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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 and Mr. Ketin Lei, General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Beiersdorf China, will deliver keynote presentations on "Approaching the Commitment vs. Flexibility Dilemma under Increasing External Risk" and "Beyond the Screen: Human Judgment and Trust in the AI Era," respectively, exploring how organizations can balance flexibility with long-term commitment while maintaining human judgement and trust in an increasingly AI-driven and uncertain business environment


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 & Ketin Lei

19:00–19:25 Panel Discussion and Q&A with Alf Kåre Ådnanes, Randi Lunnan, Ketin Lei & Stacey Sun

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

  • Alf Kare Adnanes (Regional Manager Marine&Ports, AMEA at ABB)

    Alf Kare Adnanes

    Regional Manager Marine&Ports, AMEA at ABB

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  • Ketin Lei 雷开霆 (General Manager, Corporate Affair 企业事务部总经理)

    Ketin Lei 雷开霆

    General Manager, Corporate Affair 企业事务部总经理

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  • Randi Lunnan (Professor Chair  Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at BI Norwegain Business School)

    Randi Lunnan

    Professor Chair Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at BI Norwegain Business School

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  • Stacey Sun 孙冰凌 (BorgWarner, Asia HR Director, PowerDrive System 博格华纳动力驱动系统事业部亚太区人力资源总监)

    Stacey Sun 孙冰凌

    BorgWarner, Asia HR Director, PowerDrive System 博格华纳动力驱动系统事业部亚太区人力资源总监

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