James Loudon | Independent Advisor and Founder Propeller KG | Director, Member Development, International at The Conference Board | Co-Founder, Asia Growth Exchange

We no longer operate in a world of repetition but constant reinvention. Growth is fragile, risk is unavoidable, and innovation isn’t optional. I'm James Loudon; based out of Vienna, Austria and after 15+ years of living in China and guiding multinational corporations and international mid-cap firms on strategic and Asia market expansion-related issues, I founded my firm, Propeller KG, in 2020 once I moved back to Europe, which would enable me to work internationally and within a portfolio set-up on three mission-critical themes for every boardroom: digital acceleration, geo-realignment, and sustainability.

Geo-realignment captures today's reality: a more fractured global economy and complex geopolitical landscape that asks for deeper strategic insights. Digital acceleration is about staying ahead in an environment where technology constantly reshapes competitive dynamics, especially with the rapid advancement of AI. Sustainability emphasizes the urgent yet practical steps companies must take towards meaningful decarbonization and long-term resilience.

My primary engagement today is with The Conference Board, where I dedicate much of my time as Director of Member Development, International. The Conference Board is a century-old member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what’s ahead. I collaborate with senior executives and their teams at leading European multinationals to empower them to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence through our centres of expertise: (1) Economy, Strategy and Finance; (2) Environmental, Social and Governance; (3) Human Capital and (4) China Center which focuses on generating business-driven, and leading-edge insights to assist MNCs in addressing uncertainty and conduct effective strategic planning.

I also co-founded in 2022 and currently run the Asia Growth Exchange. This "invite-only" community, supported by an advisory board, facilitates dialogues about Asia's innovation and growth potential for digital and innovation leaders, commercial managers, start-up founders, experts, and investors.

If you need a speaker, facilitator, or research and analysis, please message me via my advisory page on LinkedIn.