial services, mining and technology, always anchored in accountable results.

Organisations hire Karl because he makes data make sense for decision-makers. He speaks candidly about what works and what does not, then gives audiences tools they can apply immediately. Core topics include turning data into value, revenue leakage, retention and funding AI with confidence. He unpacks the RAPPID Value Cycle for measurable results, introduces IFMAPI to showcase value and investment readiness, and describes the Data Value Architect role for aligned delivery across CFO, CIO and CDO teams. Karl’s sessions are practical, energetic and tailored to your goals. If you want leaders to leave with clarity, a shared language of value and the confidence to act, he delivers the frameworks and momentum to move from insight to impact.