Frank-Jürgen Richter: Building bridges in global dialogue

Frank-Jürgen Richter: ‘Cooperation and openness are crucial to shaping the world of tomorrow.’

This sentence is not a slogan, but the life motto of Dr Frank-Jürgen Richter. As founder and chairman of Horasis – The Global Visions Community, he has dedicated himself to bringing international decision-makers to the table – not for headlines, but for real solutions.

A life between continents.

Richter’s career began with a degree in industrial engineering in Karlsruhe, followed by stints in France, Mexico and Japan before he completed his doctorate in Stuttgart. He was drawn to Asia early on, where he worked for major European corporations in Tokyo and Beijing for almost a decade. ‘Only those who truly experience cultures can understand them – and build bridges,’ he says in retrospect.

These experiences made him a rare mediator between Western and Asian business cultures – a skill he later put to use on the global stage.

Setting the course at the WEF World Economic Forum.

From 2001 to 2004, Richter was Director at the World Economic Forum in Geneva. There, he headed the programmes for Asia and played a decisive role in shaping the WEF’s Asia strategy. He learned how complex global networks are – and how valuable it is to create platforms for dialogue. ‘It’s not grand speeches that change the world – it’s the right conversations at the right time.’

Horasis – vision in action

In 2005, Frank-Jürgen Richter founded Horasis, now one of the most important global platforms for thought leaders, entrepreneurs and politicians. The annual Horasis Global Meetings in Portugal and the regional summits on China, India and Southeast Asia provide spaces for honest exchange – deliberately held outside the respective countries to create distance and new perspectives.

Richter describes the meetings as a ‘laboratory for the future,’ where ideas are not only discussed but also translated into projects. ‘Horasis should be a place where trust grows – because without trust, there can be no cooperation.’

Author, analyst, catalyst

With over 37 published books – including “Six Billion Minds”, “Global Future” and “India Rising” – Richter is one of the most prolific voices on globalisation, emerging markets and strategic leadership. His work combines academic precision with the practical experience gained from hundreds of international projects.

His analyses appear regularly in leading international media outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. Television stations such as the BBC, CNN and CNBC invite him to provide clear and concise commentary on global developments.

A speaker who broadens horizons

Frank-Jürgen Richter is not only an author and organiser, but also a sought-after keynote speaker. He has spoken at renowned institutions such as Harvard University, the Brookings Institution, Peking University and the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

His strength lies in his ability to convey complex issues clearly, comprehensively and with infectious passion. ‘Globalisation is not automatic – it is a process that we must shape,’ he emphasises.

Leadership with attitude

In addition to his work at Horasis, Richter is involved in advisory boards, including at the University of Cambridge and the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing. There, he mentors young leaders who are learning to consciously combine responsibility and power.

Why book Frank-Jürgen Richter?

Anyone who has experienced Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter understands that his keynotes are not theoretical constructs, but lively insights drawn from decades of international experience. He speaks about the opportunities and risks of globalisation, Europe’s role in a fragmented world, and the importance of cooperation in times of growing uncertainty.

‘The future belongs to those who build bridges – not walls,’ he says.

And that is precisely what makes him one of the most exciting speakers of our time. Book Frank-Jürgen Richter for keynotes at Premium Speakers. Give us a call or write directly to frank-juergen.richter@premium-speakers.com.