We’re excited to announce the first three confirmed speakers for our upcoming conference on November 26, bringing together some of the most influential voices in digital media transformation and strategic leadership.
Dietmar Schantin: global media transformation expert
Dr Dietmar Schantin brings unparalleled expertise in transforming media operations across continents. His impressive portfolio includes work with Telegraph Media Group, Handelsblatt Germany, Ringier Switzerland, Hindustan Times, New Zealand Herald, Wall Street Journal, and Dow Jones. As founder of IFMS Media LTD and former Executive Director of WAN-IFRA, the global association of news publishers, Dietmar has been at the forefront of helping media organisations navigate digital integration and development.
His journey began at the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation before expanding into telecommunications and FMCG consulting in Switzerland. Later, as managing director of a Styria Media Group spin-off, he specialised in applying digital expertise to traditional businesses. Based between the UK and Austria, Dietmar is a regular presence on international digital media award jury panels and a sought-after speaker on growth strategies and business transformation. He holds a Ph.D in Economics and Technology with a focus on business strategy development and transformation.
Professor Lucy Kueng: digital transformation authority
Professor Lucy Kueng stands as one of the world’s leading experts on mastering digital transformation. With over two decades of experience providing senior-level strategic advice, she has guided organisations through technological and market disruption to emerge stronger. Her client roster reads like a who’s who of global media and technology: BBC, CNN, NPR, Google, Meta, Vodafone, NRK, Schibsted, SVT, Ericsson, Bonnier, Der Standard, and Financial Times Strategies.
Currently serving as non-executive board member of the NZZ Media Group and Senior Research Associate at the Reuters Institute, Oxford University, Lucy has held prestigious academic positions at universities in Oslo, New York, and Jönköping. Her latest book, Strategic Management in the Media, was published in December 2023, adding to her impressive bibliography that includes Hearts and Minds: Harnessing Leadership, Culture and Talent to Really Go Digital and several other acclaimed works. She holds a PhD and Habilitation from the University of St Gallen, an MBA from City Business School/Ashridge, and received an Honorary Doctorate in Economics from the University of Neuchatel in 2020.
Anita Zielina: innovation and change management specialist
Anita Zielina brings deep expertise in digital transformation and innovation management from the front lines of media evolution. Most recently serving as chief product officer and management board member at Neue Zürcher Zeitung Media Group in Zurich, she oversaw all digital products for the prestigious media company. Her leadership experience spans key roles at STERN, the German weekly news magazine published by Gruner+Jahr, where she served as digital editor and deputy editor-in-chief, and at DER STANDARD in Vienna as both reporter and editor.
In 2012, Anita made history as the first Austrian journalist selected for the prestigious Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University, where she conducted groundbreaking research on innovation management in media and user engagement. She holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD and a Master in Law from Vienna University. Currently focused on change management and digital transformation in news organizations at the Reuters Institute, Anita is particularly passionate about identifying the leadership skills essential for implementing transformational change.
Mark your calendars for November 26 and stay tuned as we announce additional speakers who will join these industry leaders in exploring the future of media, digital transformation, and strategic innovation.
