Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström is the Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Science at Potsdam University. Rockström is an internationally recognized scientist on global sustainability issues, who led the development of the new Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. He is a leading scientist on global water resources, with about 25 years of experience from applied water research in tropical regions, and more than 150 research publications in fields ranging from applied land and water management to global sustainability. Rockström provides strategic scientific guidance as a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group ‘Mission Board for Adaptation to Climate Change, including Societal Transformation’ and the ‘Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ and consults several governments and business networks.

Green industrialist Dale Vince OBE went from ‘enemy of the state’ to ‘green energy tycoon’, dedicating his life to challenging conventional wisdom in pursuit of a better way of life, using business as a tool for environmentalism. Dale kickstarted the global green energy movement by launching the world’s first green energy company, Ecotricity(1996), leads FGR FC, dubbed the world’s greenest football team by FIFA; creates diamonds out of atmospheric carbon – Skydiamonds; builds windmills for export around the world – Britwind; has launched a range of plant-based school dinners and earlier this year launched the world’s first electric airline Ecojet.

Erik has been with Schenker for more than 25 years in various positions and, in addition to various IT areas, has also headed the innovation area for Schenker Germany since 2011. Since 2016, he has been responsible for the Innovation division for DB Schenker globally. The focus of his area is, among other things, on researching/observing social and technical trends, their impact on the logistics industry and the derivation of future business models for the logistics of tomorrow. He is also responsible for DB Schenker’s own Lab, all start-up activities and innovative pilot projects.

Jure Mikolčić is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Germany Division of Stadler Rail. His professional journey encompasses diverse experiences in the railway industry: Starting in 2001, he worked in various positions for Siemens, i.a. as Sales Director for Commuter & Regional Trains in Germany. Before he joined Stadler in 2019, he served as the CEO of Knorr-Bremse PowerTech. In addition to his role at Stadler, Jure Mikolčić actively contributes to the Verband der Bahnindustrie in Deutschland (VDB) as the Vice-President for Vehicles. His involvement in this capacity highlights his commitment to advancing rail transportation and shaping the industry’s future. His dedication to advancing rail technology and driving innovation makes him a significant figure in the railway sector.

Steffen Szeidl has been a member of the Executive Board of Drees & Sommer SE and is responsible for the overall strategic positioning of the Group, as well as for finance, corporate communications and IT. As a member of the Executive Board, he is also responsible for the international development of Drees & Sommer. He is personally driven by innovation and sustainability – not only in the company, but in the but in the entire sectors.