In an era shaped by AI, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid change, leaders are being asked to adapt continuously while balancing organizational flexibility with the long-term commitment needed to build competitive advantage.
We are pleased to invite you to THONTalk, taking place in Shanghai on 5 November 2026. Bringing together Nordic and Chinese perspectives from business and academia, the event will explore how organizations can respond to increasing external risks without sacrificing consistency, trust and long-term direction, while keeping people and human judgement at the centre of decision-making.
The evening will open with welcoming remarks from Morten Thorvaldsen, CEO of Thon Hotels, and Marianne H. Hindsgaul, Director of Business Communities, Thon Hotels.
Professor Randi Lunnan of BI Norwegian Business School will deliver a keynote on "Approaching the Commitment vs. Flexibility Dilemma under Increasing External Risk," exploring how organizations can build flexibility as a strategic capability while maintaining the consistent commitments essential for long-term success.
The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion with senior business leaders, moderated by Emma Qu, Director of the BI-Fudan MBA Programme and Professor of Marketing at Fudan University.
Guests can also enjoy music, networking and a special taste of Norway, featuring signature finger food by award-winning chef Aleksander Vartdal, who will lead the kitchen for the Norwegian Seafood Gala the following evening.
The evening will conclude with a lucky draw, including the chance to win an overnight stay at a Thon Hotel.
Programme
17:30–18:00 Registration & fingerfoods
18:00:–18:10 Welcome – Morten Thorvaldsen & Marianne H. Hindsgaul, Thon Hotels
18:10–19:00 Keynote Presentations – Randi Lunnan
19:00–19:25 Panel Discussion and Q&A with Alf Kåre Ådnanes, Randi Lunnan & tbd
19:25–19:30 Lucky Draw
From 19:30 Signature Food Tasting, Music & Networking
Date: 5 November 2026
Time: 17:30–20:30
Venue: 18th Floor, MFG Office Building, Bingang Commercial Center, Shanghai
上海滨港商业中心MFG写字楼18楼（四川北路和海宁路交界）
We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of new perspectives, dialogue, Norwegian flavours and meaningful connections.
Speakers
Randi Lunnan
Professor Chair Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at BI Norwegain Business School
More Information
Alf Kare
Adnanes
Regional Manager Marine&Ports, AMEA at ABB
Alf Kåre Ådnanes first joined ABB in 1991. He has worked in various positions including corporate research, marine engineering and projects delivery, product management and development, and technology management for the global marine business. He was ABB Marine & Ports China General Manager from 2016 to 2020. Starting from 2021, he is appointed as Regional Manager for ABB Marine & Ports AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa).
Alf Kåre holds MSc and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Randi Lunnan
Professor Chair Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at BI Norwegain Business School
Randi has most of her education from the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen. During her PhD studies she also spent a year at Harvard. She has been at BI since 1999, from 2008 she was appointed full professor, and from 2012 she has been Head of Department.
Research areas
Her research interest is strategic alliances, particularly how they develop over time, and international management where she has looked into headquarter activities.
Teaching areas
Teaching includes International Management at the Executive Master of Management, International Business in the BI/Fudan MBA Program, Strategic Management in Singapore as well as Interorganizational Relations at MSc and PhD levels.
