Olivier Kempf

General Dr Olivier Kempf is a retired French Army General and geopolitical analyst specialising in cyber strategy, digital transformation and international conflict resolution. As former head of digital transformation and cyber defence policy at the French Army General Staff, he led critical national security initiatives and became one of the leading architects of French cyber strategy. A former associate fellow at the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, he directs the strategic newsletter La Vigie and the Cyberstrategy series at Economica, whilst teaching at Sciences Po, the French War College and HEC. His sessions equip organisations to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and digital innovation, whilst his recent geopolitical analysis, including work for Harper's Magazine on the Ukraine conflict, helps leaders navigate complex international security challenges with strategic clarity.

In 2016, Olivier Kempf assumed responsibility for the French Army's entire digital transformation and cyber defence policy at the General Staff, overseeing one of the most critical sectors of the French state during a period of rapidly evolving security threats. A retired General and political scientist, he helped architect France's national cyber strategy at a time when few professionals could bridge the gap between organisational disruption and cyber defence challenges. His military leadership provided the foundation for a career now focused on helping organisations and governments navigate the intersection of geopolitical risk, digital innovation and national security.

As a former associate fellow at the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, Olivier played a formative role in shaping French cyber strategy thinking. He directs La Vigie, a bimonthly newsletter offering French perspectives on strategic questions of geopolitics and military affairs, and heads the Cyberstrategy series at Economica, where his publications include influential works such as 'Introduction to Cyber Strategy' and 'Geopolitics of France'. His recent geopolitical analysis has extended beyond France's borders, with his work for Harper's Magazine examining the Ukraine conflict and exploring questions of territorial negotiation, attrition warfare and the strategic implications of drone technology. Teaching at Sciences Po, the French War College and HEC, he combines academic rigour with practical consultancy, advising public institutions and private companies across France and internationally on strategies spanning digital transformation, cyber security and defence market access.

Olivier equips leaders to address the communication breakdown that often exists between cyber security teams and digital transformation initiatives, helping organisations move beyond siloed thinking towards integrated strategic approaches. His sessions combine military discipline with geopolitical insight, enabling audiences to anticipate security threats whilst pursuing innovation with confidence. Whether advising large corporations, SMEs or government bodies, he translates complex strategic challenges into actionable frameworks that protect critical infrastructure, enhance organisational resilience and position leaders to make informed decisions in an increasingly volatile international landscape.