Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Gold Medallist in Fencing, Lawyer & Recipient of the Gold Olympic Order
Thomas Bach’s Biography:
Thomas Bach is the Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee, an Olympic gold medallist and an internationally respected lawyer whose leadership has shaped the modern Olympic Movement. Elected President of the IOC in 2013 and re-elected in 2021, Thomas made history as the first Olympic champion ever elected to lead the organisation. Widely recognised for his expertise in global governance, diplomacy and athlete representation, he is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled insight into leadership under pressure, international relations, sporting integrity and organisational transformation. His ability to connect elite sport with business, politics and social impact makes him a compelling keynote speaker for global audiences.
Thomas first rose to international prominence as a world-class fencer, winning Olympic gold in the team foil event at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games before becoming World Champion in 1976 and 1977. Alongside his sporting success, he studied law and politics at the University of Würzburg before completing a PhD in law and founding his own law firm in 1982. He later transitioned into influential leadership positions across sport and business, serving as Director of International Relations at Adidas and becoming Economic Adviser to the German liberal party FDP. A long-serving advocate for athletes’ rights, Thomas became an IOC member in 1991, joined the IOC Executive Board in 1996 and served as IOC Vice-President for more than a decade.
Throughout his career, Thomas has received numerous international honours for his contribution to sport and diplomacy. These include the Seoul Peace Prize in 2020, the European Olympic Committees Order of Merit and state honours from Hungary, Greece, Poland, South Korea and Japan. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Tsukuba and Universidad Católica de Murcia. In 2025, after stepping down as IOC President, he was named Honorary President of the IOC and received the prestigious Gold Olympic Order.
Why Hire Thomas Bach?
Thomas Bach is hired as a speaker for his unique perspective on leadership, resilience and global collaboration at the highest level of international sport. Having led the IOC through significant global challenges, he offers audiences first-hand insight into crisis management, strategic decision-making and maintaining unity across international organisations. Thomas speaks on topics including Olympic values, governance, athlete welfare and the future of global sport, drawing upon decades of experience in law, politics and business. His keynote appearances combine elite sporting achievement with executive leadership expertise, making him highly sought after for corporate, governmental and sporting events worldwide.
Thomas Bach’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Thomas Bach’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Stepped down as President of the IOC and became Honorary President of the organisation.
- 2025 – Received the prestigious Gold Olympic Order for his contribution to the Olympic Movement.
- 2020 – Awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Republic of Korea for promoting peace through sport.
- 2013 – Elected President of the IOC, becoming the first Olympic champion to hold the role.
- 2006 – Named founding President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation.
- 2000 – Became IOC Vice-President and joined the Board of Administration of Siemens AG.
- 1996 – Elected to the IOC Executive Board after years of athlete representation work.
- 1991 – Became an IOC member and Economic Adviser for the German liberal party FDP.
- 1985 – Appointed Director of International Relations at Adidas.
- 1976 – Won Olympic gold in the team foil fencing event at the Montreal Olympic Games.
Videos
Thomas Bach’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Thomas Bach delivered an exceptional keynote that combined the mindset of an Olympic champion with the strategic insight of one of the world’s most influential sporting leaders. His perspective on leadership, resilience and international collaboration was both inspiring and highly relevant to our audience. Thomas spoke with authority, authenticity and remarkable professionalism, sharing lessons from elite sport and global governance that resonated long after the event had ended. His ability to engage senior leaders, motivate teams and connect complex global themes to practical business challenges made him a standout speaker and a true highlight of our event.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Thomas Bach’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Future Plays On: What the Olympics Taught Us About Leadership, Unity, and Resilience
- Exclusive Access to the Olympic Games: Leadership, Innovation, Global Impact
How Much Does Thomas Bach Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Thomas Bach?
Thomas Bach’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.