What meaningful tomorrow can we shape with the courage to leave yesterday’s recipes behind?
/ CXO LUNCHEON EVENT DURING THE WEF ANNUAL MEETING 2026
January 20, 2026
Heimatmuseum, Davos, Switzerland
/ Relive the Experience
In the heart of Davos, the CxO Luncheon at WEF 2026 convened global executives, industry leaders, and transformation thinkers for a focused exchange on the forces redefining leadership and business. Set within the historic Heimatmuseum, the gathering explored questions of trust, resilience, AI, strategic discontinuity, and the capabilities leaders need to navigate a more demanding environment.
/ Event Overview
The luncheon offered more than a moment of exchange. It created space for meaningful connections, candid dialogue, and fresh perspectives on how leaders can respond to complexity with greater clarity, relevance, and direction.
“Inspired by the traditions of 17th and 18th-century French salons, where ideas were exchanged and intellectual movements took shape, the luncheon created an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and high-level reflection. Each guest added depth to the conversation, making it a genuinely collaborative and thought-provoking experience.”
/ INSIGHTS FROM OUR SPEAKERS
The bluegain CxO Luncheon 2026 created space for a different kind of Davos conversation – one rooted in trust, transformation, resilience, and the practical realities of leading through discontinuity. The articles below build on those moments, turning high-level dialogue into strategic insight for leaders shaping what comes next.
Managing Partner Ellipsis VC; Former Senior Director Google & Co-Founder Google Assistant
Yariv Adan
When Intelligence costs 40 Cents – Rethinking AI, Software and Deep Tech Strategy & Investments
/ Read the article
CEO, bluegain and Member of the WEF Expert Network
Dr. Carsten Linz
How to master Strategic Discontinuity by rewiring Business Capabilities – Change the Game Before It Changes You
/ Read the article
First Deputy Governor of the Deutsche Bundesbank adn Chair of NGFS
Dr Sabine Mauderer
When Intelligence costs 40 Cents – Rethinking AI, Software and Deep Tech Strategy & Investments
(Will be published in next NLB)
/ BLUEGAIN TRANSFORMATION EXCELLENCE AWARD
Recognizing the visionaries who drive transformation, the bluegain Transformation Excellence Award honors leaders who do not simply respond to change, but help define the direction of the future.
In 2026, this award was presented to Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, in recognition of his leadership in advancing one of Europe’s most important strategic frontiers. At a time when competitiveness, resilience, technological sovereignty, and long-term innovation capacity are becoming defining questions for Europe, his work stands as a powerful example of transformation at scale.
In his laudation, Carsten Linz highlighted that transformation leadership today is no longer only about improving what already exists. It is about creating the capabilities, institutions, and ambitions needed for a world being reshaped by discontinuity. Under Dr Josef Aschbacher’s leadership, ESA has continued to strengthen Europe’s role in space, science, technology, and international cooperation – demonstrating how long-term vision can be translated into real strategic relevance.
The bluegain Transformation Excellence Award celebrates exceptional leaders and teams who pioneer transformative initiatives and drive meaningful change within and across industries. It recognizes those who embody transformation excellence in one or more of the following dimensions: Digital Transformation, Sustainability and Circularity Transformation, and Business Model Transformation.
At its core, the award reflects key principles of transformation excellence:
- Innovation in Transformation: For those who introduce bold ideas, new capabilities, and forward-looking approaches that expand what is possible.
- Catalyst for Change: Celebrating leaders who accelerate meaningful progress within their institutions, ecosystems, and society at large.
- Visionary Leadership: Honoring those who combine long-term perspective, executional seriousness, and the courage to lead beyond immediate horizons.
By embodying these ideals, recipients of the bluegain Transformation Excellence Award help shape the future not only of their own organizations, but of the wider systems in which they operate.
Congratulations once again to Dr Josef Aschbacher on being named the bluegain Transformation Excellence Award winner 2026.
/ WORDS FROM OUR ATTENDEES
“It was already my third time here. It’s always amazing. Great leaders in the room, really in-depth discussions, and really inspiring speakers. I am always delighted to be here, and I am always leaving with additional ideas and amazing contacts.”
– Anna Zeiter, CEO, W Social
“The event was fantastic. I learned so much, and there was so much energy and authenticity. It was such a great connection with the speakers. We had the best opportunity to learn a lot in a very short period of time from people who were just mind-blowing in terms of their competence, but also their passion about what they were talking about.”
– Esther González, Left Lane Capital
“This was really amazing, being here with this group of CxOs. It’s always thrilling to be among cross-industry managers and step outside of your own bubble. Having the opportunity to engage with others before and during the event, exchanging questions and insights, really got me thinking. I’m still processing everything I’ve learned, and I’m truly amazed.”
– Dr. Peter Lukassen, Director of Operational Sustainability, Bosch
“I was blown away by really the depth that we discussed on trust and also truth. I loved the setting and the mountains of Davos, and the small saloon-like invite where we could discuss really intimately.”
– Prof. Dr. Cordula Meckenstock, Co-CEO, lawpilots
/ OUR PARTNERS
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