Matthias Schranner

Matthias Schranner is a globally renowned negotiation expert with a career rooted in high-stakes law enforcement. Trained by both the German police and the FBI, Matthias served as a lead negotiator for critical situations, including kidnappings and hostage crises. His early career spanned 17 years in law enforcement, where he gained unparalleled experience, including six years in undercover drug enforcement and work with a special Federal Criminal Task Force for the German Ministry of the Interior. These roles solidified his expertise in handling tense, high-pressure scenarios.

Transitioning from law enforcement, Matthias founded the Schranner Negotiation Institute in Switzerland and Schranner Negotiation LLC in the United States. Over the past two decades, he has consulted with a wide array of prestigious clients, including the United Nations, Fortune 500 companies, global political leaders, and governments in over 40 countries. His proprietary Schranner Concept®, a structured approach to tackling difficult negotiations, is widely adopted by businesses and institutions worldwide.

Matthias' expertise extends to academia, where he serves as a lecturer at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and the University of Warwick. He also founded the Negotiation Council Geneva, focusing on advancing strategies for peace negotiations. He has authored several influential books, including Negotiations on the Edge, Costly Mistakes, and The Schranner Concept®. These publications, along with his executive course series, provide deep insights into managing complex negotiations under pressure.

As a keynote speaker, Matthias captivates audiences with his unique perspective on negotiation, blending his law enforcement background with insights from decades of consulting and research. He shares strategies for hostage negotiations, crisis management, and conflict resolution, offering lessons that resonate far beyond the negotiation table. His ability to translate high-stakes scenarios into actionable insights for business and government leaders makes him a sought-after speaker for those aiming to navigate challenges with confidence and success. Schranner’s career exemplifies the art and science of negotiation at its highest level, providing valuable guidance to leaders facing the toughest decisions.