AI-first Strategy: The exchange with leading AI experts in Zurich
On March 4, 2025, the HSG Alumni AI Club hosted another exciting event – this time at Acasa Suites in Zurich. The exclusive session was all about “AI-first Strategy” and offered participants in-depth insights into the current status and future of artificial intelligence in companies.
Around 40 participants from various industries took advantage of the evening to exchange ideas with leading minds from the world of AI, gain new perspectives and discuss specific use cases in practice.
AI-first is not a dream of the future – it’s reality
The key finding of the evening was clear: an AI-first strategy is no longer a question of the future, but a reality. Companies that make targeted use of AI today are creating sustainable competitive advantages for themselves – be it in the efficiency of their processes, in customer interaction or in the development of new business models.
High-caliber panel – practical examples from Switzerland
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion with Bernhard Grafe (Helvetia Insurance), Isabelle Borg (Migros), Nadja Risse (Zoom) and Balz Zürrer (Online Group). The four gave exciting insights into how their companies are strategically approaching the use of AI.
The discussion showed how diverse the fields of application are – from intelligent automation to data-driven services that redefine the customer experience.
Keynote speech by Peter T. Sany – Why AI-first matters now
Another highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Peter T. Sany, Executive Advisor at Zoom and member of the Board of Directors of the Online Group. In his presentation, he impressively explained why an AI-first strategy is crucial for companies today – and what opportunities companies can exploit if they specifically integrate artificial intelligence into their business processes.
Exchange at eye level with leading AI experts
In addition to the practical examples, inspiring input from experts Peter T. Sany, Nadja Risse and Ian Sleebe provided new food for thought. Their impulses showed how AI is successfully used in different contexts – and why it is crucial to pursue a clear strategy in order to exploit its full potential.
The exchange among the participants also made the event particularly valuable: the discussions were characterized by openness, concrete questions and the common will to actively think ahead on the topic of AI.
The HSG Alumni AI Club as a platform for exchange and inspiration
Our CEO Balz Zürrer, founder and President of the HSG Alumni AI Club, emphasized the importance of networks like this in his welcoming address: “Dialogue with other managers and experts is essential in order to find your bearings in the fast-moving world of AI. We want to offer precisely this platform with the AI Club.”
Our conclusion: the AI journey has begun
The evening in Zurich showed once again: The journey towards AI-driven companies is in full swing. Those who set the course now can take advantage of the opportunities – be it in the optimization of processes or in the development of innovative business models.
A big thank you to everyone who enriched the evening with their contributions! We are already looking forward to the next HSG Alumni AI Club event.
