Alex Nelles

speaker, CIO, Advisor,
Board Member

I am a C-Level Executive with over 24 years of experience in Telecommunications, Retail, Travel, and Healthcare. As the current CIO at one of Switzerland's largest hospitals, I lead digital and business transformations, connecting business and tech for impactful results. My thought leadership and real-world insights make me an inspiring speaker, an insightful advisor, an innovative executive and a forward thinking non-executive board member.

speaker,
CIO, Advisor,
Board Member

I am a C-Level Executive with over 24 years of experience in Telecommunications, Retail, Travel, and Healthcare. As the current CIO at one of Switzerland's largest hospitals, I lead digital and business transformations, connecting business and tech for impactful results. My thought leadership and real-world insights make me an inspiring speaker, an insightful advisor, an innovative executive and a forward thinking non-executive board member.

Five-year-old boy Alex Nelles sits on his grandmother’s lap. The image marks the beginning of his journey, where he learned that he wanted to make others’ lives easier through digital transformation. Both calmly gaze into the camera while sitting in a homely environment.

From Humble Beginnings

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
When I was a little boy, my Grandma used to ask me what job I wanted to do when I grew up. I told her I wanted to be a doctor so I could make her healthy again when she was old. Years later, I realized my dream wasn't really about medicine. It was about wanting to help people. I wanted to make their lives better. I ended up becoming a businessperson with a strong passion for technology. Ever since then, I've used my business skills and tech knowledge to help make life easier for others. I believe that technology should make our lives easier, and I keep trying to find ways to make this happen.

Alex Nelles receiving the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award in 2010 in London for his innovative approach to managing dealers in the Vodafone Germany Retail Chain, recognized for his commitment to fostering new ideas and business transformation.

Recognized for Innovation

I have always worked hard to support new ideas and innovation. In 2010, I was honored to receive the "Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award" in London for our creative approach to managing dealers in the Vodafone Germany Retail Chain. It was a proud moment that reminded me why I love what I do – and it didn't hurt that I got to celebrate with some of the best fish and chips in town!

Alex Nelles delivering a keynote speech at the Vodafone Partner Conference 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany, presenting Vodafone’s Group Blueprint for ‘The New Way of Retail’ inspiring an audience of 1,500 industry professionals.

Inspiring Audiences as a Keynote Speaker

Many international conference organizers have invited me to give keynote speeches. One speaking-highlight however was addressing 1,500 people at the Vodafone Partner Conferencein 2016. As the Head of Retail, Logistics & Contact Centre Capabilities, my team and I had developed Vodafone's Group Blueprint for "The New Way of Retail". I shared this in a Keynote in the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Alex Nelles, Group CTO of Kuoni Global Travel Services, standing with Leader of the team in Taiwan leading the digital transformation of three group travel companies across 33 countries, bridging business and technology to drive global business growth and innovation.

Driving Global Business Transformation

With technology at the core of every company's value proposition, I've always leveraged my fluency in both "Business" & "Tech" to bridge gaps across all company's functions and translated this into business value and growth.As the Group CTO of Kuoni Global Travel Services, I led the digital transformation of three group travel companies, shaping and communicating business strategy while identifying new business models and e-commerce opportunities across 33 countries. Working internationally has taught me perfectly what it means to change perspective.Kudos to the Taiwan Team J

Alex Nelles, advisor and member of the non-executive board at the Digital Health Center Bülach, supporting healthcare digitalization in Switzerland by collaborating with startups and ICT companies to drive innovation in the healthcare industry.

Supporting Healthcare Digitalization as a Non-Executive Board Member

The healthcare industry in Switzerland lags in digitalization. The Digital Health Center Bülach brings together key players in the healthcare sector, offering a platform to develop digital solutions in collaboration with startups, established ICT companies, and healthcare businesses. As an advisor and founding member of the non-executive board of the dhc, I‘m happy to contribute to helping the industry move forward.

Alex Nelles delivering a thought-provoking speech on digital healthcare transformation at the ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day 2022, recognized as a thought leader in digital transformation across multiple industries including telecommunications, retail, and healthcare.

Thought Leader in Digital Health Care

With extensive experience in diverse industries such as telecommunications, retail, and travel, I have successfully led various digital and business transformation programs. Bringing this experience to the healthcare sector, I am recognized as a thought leader in digital transformation. On my mission to make life easier for others, I deliver thought-provoking speeches like the one at the ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day in 2022, inspiring advancements in the industry.

Entrance of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur (KSW) at dusk, where Alex Nelles, as Chief Information Officer and Executive Board Member, leads the digital transformation of one of Switzerland’s top 10 hospitals, revolutionizing business processes and patient administration to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Leading Digital Transformation of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur

In my current Role as the Chief Information Officer and Member of the Executive Board, I’m leading the Digital Transformation of one of 10 biggest hospitals in Switzerland, transforming all aspects of the business processes and patient related administration. It's a challenging journey, but seeing the positive impact on patients' lives makes every late night and endless meeting worth it.

Five-year-old boy Alex Nelles sits on his grandmother’s lap. The image marks the beginning of his journey, where he learned that he wanted to make others’ lives easier through digital transformation. Both calmly gaze into the camera while sitting in a homely environment.


From Humble Beginnings

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
When I was a little boy, my Grandma used to ask me what job I wanted to do when I grew up. I told her I wanted to be a doctor so I could make her healthy again when she was old. Years later, I realized my dream wasn't really about medicine. It was about wanting to help people. I wanted to make their lives better. I ended up becoming a businessperson with a strong passion for technology. Ever since then, I've used my business skills and tech knowledge to help make life easier for others. I believe that technology should make our lives easier, and I keep trying to find ways to make this happen.

Alex Nelles receiving the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award in 2010 in London for his innovative approach to managing dealers in the Vodafone Germany Retail Chain, recognized for his commitment to fostering new ideas and business transformation.


Recognized for Innovation

I have always worked hard to support new ideas and innovation. In 2010, I was honored to receive the "Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award" in London for our creative approach to managing dealers in the Vodafone Germany Retail Chain. It was a proud moment that reminded me why I love what I do – and it didn't hurt that I got to celebrate with some of the best fish and chips in town!

Alex Nelles delivering a keynote speech at the Vodafone Partner Conference 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany, presenting Vodafone’s Group Blueprint for ‘The New Way of Retail’ inspiring an audience of 1,500 industry professionals.


Inspiring Audiences as a Keynote Speaker

Many international conference organizers have invited me to give keynote speeches. One speaking-highlight however was addressing 1,500 people at the Vodafone Partner Conferencein 2016. As the Head of Retail, Logistics & Contact Centre Capabilities, my team and I had developed Vodafone's Group Blueprint for "The New Way of Retail". I shared this in a Keynote in the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Alex Nelles, Group CTO of Kuoni Global Travel Services, standing with Leader of the team in Taiwan leading the digital transformation of three group travel companies across 33 countries, bridging business and technology to drive global business growth and innovation.


Driving Global Business Transformation

With technology at the core of every company's value proposition, I've always leveraged my fluency in both "Business" & "Tech" to bridge gaps across all company's functions and translated this into business value and growth.As the Group CTO of Kuoni Global Travel Services, I led the digital transformation of three group travel companies, shaping and communicating business strategy while identifying new business models and e-commerce opportunities across 33 countries. Working internationally has taught me perfectly what it means to change perspective.Kudos to the Taiwan Team J

Alex Nelles, advisor and member of the non-executive board at the Digital Health Center Bülach, supporting healthcare digitalization in Switzerland by collaborating with startups and ICT companies to drive innovation in the healthcare industry.


Supporting Healthcare Digitalization as a Non-Executive Board Member

The healthcare industry in Switzerland lags in digitalization. The Digital Health Center Bülach brings together key players in the healthcare sector, offering a platform to develop digital solutions in collaboration with startups, established ICT companies, and healthcare businesses. As an advisor and founding member of the non-executive board of the dhc, I‘m happy to contribute to helping the industry move forward.

Alex Nelles delivering a thought-provoking speech on digital healthcare transformation at the ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day 2022, recognized as a thought leader in digital transformation across multiple industries including telecommunications, retail, and healthcare.


Thought Leader in Digital Health Care

With extensive experience in diverse industries such as telecommunications, retail, and travel, I have successfully led various digital and business transformation programs. Bringing this experience to the healthcare sector, I am recognized as a thought leader in digital transformation. On my mission to make life easier for others, I deliver thought-provoking speeches like the one at the ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day in 2022, inspiring advancements in the industry.

Entrance of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur (KSW) at dusk, where Alex Nelles, as Chief Information Officer and Executive Board Member, leads the digital transformation of one of Switzerland’s top 10 hospitals, revolutionizing business processes and patient administration to enhance healthcare outcomes.


Leading Digital Transformation of the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur

In my current Role as the Chief Information Officer and Member of the Executive Board, I’m leading the Digital Transformation of one of 10 biggest hospitals in Switzerland, transforming all aspects of the business processes and patient related administration. It's a challenging journey, but seeing the positive impact on patients' lives makes every late night and endless meeting worth it.

Do you need an inspirational keynote speaker or

a visionary board member with 

lots of digital experience?

Let’s talk!