Simon Torrance

Simon Torrance is a globally recognised keynote speaker on strategy, innovation and Agentic AI, known for helping leaders understand how advanced technologies reshape organisations and markets. With more than three decades of experience advising boards, executives and entrepreneurs, Simon has built a reputation for translating complex technological change into clear strategic action. He is the Founder and CEO of AI Risk, a specialist advisory firm focused on the safe, effective deployment of Agentic AI, and is widely regarded as one of the leading voices on how autonomous AI systems can transform productivity, cost structures and long-term competitiveness at scale.

Simon’s early career laid the foundations for his work at the intersection of technology, business models and growth. After completing an MA in History at the University of Cambridge, he began his professional journey within WPP and Omnicom, where he worked across advertising, marketing, innovation and change consulting. These years gave him deep exposure to how large organisations operate under pressure and how strategy, culture and technology intersect. In 2006, Simon took a decisive entrepreneurial step by founding STL Partners and the Telco 2.0 Initiative, which became an influential global platform challenging telecoms and technology leaders to rethink traditional, linear business models in favour of platforms and ecosystems.

Over the following years, Simon expanded his impact across industries and institutions. He is the Founder and CEO of Embedded Finance and Insurance Strategies, advising global brands, banks, insurers, technology firms and investors on creating new growth through embedded financial services. He serves as an Executive Working Group Member at the World Economic Forum, contributing to its Accelerating Digital Transformation agenda, and previously sat on the World Economic Forum Global ICT Agenda Council. Alongside this, Simon is a Guest Lecturer at Singularity University, where he educates senior leaders on exponential technologies, and a Senior Advisor to Visionary Future, Rainmaking Venture Studio and Swiss 6022. As a thought leader, he is the co-author of ‘Fightback: How to Win in the Digital Economy’ and the creator of executive education programmes including The New Growth Playbook, as well as widely used frameworks such as the Agentic AI Maturity Model and Agentic AI Enterprise Blueprint.

Simon is hired as a keynote speaker because he combines strategic depth with practical insight and credibility earned through real world experience. His talks focus on Agentic AI, AI risk, digital workforces, platform and ecosystem strategy, and business model transformation, topics that are now critical for leaders navigating uncertainty and rapid technological change. Simon Torrance helps audiences move beyond experimentation towards owned AI capabilities that deliver sustainable advantage.