Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

Global Strategic Advisor, German Minister of Defense (2009-2011)

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

Global Strategic Advisor, German Minister of Defense (2009-2011)

Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most distinguished figures in business, technology and international politics. The former Federal Minister for Economics and Technology (2009) and Federal Minister of Defence (2009–2011) significantly reformed the German Armed Forces during his time in office, shaping debates on innovation and security issues at the highest political level. After studying law and political science in Bavaria, zu Guttenberg served as a Member of the German Bundestag and held leading party positions within the CSU from 2002 to 2011. In 2011, he withdrew from politics following a plagiarism controversy surrounding his doctoral thesis, after which he dedicated himself to advising on international economic and technological challenges. He is the founder and chairman of Spitzberg Partners LLC, a New York-based consulting and investment firm which advises companies, start-ups and investors on geopolitical risk analysis, innovation strategies and technology trends. He is a highly sought-after advisor to global companies and organisations such as Samsung, Edelman, Barrick Gold and Lufthansa, providing expertise in digitalisation, future technologies and strategic transformation. In his speeches, he provides exclusive insights into current global political developments, economic trends, and security issues, with a particular focus on innovation, technology, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on businesses and society. With his profound expertise and international perspective, he succeeds in presenting complex topics in an accessible, engaging, and practical way.

About Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most distinguished figures in business, technology and international politics. The former Federal Minister for Economics and Technology (2009) and Federal Minister of Defence (2009–2011) significantly reformed the German Armed Forces during his time in office, shaping debates on innovation and security issues at the highest political level.

After studying law and political science in Bavaria, zu Guttenberg served as a Member of the German Bundestag and held leading party positions within the CSU from 2002 to 2011. In 2011, he withdrew from politics following a plagiarism controversy surrounding his doctoral thesis, after which he dedicated himself to advising on international economic and technological challenges.

He is the founder and chairman of Spitzberg Partners LLC, a New York-based consulting and investment firm which advises companies, start-ups and investors on geopolitical risk analysis, innovation strategies and technology trends. He is a highly sought-after advisor to global companies and organisations such as Samsung, Edelman, Barrick Gold and Lufthansa, providing expertise in digitalisation, future technologies and strategic transformation.

In his speeches, he provides exclusive insights into current global political developments, economic trends, and security issues, with a particular focus on innovation, technology, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on businesses and society. With his profound expertise and international perspective, he succeeds in presenting complex topics in an accessible, engaging, and practical way.

Topics

  • Financial Politics
  • Politics
  • Iran and Middle East
  • Transatlantic Relationship
  • Technology and Internet Security