Simon Kriss


  • Keynote Speaker
  • AI Futurist | CX
  • Based in Australia
  • Showreel
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Simon Kriss has spent more than three decades building a career in customer experience, work that has taken him across an unusually wide geographic footprint, having managed operations in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, India, Poland, Ireland, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Canada and the United States. That breadth extends across industries too, spanning banking, insurance, travel, FMCG, energy, government, telecommunications and business process outsourcing, for globally recognised brands including Expedia, HSBC and Cathay Pacific Airways.

Today Simon works as a CX and AI futurist, presenting to audiences worldwide and advising company boards and C-suite executives on where genuine AI opportunities exist for their businesses, and how to pursue effective, ethical AI adoption rather than technology for its own sake. Known for his divergent thinking, he specialises in uncovering hidden opportunities that let businesses innovate now while positioning themselves to win in the future.

Simon is a regular industry commentator, authoring magazine articles, white papers and books, and has built a reputation as a highly acclaimed keynote speaker on topics including the impact of AI, customer experience essentials, enabling technology, industry trends, outsourcing and the future of CX. His academic background is unusually varied for the field, holding a Masters in Viticulture and Wine Technology from the University of Melbourne alongside a Certificate of Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School, and he is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the AI for Developing Countries Forum, hosts the podcast AI in 5, and is the author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience. In 2024 he was named among the CX Top 50 Global Influencers to follow. Based in Melbourne, Simon Kriss is available for international keynote engagements, translating complex AI and CX opportunities into practical, boardroom-ready strategy.

Keynote Topics

1. Understanding AI: Demystifying the Future

Explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, from its origins to its current state. This session will break down complex concepts, making AI accessible to all audiences. Attendees will learn about the different types of AI, key technologies, and real-world applications, empowering them to engage with AI in their personal and professional lives.

2. AI Adoption: Navigating the Path to Integration

As organizations increasingly look to integrate AI into their operations, this keynote will provide a roadmap for successful adoption. We’ll discuss best practices, common pitfalls, and strategies for fostering a culture of innovation. Discover how to align AI initiatives with business goals, manage change, and leverage AI to drive efficiency and growth.

3. Enhancing Customer Experience with AI

Customer experience is evolving rapidly, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. In this keynote, Simon will explore how AI can personalize interactions, streamline processes, and predict customer needs. Learn about successful case studies and actionable strategies to leverage AI for improved customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.

4. Generative AI: Creativity Meets Technology

Dive into the transformative world of generative AI, where machines can create content and solutions. This session will showcase the capabilities of generative models and their implications for different industries and the ethical considerations that come with this powerful technology