Damien Bruckard Keynote Speaker

Founder and Chair, Geopolitical Strategy
Former CEO and international diplomat (Australia)
Expert on geopolitical risk and global markets

Damien Bruckard's Biography

Damien Bruckard is a geopolitical strategist and international affairs expert, and the Founder and Chair of Geopolitical Strategy, where he advises corporations, financial institutions, and public sector leaders on geopolitical risk, corporate diplomacy, and global strategy. With a career spanning over fifteen years across Europe, Russia, and the Asia-Pacific, he brings a deeply international perspective to the intersection of politics, markets, and business decision-making.

Bruckard previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Geopolitical Strategy from 2023 to 2025, and continues to shape its strategic direction as Chair. He also writes the Irregular column for Geopolitical Dispatch, providing sharp, timely insights into the geopolitical forces shaping global markets and leadership.

Prior to founding the firm, Bruckard held senior roles at the International Chamber of Commerce, where he led global engagement and advised the Secretary-General. As Head of Global Engagement and Deputy Director of Trade and Investment, he oversaw engagement with the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and governments in more than 170 countries, positioning him at the forefront of international policy and economic dialogue.

Earlier in his career, he served as an Australian diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including a posting to Moscow, and worked as a trade negotiator, foreign policy advisor, and public international lawyer in Canberra. Multilingual and globally experienced, Bruckard offers audiences clear, strategic insight into navigating geopolitical uncertainty and translating complexity into opportunity.

The new geopolitics of business

Geopolitics is no longer a background issue. From supply chains to investment decisions, global affairs now sit at the centre of corporate strategy. Damien explains how leaders can build resilience and foresight in a world shaped by shifting alliances, trade tensions and political risk.

Trump’s tariffs and the next trade shock

Trade policy is becoming more unpredictable, with rising protectionism and shifting alliances. Damien breaks down the implications of US tariffs, regional trade tensions and what it means for businesses.

The geopolitics of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is now a geopolitical asset. Damien explores how governments are competing for AI dominance, and what this means for business, regulation and innovation.

Security and strategy

From war in Ukraine to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, global security dynamics are reshaping business risk. Damien translates complex defence and foreign policy issues into clear strategic insights for corporate leaders.

The world of corporate diplomacy

From the embassy to the boardroom. Damien explores the inner workings of diplomacy and statecraft. From Paris to the Pacific and Moscow in between, the experiences of a diplomat help business leaders and professionals see behind the curtain.

Executive wargaming and scenario planning

Damien facilitates immersive simulations for boards and leadership teams, helping them test strategy under geopolitical stress. These sessions use diplomatic and national security methods to explore real-world scenarios.

Event host, MC and panel facilitator

Damien brings the precision and presence of a seasoned diplomat to the stage. With experience moderating high-level discussions and interviewing global leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachev, he ensures events are seamless, insightful and engaging.

He advises global corporations, financial institutions and governments on geopolitical risk, corporate diplomacy and international strategy.
He translates complex geopolitical developments into clear insight that helps leaders navigate uncertainty and identify opportunity.
He brings deep international experience as a former diplomat and senior leader at the International Chamber of Commerce.
He combines policy, legal and commercial expertise to deliver practical strategies at the intersection of politics and business.
His insights help organisations anticipate global shifts, manage risk and make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world.