Hannes Schmid speaker Suisse
Hannes Schmid – Photographer, Utopian, Speaker on Human Capital & Creative Transformation
Hannes Schmid is one of Switzerland’s most celebrated visual artists and a global advocate for creative reinvention and humanitarian transformation. Born in Zurich, he achieved international fame for his powerful visual language, shaped through fashion, advertising, and his iconic portrayal of the Marlboro Man. His lens has captured over 70,000 images of legendary rock stars such as Queen, AC/DC, and ABBA, and his artistry has extended into high-profile collaborations, including work with Formula One’s BAR Honda team.
But Hannes’s journey is more than artistic—it’s one of radical reinvention. A visionary storyteller, he has continuously reshaped his identity: from art photographer to humanitarian activist. Since 2012, he has channeled his creativity into Smiling Gecko, a non-profit transforming lives in Cambodia by investing in education, agriculture, and sustainable community models.
His keynotes are multimedia experiences that trace his personal evolution and explore the power of transformation, human dignity, and creative engagement. Having delivered over 100 speeches—including at the World Economic Forum in Davos—Hannes is renowned for moving audiences with both bold visuals and bold ideas.
🔹 Notable Achievements
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Creator of the world-renowned Marlboro Man photo series
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Over 70,000 photographs of iconic rock bands including Queen and AC/DC
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Founder of Smiling Gecko, a ground-breaking NGO supporting rural development in Cambodia
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Speaker at the World Economic Forum and other major global stages
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Honorary Doctorate from the University of Zurich (2018)
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Multiple awards including the Swiss Prix Courage Lifetime Award, Trebbia International Award, and FRZ Excellence Award
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Author of acclaimed books including Rockstars, Momentous, and American Myth – Machismo
Langages:
- German
- English
🔹 Key Themes
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The Art of Transformation
How continuous reinvention and creative risk can lead to personal and societal breakthroughs. -
Human Capital – The Smiling Gecko Project
A visionary model for rural development: education, empowerment, and dignity in action. -
Photography as a Tool
Beyond documentation—how photography becomes immersive activism and emotional storytelling.
In an era obsessed with metrics and fast results, Hannes Schmid offers a counter-narrative: that human dignity, storytelling, and creativity are the true catalysts of transformation. His journey from commercial success to humanitarian purpose is both a wake-up call and a roadmap. Whether you’re a corporate leader, a social entrepreneur, or a creative mind, Hannes’s talks push audiences to reflect on their potential for reinvention and social impact. His presentations are visually stunning, emotionally compelling, and intellectually provocative.