Ilja Grzeskowitz is an economist, author and global keynote speaker. As Germany’s youngest managing director at Karstadt and IKEA, he was responsible for a total of eleven locations throughout Germany for Karstadt, Hertie, Wertheim & IKEA, led thousands of employees and was responsible for a sales volume of over 500 million euros. In times marked by permanent restructuring, staff cuts and the threat of store closures, the change expert succeeded in developing motivated and committed teams in a wide variety of locations.

At the height of the department stores’ crisis, he quickly realised what really mattered: putting people at the centre. Only with the right mindset is it possible to no longer fear change, but to see it as a great opportunity for the future. With the experiences and learnings from this time, he now inspires people from all over the world as a keynote and conference speaker.

The change expert held guest lecturing positions at the Berlin School of Law and Economics and SHR University and has already published thirteen books (including the bestsellers “Attitude”, “Think it. Do it. Change it.” and “The Changemaker Mindset”).

His mission is to support companies in establishing a culture of change that is characterised by powerful values, a strong purpose and a can-do-mentality. His clients love to call him “Mr. Change”, because Ilja Grzeskowitz stands for one thing above all: a living proof of what the power of change is all about.

As a globally sought-after speaker, Ilja has already spoken on five continents and is considered “Germany’s most successful change expert” (OÖ Nachrichten). When he is not speaking on a stage around the globe, he is passionate about playing golf, rooting for his favourite football team HSV or enjoying a cup of coffee (lots of it and always black).