Susan Kish is an independent consultant with more than two decades of executive experience in social networks, financial services and building businesses.

With her team she joined the global professional online network XING in February 2006, when XING acquired their firm First Tuesday. At XING, Kish developed and led their Network and Community Practice until mid-2007.

With partners, Susan Kish founded First Tuesday AG in Zurich in 1999. As the CEO, she developed it into a highly regarded independent think tank that supported the development of thought leader networks and innovative knowledge sharing in information technology, mobile/telecom, financial services, sustainable energy, nano- and biotech. The firm focused on generating strategic dialogue and collaborative learning, through techniques such as effective scenario planning and war gaming. First Tuesday’s forums, workshops, and awards were attended by over 23,000 people since its foundation. She is also the co-producer and host of the annual international Nano-Regulation conference in St. Gallen (conference report/PDF) and of the annual European Energy Venture Fair in Zurich.

Previously, she was with UBS for more than 14 years, most recently as Global Functional Head of Structured Finance and then in Private Banking, based in Zurich. Before moving to Europe in 1995, she held a variety of executive positions at UBS in New York, where she was responsible for their successful entry into several new financial markets and products.

Ms. Kish is an experienced public speaker and facilitator at corporate events and universities, on topics including networks, innovation, and risk.  She is active on several boards, occasionally blogs on the LunchOverIP blog, and supports various initiatives including as a Jury Member for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  She graduated from Harvard University, and lives with her family in Zurich, Switzerland.