RHI Magnesita CEO: Shanghai makes progress on data-driven green innovation

Shanghai has moved from theory toward implementation in the use of data in green innovation over the past year, said Stefan Borgas, chief executive officer of RHI Magnesita, on the sidelines of the 2026 IBLAC.

S4 Capital founder: China increasingly a test bed for global companies

China is increasingly becoming a test bed for global companies because developments move faster in the Chinese market than in other markets, said Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital, during the 2026 IBLAC.

Quotes from global business leaders

A total of 42 multinational executives from 14 countries attended this year's meeting. Here are some of the insights they shared during the event.

Shanghai's service sector: Key takeaways from IBLAC 2026

From the city's 2030 service sector target to its appeal to global brands and the rapid growth of service consumption, here are some key takeaways from his remarks.

Shanghai eyes new growth in services and consumption

Shanghai plans to upgrade major shopping districts, make shopping easier for international visitors, and develop new consumption experiences as it works to become a world-class destination for consumption.

IBLAC: L'Oreal chairman calls Shanghai its top global innovation hub

Shanghai has become L'Oreal's leading global innovation hub, Chairman Jean-Paul Agon said on the sidelines of the 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai.

IBLAC insight: AB InBev CEO on Shanghai's nighttime economy

AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris said a vibrant nighttime economy can keep people engaged beyond major events.

IBLAC insight: S4 Capital executive chairman on AI and human creativity

S4 Capital Executive Chairman Sir Martin Sorrell said that the greatest opportunities across industries will come from combining technology with human insight, experience, and imagination.

IBLAC insight: Veolia CEO on smart resource management

Veolia CEO Estelle Brachlianoff said Shanghai is one of the few cities with the ambition to pioneer the use of AI.

IBLAC insight: Manulife CEO on real-world AI governance

Manulife CEO Phil Witherington said that AI must be underpinned by strong data, clear governance, and modern operating models.

Adidas CEO: Shanghai extremely important for the future

Shanghai is not only an important market for Adidas but also a source of creativity and innovation, said Bjoern Gulden, chief executive officer of the sports brand.

Global business leaders share ideas on AI-driven growth in Shanghai

Shanghai should better leverage AI to further integrate services with manufacturing and consumption scenarios to nurture more growth engines, executives from multinational companies said.

Intuitive Surgical deepens Shanghai medical tech ties

Intuitive Surgical is expanding its presence in Shanghai through clinical training, stronger ties with Chinese companies in the surgical robotics supply chain, said Gary S. Guthart.

Swiss logistics giant doubles down on China amid AI boom and Chinese MNCs' global expansion

Swiss logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel will continue to invest and seek deeper cooperation in China, thanks to the surging demand for data centers and the continued globalization of Chinese multinational companies, the enterprise's CEO Stefan Paul said.

Global business leaders explore Shanghai's innovations on Fuxing Island

The side event of the 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC), themed "Innovation Meets in Yangpu, A New Chapter Begins for Fuxing Island," was held at Chuantai Park on Shanghai's Fuxing Island on Oct 10.

IBLAC insight: L'Oreal chairman on AI unlocking human potential

L'Oreal Chairman Jean-Paul Agon said true intelligence is about empowering people rather than replacing them.

IBLAC insight: Kuehne + Nagel CEO on responsible AI

Kuehne + Nagel CEO Stefan Paul said AI is a powerful enabler to optimize logistics through better forecasting and end-to-end transparency.

IBLAC insight: Royal Vopak CEO on the role of AI in energy infrastructure

Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO of Royal Vopak Dick Richelle said that while AI is digital, it depends on reliable energy and resilient infrastructure.

IBLAC insight: Prudential chair on AI-driven safety

Prudential Chair Sir Douglas Flint said AI is key to serving more people more efficiently and on better terms.

IBLAC insight: HSBC chairman on Shanghai's potential as a global AI hub

HSBC Group Chairman Brendan Nelson said Shanghai is at the epicenter of groundbreaking changes in AI-driven manufacturing.

IBLAC insight: Danone CEO on AI's role in personalized health management

Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said AI can help us better understand the links between food, biology, lifestyle, and health.

IBLAC insight: PwC global chairman on value creation through AI

PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Kande said that 70 percent to 80 percent of AI's value comes from real-world business integration.

IBLAC insight: Johnson Controls CEO on energy efficiency for AI

Johnson Controls CEO Joakim Weidemanis said the next generation of data centers will require enormous amounts of power.

IBLAC insight: Novartis chairman on how AI can improve patients' lives

Novartis Chairman Giovanni Caforio said AI can help treat diseases earlier and more precisely.

IBLAC insight: ABB CEO on technology for smarter living in Shanghai

ABB CEO Morten Wierod said combining AI, electrification, and automation is reshaping cities.

IBLAC insight: SK Group chairman on Shanghai's AI scaling advantage

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said that future winners will be cities and ecosystems that can deploy and scale AI effectively.

IBLAC insight: Thyssenkrupp CEO on Shanghai's role in China's AI development

Thyssenkrupp AG CEO Miguel Angel Lopez Borrego shared that Shanghai plays a significant role in China's AI development.

IBLAC insight: Vale S.A. chairman on AI adoption in business

Vale S.A. chairman Manuel Lino Silva de Sousa Oliveira stated that companies need more than algorithms to embrace AI.

IBLAC insight: Adidas CEO on the importance of communication

Adidas CEO Bjoern Gulden shared that the more we talk to each other, both from the business, he better we will all perform.

IBLAC insight: Bekaert chairman on AI for safer infrastructure

Bekaert Chairman Jurgen Tinggren explained how AI technologies such as VisionTek enable 24/7 monitoring of bridges, tunnels, and high-rises.

Global CEOs to explore new opportunities in Shanghai

The 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai will take place in Shanghai on Oct 10 and 11.

38th IBLAC meeting to focus on service-sector innovation

The 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai will focus on innovation in the city's service sector.

IBLAC: More than three decades of global wisdom helps shape Shanghai's future

Established in 1989, IBLAC was founded with a clear mission: to provide Shanghai's leadership with international perspectives and advice to deepen the city's integration with the global economy.

IBLAC: Global business leaders advising Shanghai

Take a look at how IBLAC has evolved, what it has focused on and what's on the agenda this year.

IBLAC insight: Bain chairman on AI’s role in transforming life

Bain & Company Chairman Manny Maceda highlighted that AI will reshape the way of work, learning, health, and urban living.

IBLAC insight: Roche chairman on healthcare and tech convergence

Roche Chairman Severin Schwan noted immense opportunities for future growth in services at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

IBLAC insight: Investor AB chairman on combining knowledge and AI

Investor AB chairman Jacob Wallenberg highlighted IBLAC as a platform for global leaders to discuss how development and innovation can support long-term, sustainable progress.

IBLAC insight: Siemens AG CEO on scaling industrial AI

Siemens AG CEO Roland Busch highlights Shanghai's strong position in scaling industrial AI.

IBLAC insight: Schneider Electric chairman on smart energy grids

Schneider Electric chairman Jean-Pascal Tricoire explains how AI-driven grid management can reduce power outages.

IBLAC insight: Tishman Speyer CEO on AI-powered urban growth

Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer shared that cities that become leaders in this generation will integrate technology thoughtfully and put it to work for people quickly.