Thinkers360 Announces ‘Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025’, Dinis Guarda Amongst Top 5

• The Thinkers360 ‘Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025’ list recognises professionals who have significantly shaped the global artificial intelligence landscape through sustained contributions to research, innovation, thought leadership, and industry engagement.
• Dinis Guarda, Founder of Ztudium Group and creator of platforms such as Citiesabc.com, Businessabc.net, and IntelligentHQ.com, ranks 5th in the Thinkers360 ‘Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025’ list, alongside globally recognised AI thought leaders including Prof. M Nazri Muhd, Ronald van Loon, Bill Wong, Andreas Welsch, and Kathleen Walch.

The Thinkers360 ‘Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025’ list brings together leading academics, analysts, entrepreneurs, and practitioners who are actively shaping how AI is developed, deployed, and governed worldwide.

These leaders have shared their expertise across a wide range of platforms, including articles, books, keynote speeches, webinars, podcasts, media interviews, panels, and digital publications.

Ranked 5th globally, Dinis Guarda is recognised for his consistent and wide-ranging contributions to the AI ecosystem. He is the founder and creator of Ztudium Group, and platforms including Businessabc.net, Citiesabc.com, and IntelligentHQ.com, which focus on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart cities, data governance, and emerging technologies. His work connects academia, industry, policymakers, and technology leaders through research, media, and global dialogue.

Let’s explore the other influential figures featured in the Thinkers360 Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025 list.

Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Artificial Intelligence 2025, Recognised by Thinkers360

Prof. M Nazri Muhd

Prof. M Nazri Muhd is a global academic leader and innovator in artificial intelligence. He serves as a senior figure at the Centre for AI Innovation (CE.A.I) Global, where he drives research and strategies that accelerate the development and adoption of AI technologies globally. His work spans AI research, governance frameworks, machine learning applications, and cross-industry innovation ecosystems. Through academic publications, keynotes, and collaboration with both government and industry stakeholders, Prof. Nazri has helped shape discussions on responsible AI and the future of intelligent systems. 

Ronald van Loon

Ronald van Loon is the Founder and CEO of Intelligent World, a global technology education and events platform connecting thought leaders, analysts, and influencers. He also serves as an advisory board member and course advisor at Simplilearn. A frequent speaker at major AI and data events, he is consistently ranked among the world’s top influencers in AI, data, cloud, IoT, and digital transformation.

Bill Wong, MBA

Bill Wong, MBA, is an AI Research Fellow at Info-Tech Research Group based in Toronto, Canada. He has held senior consulting roles leading strategic data and AI initiatives, delivering over 100 large-scale information management projects worldwide. His experience spans financial services, telecoms, retail, airlines, and the public sector, including leadership roles at Dell Technologies, IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft.

Andreas Welsch

Andreas Welsch is the Founder and Chief AI Strategist at Intelligence Briefing, advising global enterprises on turning AI strategy into business outcomes. A former SAP executive, he has led enterprise AI adoption at scale and is the author of the AI Leadership Handbook. He also teaches as an Adjunct Professor, serves on academic editorial boards, and is a recognised global AI thought leader and keynote speaker.

Dinis Guarda

Dinis Guarda is the Founder and CEO of Ztudium Group, based in London, with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, AI, blockchain, fintech, and media. He has been recognised among the world’s most influential figures in AI and blockchain, authored over 20 publications, lectured at leading universities, and advised governments, global institutions, and major organisations on technology, innovation, and digital strategy.

Kathleen Walch

Kathleen Walch is the Director of AI Engagement and Community at the Project Management Institute, based in the Washington DC–Baltimore area. Following PMI’s acquisition of Cognilytica, she continues to advance AI skills for project professionals. She co-developed the CPMAI methodology, now widely adopted by enterprises, governments, and NGOs, and serves as a lead instructor and certified practitioner in AI project management.

Noelle Russell

Noelle Russell is the Founder of the AI Leadership Institute and a technology executive based in the United States. She has led AI and cloud teams at organisations including Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Alexa, and NPR. A strong advocate for ethical AI, she has received the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award for Artificial Intelligence and VentureBeat’s Women in AI Responsibility and Ethics award.

Mark Lynd

Mark Lynd is the Head of Executive Advisory and Strategy at Netsync, based in Frisco, United States. A former CIO and CISO, he has over two decades of experience advising global public and private sector organisations. A recognised thought leader and keynote speaker, he focuses on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, generative AI, and cloud strategy, and has worked with leading technology firms and academic institutions.

David Sweenor

David Sweenor is the Founder of TinyTechGuides and an analytics thought leader based in the United States. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked across analytics, product strategy, and data platforms. An author, international speaker, and patent co-developer, his expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, business intelligence, IoT, and manufacturing analytics.

Amenallah Reghimi

Amenallah Reghimi is the Chief Product and Technology Officer at RegASK™, based in Singapore, where he leads AI-driven regulatory intelligence and product innovation. A senior advisor and board member across finance, academia, and technology, he has led large-scale digital, fintech, and regtech transformations. His experience spans banking, life sciences, procurement, and government, with a strong focus on AI strategy, growth, and compliance.

Kashyap Kompella

Kashyap Kompella is the CEO and Chief Analyst at RPA2AI Research, based in Bangalore, India. With over 20 years of experience, he advises enterprises and startups on automation and enterprise AI. His work is widely published in global media, and he is a Forbes contributor, co-author of Practical Artificial Intelligence, and an active voice in AI ethics and governance.

Michael Fauscette

Michael Fauscette is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Analyst at Arion Research LLC, based in the United States. A veteran software industry analyst and board member, he focuses on enterprise software, agentic AI, generative AI, and digital-first strategies. Formerly Chief Research Officer at G2 and a long-time IDC research leader, he advises technology vendors on AI strategy, go-to-market models, and product innovation.

Ganes Kesari

Ganes Kesari is the Founder and CEO of Tensor Planet, an AI-driven predictive maintenance platform for commercial fleets, based in the United States. With over 20 years of experience, he previously founded Gramener, a data analytics company serving global enterprises. A TEDx speaker, he writes for MIT Sloan Management Review and Forbes and teaches business analytics at leading universities.

Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz

Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz is the Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at Queensland University of Technology, based in Brisbane, Australia. A recognised global AI thought leader, he has led innovation teams in Silicon Valley and held senior research roles at SAP and Microsoft Research Asia. His work focuses on the digital economy, algorithms, and the societal impact of artificial intelligence.

Tom Davenport

Tom Davenport is a Visiting Professor at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and President’s Distinguished Professor at Babson College. A leading authority on artificial intelligence, analytics, and digital management, he has authored over 20 books and 200 articles. He advises global organisations on data-driven transformation and has been widely recognised as one of the world’s most influential thinkers in technology and business.

Vladimer Botsvadze

Vladimer Botsvadze is a global keynote speaker, mentor, and consultant specialising in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and marketing. Based in Georgia, he advises Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide and serves on multiple AI and technology advisory boards. Recognised by Thinkers360 and other global institutions, he is widely published, frequently cited in international media, and known for guiding organisations through AI-driven business transformation.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala

Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala is Vice President of AI Labs at Aurigo Software Technologies, based in Bangalore, India. With over 16 years of industry and research experience, he specialises in machine learning, deep learning, analytics, and trusted AI. A prolific inventor and academic contributor, he holds 20+ patents, has published extensively, and regularly speaks at leading global AI forums.

Greg Verdino

Greg Verdino is the Founder of CognitivePath and a recognised authority on digital transformation and innovation. Based in New York, he has advised more than 50 Fortune 500 companies and held senior roles at leading technology and consulting firms. An author and global speaker, he helps organisations navigate AI, digital strategy, and rapid change to build future-ready businesses.

Faisal Hoque

Faisal Hoque is a technology entrepreneur, author, and founder of Shadoka and NextChapter, based in the United States. A #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, he has won the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 awards three times. His work focuses on AI, digital transformation, leadership, and innovation, and he has been recognised by Thinkers50 and multiple international book awards.

Jair Pinto Ribeiro

Jair Pinto Ribeiro is an Analytics and Insights Leader at Volvo Group, based in Göteborg, Sweden. An AI evangelist with a multicultural background, he focuses on human-centred artificial intelligence, data science, and analytics strategy. He supports Volvo Trucks’ data-driven transformation and analytics roadmap and is consistently ranked by Thinkers360 among the top global thought leaders in AI, generative AI, and autonomous vehicles.

Usman Mustafa

Usman Mustafa is Director of Strategic Accounts at Orange Business, based in Dubai. With over 15 years of global experience, he leads large-scale cybersecurity and digital transformation projects for public and private sector clients. A certified CISSP and CCIE, he focuses on secure cloud, AI-driven security, and zero-trust frameworks, and is an active contributor to the global technology and cybersecurity community.

Pradeepta Mishra

Pradeepta Mishra is Vice President of AI at Beghou Consulting, based in Bangalore, India. With over 20 years of experience, he specialises in applied AI, machine learning, and explainable AI. A recognised 40Under40DataScientist, he holds multiple patents, has authored several AI books, and serves as a visiting faculty member, startup mentor, and TEDx speaker, focusing on practical, industry-ready AI solutions.

Helen Yu

Helen Yu is the Founder and CEO of Tigon Advisory Corp., based in the United States. She advises leading global technology companies on growth at the intersection of technology and humanity. A board advisor and Vice-Chair of the Global Cybersecurity Association, she is a recognised AI and digital transformation thought leader, a frequent international speaker, and a trusted advisor to major technology firms and high-growth SaaS companies.

Tim Cortinovis

Tim Cortinovis is a keynote speaker and sales technology expert at Future Sales Society, based in Hamburg, Germany. Since 2011, he has advised global organisations on AI, generative AI, and sales automation. An author of books on AI-driven sales, he delivers international keynotes and workshops, helping companies apply emerging technologies to sales growth and transformation.

Dr. Djamila Amimer

Dr Djamila Amimer is the Founder and CEO of Mind Senses Global, based in London. With over 20 years of experience across energy, climate risk, and business strategy, she helps organisations apply artificial intelligence to complex decision-making and investment challenges. Her work focuses on responsible AI, business resilience, and making advanced AI methods accessible and practical for organisations and wider society.

Seth Earley

Seth Earley is the CEO of Earley Information Science, based in the United States, with over 25 years of experience in knowledge strategy, data architecture, and AI-powered search. He advises Fortune 1000 organisations on information findability and enterprise AI. An author and frequent speaker, he wrote The AI-Powered Enterprise and has contributed to leading industry and academic publications.

Calum Chace

Calum Chace is a London-based author and speaker specialising in the long-term societal and economic impact of artificial intelligence. He has written several influential books on AI, superintelligence, and technological unemployment, including Surviving AI and The Economic Singularity. A former CEO and strategy consultant, he has delivered over 120 talks worldwide and co-founded a think tank focused on the future of work.

Grant McGaugh

Grant McGaugh is the Founder and CEO of 5 STAR BDM LLC, based in the United States. With over 20 years of experience, he specialises in personal branding, digital marketing, and data-driven growth strategies. Recognised by Thinkers360 as a global thought leader in personal branding, he is also the host of the award-winning podcast Follow The Brand, sharing practical insights on brand building and market influence.

Maribel Lopez

Maribel Lopez is the Founder and Principal Analyst at Lopez Research LLC, based in the United States. She is a technology industry analyst, author, and speaker focusing on artificial intelligence, mobile technology, and the future of work. She authored Right-Time Experience with John Wiley & Sons, contributes to Forbes, and hosts the podcasts AI with Maribel Lopez and Reimagine Technology at Work.

Felix Holzapfel

Felix Holzapfel is the Founder of Quovabiz GmbH, based in Cologne, Germany. He advises executives and organisations on digital transformation and emerging technologies and invests in innovative ventures, including the art market. A former co-founder of ConceptBakery, his career spans digital marketing, strategic leadership, and global enterprise growth, including senior roles following the acquisition of his firm by Cognizant.

Dr. Ken Ip

Dr. Ken Ip is the Chairman of the Asia MarTech Society, based in Hong Kong. An award-winning brand strategist, author, and business lecturer, he specialises in technology, branding, e-commerce, and real estate. He has held senior roles with multinational organisations, serves on multiple advisory boards, and advises a Web3-focused venture capital firm managing a USD 75 million portfolio.

George Boretos

George Boretos is the Founder and CEO of FutureUP, based in Athens, Greece. An AI entrepreneur and pricing strategist, he specialises in predictive AI for pricing optimisation and strategic foresight. With over 25 years of experience, he has founded multiple AI startups, raised $9 million in venture funding, and advised global enterprises on revenue growth, market forecasting, and AI-driven decision-making.

David Linthicum

David Linthicum is a globally recognised thought leader in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, based in the United States. Until early 2024, he served as Managing Director and Chief Cloud Strategy Officer at Deloitte Consulting LLP. With over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology, he has advised organisations and startups on AI-driven innovation, cloud strategy, and operational transformation.

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam is a future technology strategist and international keynote speaker known as The Digital Speaker, based in Sydney, Australia. A four-time author and entrepreneur, he founded Datafloq and writes extensively on AI, the metaverse, and the future of work. He advises organisations worldwide on how emerging technologies reshape business, society, and digital economies.

Balaji Dhamodharan

Balaji Dhamodharan is a global data science and AI leader based in Austin, United States. He leads AI, machine learning, and MLOps initiatives for a major chip manufacturing company. With over a decade of experience, his expertise spans enterprise AI platforms, generative AI, AutoML, and large-scale software engineering. He holds master’s degrees in management information systems and data science and has delivered AI solutions across multiple industries.

Karl Lillrud

Karl Lillrud is a professional keynote speaker and global authority on digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and business growth, based in Dubai. Ranked among the world’s top experts by Global Gurus, he advises organisations on AI-driven transformation, e-commerce, and leadership. A best-selling author and TEDx speaker, he has helped global brands and startups achieve significant growth through data-led and AI-powered strategies.

Dr. Anandhi Vivek Dhukaram

Dr Anandhi Vivek Dhukaram is the Founder and CEO of Esdha, based in the United Kingdom. With over 23 years of experience across fintech, healthcare, and government, she advises organisations on AI readiness and transformation. Specialising in human-centred AI and AI literacy, she has led successful programmes for major institutions including the NHS, Barclays, and global enterprises, helping leaders adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

Fatima Roumate

Fatima Roumate is the Founding President of the International Institute of Scientific Research in Morocco and a Professor of International Law at Mohammed V University. A recognised expert in AI ethics, digital diplomacy, and international governance, she advises UNESCO and global institutions on responsible AI. An award-winning author and speaker, her work bridges artificial intelligence, policy, education, and international cooperation.

João Bocas – The Wearables Expert™

João Bocas is the CEO of Digital Salutem and a globally recognised expert in wearable technology and digital health, based in London. Known as The Wearables Expert™, he advises organisations on AI, IoT, and healthcare innovation. With over 25 years of experience, he works across sport, healthcare, finance, and public sectors, and is a frequent keynote speaker, author, and board advisor on the future of health technologies.

Pascal Bornet

Pascal Bornet is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and global expert in artificial intelligence, automation, and agentic AI, based in the United States. With over 20 years at McKinsey and EY, he helped build intelligent automation practices worldwide. A strong advocate of human-centric AI, he has authored influential books including Intelligent Automation, Irreplaceable, and Agentic Artificial Intelligence, and regularly contributes to leading global publications.

Dr. Joe Perez

Dr. Joe Perez is the Chief Technology Officer at CogniMind and SolonTek Services, based in the United States. With a background in education, healthcare, and IT, he has led analytics and digital transformation initiatives across public and private sectors. A recognised Thinkers360 Top 10 thought leader and international keynote speaker, he is also a best-selling author and advocate for data-driven innovation, analytics, and process improvement.

Nick Ayton

Nick Ayton is a London-based global thought leader in deep technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing. Active in the crypto sector since 2013, he has built exchanges and enterprise blockchains and now leads Solarix Ventures, focusing on next-generation technologies. A frequent speaker and writer, he advises family offices, serves on boards, and works at the forefront of quantum photonic computing.

Michael Ferro

Michael Ferro is the Founder and CEO of Merrick Ventures, based in the United States. A healthcare technology entrepreneur, he has founded and led multiple companies, including Click Commerce and Higi. Through Merrick Ventures, he transformed Merge Healthcare before its acquisition by IBM. An expert in AI imaging analysis, he holds several US patents and was named Healthcare Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.

Shamshad Ansari

Shamshad Ansari is the Founder, President, and CEO of Accure, Inc., based in the United States. An author, inventor, and adjunct professor, he specialises in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. With over 20 years of experience, he has led enterprise AI platforms, holds multiple US patents in healthcare AI, and has built and scaled technology teams across healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Don Davis

Don Davis is the Founder and CEO of D3 Digital Media Marketing, LLC, based in Denver, United States. With over 35 years of experience, he helps organisations strengthen their digital presence through SEO, websites, social media, and video. Having supported more than 150 clients nationwide, he combines marketing strategy with operational discipline. He is also an award-winning leader and author focused on sustainable growth and effective digital engagement.

Lisa Thee (Polvi)

Lisa Thee (Polvi) is a non-executive board member at Humaxa, based in the United States. She is an author, founder, podcast host, and keynote speaker specialising in data-driven growth and “data for good.” With a focus on ethical data use and revenue development, she advises organisations on aligning data, technology, and purpose to drive sustainable business impact.

Navin Manaswi

Navin Manaswi is the Founder and CEO of WoWExp, based in Bangalore, India. A generative AI expert, author, and corporate trainer, he has written multiple books on AI and GenAI and represented India at ITU-T Geneva. He specialises in LLMs, agentic AI, RAG, and enterprise AI solutions, and has trained professionals at leading global organisations and academic institutions while delivering large-scale AI systems across healthcare, retail, telecoms, and IT services.

Dan Banas

Dan Banas is an Analytics, AI, and Business Strategy Consultant at SEI Consulting, based in the United States. With over 15 years of experience, he advises executive teams on AI, generative AI, and growth strategy, bridging business and technical leadership. An MBA and MSBA graduate, he is a LinkedIn Top Voice and a multi-year Thinkers360 Top Thought Leader in AI, analytics, and business strategy.

Anthony J. (Tony) Rhem

Anthony J. (Tony) Rhem is the CEO and Principal Consultant at A.J. Rhem & Associates, Inc., based in Chicago. A long-standing thought leader in artificial intelligence and knowledge management, he has advised Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies, and technology vendors since 1990. An author, academic, and board advisor, his work focuses on AI strategy, governance, ethics, and enterprise information architecture.

Nicolas Babin

Nicolas Babin is the President of Babin Business Consulting, based in France. An international entrepreneur and keynote speaker, he combines expertise in technology, AI, robotics, marketing, and digital transformation. With experience across Europe, North America, and Asia, he has founded and scaled more than 20 companies, led international teams, supported IPOs and M&A activities, and advised organisations on global growth and innovation strategies.

About Thinkers360

Thinkers360 is a leading global platform for thought leadership and influencer engagement, designed to connect professionals, organisations, and brands with the best minds in business and technology. It provides a comprehensive ecosystem where thought leaders can showcase their expertise, build their profiles, and share their insights across a range of emerging and critical topics.

Thinkers360 goes beyond traditional influencer metrics by focusing on authentic thought leadership rather than social media popularity. The platform evaluates contributors based on their personally authored content, including articles, blogs, books, keynote speeches, podcasts, videos, and webinars. This approach ensures that recognition is rooted in expertise, innovation, and meaningful contributions rather than superficial metrics like follower counts or hashtags.