Dr. Birgul Cotelli, Founder and CEO of SUITEKK GmbH in Zürich, Switzerland, has been awarded the AI Influencer of the Year Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards (IMA) on 1 July 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the development of AI governance and responsible technology adoption. She holds a Ph.D. in Finance and an MSc in Economics, and brings extensive leadership experience from Fortune Global 500 banks, including Deutsche Bank, Barclays, HSBC, and Credit Suisse (now part of UBS), as well as Switzerland’s Banque Cantonale de Genève. This background underpins her work across financial expertise, regulatory practice, and emerging technologies.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Cotelli shared, “This award is deeply meaningful because AI influence, for me, is not about hype or trends. It is about ensuring that the adoption of artificial intelligence is grounded in accountability, risk awareness, and long-term value creation. I have dedicated my career to bridging the gap between technological innovation and responsible governance, and to have that work recognised on a global stage is profoundly humbling.”
As Founder and CEO of SUITEKK GmbH, Dr. Cotelli advises boards and senior executives on AI strategy, governance, and fiduciary responsibility. Her work focuses on strengthening decision-making structures and ensuring that the adoption of AI is aligned with accountability, risk awareness, and long-term value creation. Through her AI Governance Professional Program, she supports institutions in implementing AI in a manner that is both effective and responsible.
In parallel, she has been developing the SUITEKK intelligence platform, which explores the use of AI-powered 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality in governance and intelligence contexts. Supported by executive education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), her work connects technical innovation with organisational and regulatory requirements.
Speaking on what the AI Influencer of the Year Award represents, Dr. Cotelli added, “To me, being an AI influencer is about responsibility, the responsibility to ensure that emerging technologies are integrated with clear standards of oversight and accountability. It is not enough to innovate; we must innovate with purpose and with a deep understanding of the fiduciary and ethical obligations that come with it. This recognition reinforces my commitment to supporting leaders in addressing the challenges associated with AI adoption in a structured and accountable manner.”
Dr. Cotelli is recognised as a Thinkers360 Top 100 Thought Leader and a LinkedIn Top Voice in VR. She is an international speaker and advisor on AI governance and continues to contribute to discussions on how institutions can integrate emerging technologies while maintaining clear standards of oversight and responsibility.
Her work is characterised by a consistent focus on practical application, supporting leaders in addressing the challenges associated with AI adoption in a structured and accountable manner. With her extensive financial expertise, her pioneering work in AI governance, and her commitment to responsible technology adoption, Dr. Birgul Cotelli stands as one of the most influential voices in AI governance today. Her win at IMA 2026 celebrates not only her achievements, but her ongoing mission to ensure that AI serves institutions and society with integrity, accountability, and lasting impact.
