Observed Signal · Mar 6, 2017 · Interview · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
What Does a Chief Thinker Do?
Karl Krainer, founder and Chief Thinker at Gedankenfabrik, explains the role and its scope in branding, digitalization, and innovation consulting. With offices in Hamburg and Berlin (WeWork at the Sony Center), Krainer describes how a Chief Thinker helps firms realign in a dynamic, post-digital environment, identify strengths, and translate insights into concrete actions. He highlights the importance of broad experience across marketing, sales, and branding, stressing a blend of traditional and digital or startup backgrounds to generate fresh client perspectives. Krainer notes the use of a proprietary Brand-User Innovation Model and mentions frequent travels to China, including time at Google's Beijing office. The interview underscores daily work patterns (on-site client work, calls, and travel), and Krainer cites Wunderlist, WeChat, and iMovie as essential apps. The piece presents a career pathway toward holistic advisory roles within the ad/marketing space.
Profile of a niche leadership role in branding/digitalization; general career guidance.
Track Google Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Karl Krainer is Chief Thinker at Gedankenfabrik, with offices in Hamburg and Berlin (WeWork in the Sony Center).
- Gedankenfabrik is a brand management, digitalization and innovation consultancy founded by Krainer in 2010.
- Krainer previously gained experience at Procter & Gamble, Google, and eBay before starting Gedankenfabrik.
- Krainer travels to China several times a year and has spent time at Google's Beijing office.
- He references a Brand-User Innovation Model and relies on startup and traditional experiences to generate new client perspectives.
- Apps Krainer relies on include Wunderlist, WeChat, and iMovie; a caption mentions H&M in relation to Handelsinnovationen.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Holger Pütting: Strong Brand Experiences Need Decision-Making
In a beach-chair interview on Fehmarn, brand-experience expert Holger Pütting, founder and CEO of Nest One, tells Mirko Kaminski (Achtung chief and HORIZONT video reporter) that many companies have ideas for powerful brand experiences but lack the decision-making courage to realize them. Pütting argues digital and physical experiences must work together—branding spaces should act as a "walkable internet"—and that immersive exhibitions require clear mandates, assigned responsibilities, and an internal champion who makes and defends decisions.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.