Who is who
Who Is Who: Dr. Krunoslav Ris
Dr. Krunoslav Ris, Ph.D., PMP®, PBA®, is a visionary digital transformation leader whose work bridges technology and humanity. From his beginnings in Osijek, Croatia, to advising global enterprises on AI, Web3, and cybersecurity, he has redefined what it means to lead in the digital age. As CEO and Founder of Lumen Spei Ltd., he empowers organizations to evolve with integrity, innovation, and purpose. Guided by the belief that “technology should clarify life, not complicate it,” Dr. Ris continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to build with focus, empathy, and unshakable vision.
A Vision Born in an Empty Office
On a brisk autumn morning in Osijek, Croatia, four years ago, Dr. Krunoslav Ris walked into an empty rented office. No desk. No monitor. No employees. Not even the first client fully signed. What he did have was a vision. A belief that he could build something lasting, something real, something that would one day outlive him.
That small room became the starting point of Lumen Spei Ltd., a company whose name, “Light of Hope,” would come to represent his approach to leadership, innovation, and transformation.
“I had no furniture, but I had purpose,” he often recalls with a smile. “Entrepreneurship doesn’t wait for conditions to be perfect. It starts when you do.”
Today, that once-empty office has evolved into a thriving digital transformation firm. Lumen Spei employs more than twenty-five professionals, operates across three international offices, and supports clients in banking, telecom, and e-commerce across forty-six countries.
The Making of a Digital Visionary
Long before he advised enterprises on AI, Web3, and cybersecurity strategies, Dr. Krunoslav Ris was a curious student with an unshakable work ethic.
Lana Maslar, who taught him during his early academic years, remembers him vividly:
“Kruno’s dedication, communication, and professionalism made him stand out among thousands of students. His positive energy and relentless drive inspired everyone around him.”
Earning his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Pan-European University APEIRON, Dr. Ris pursued excellence with precision. He later advanced his studies at the MIT Sloan Executive Education program in Digital Business Strategy. These experiences shaped not only his technical expertise but also his worldview, one where technology, human understanding, and innovation are inseparable.
Leadership Across Borders and Technologies
Dr. Ris’s rise in the digital world is not a story of chance. It is a story of consistency, courage, and clarity of vision.
He began his career as a Senior Software Engineer at Siemens, developing telecommunications platforms that served over twenty million subscribers in ten countries. The role taught him the importance of scale, structure, and collaboration across borders.
He went on to lead IT divisions at Zagrebačka Banka, serve as CTO and consultant for multiple firms, and guide digital innovation projects for both government and private institutions.
As Head of IT at Zagrebačka Banka, he oversaw the launch of a fully digital online banking platform reaching more than half a million users. He also reduced operational inefficiencies by 35 percent through process redesign.
Yet, what defines Dr. Ris is not only his results but also his humanity. Clients and colleagues often highlight his ability to combine intelligence with empathy.
Kristina Ercegović, a serial entrepreneur and business author, described him simply:
“Krunoslav is rare in the IT world. He listens, understands, and truly cares. His work isn’t just technical. It’s deeply human.”
Building Lumen Spei and Shaping Digital Futures
In 2021, as the world redefined its relationship with technology, Dr. Ris founded Lumen Spei Ltd. The goal was clear: to help organizations harness the potential of AI, Web3, and cybersecurity through structured, measurable, and human-centered transformation.
Under his leadership, Lumen Spei completed more than fifty major transformation projects in three years. The company quadrupled its revenue, established government partnerships, and became known for delivering practical innovation.
Sidney Strachan, President of Global Research & Marketing Consultants, described the experience of working with him as transformative:
“Dr. Ris has an unmatched ability to identify growth opportunities and deliver actionable strategies. His integrity and insight positioned us for innovation and long-term success.”
Vanja Krpeta, another client, added:
“Krunoslav’s leadership and strategic thinking have been invaluable. He brings passion, innovation, and excellence to every project.”
His projects range from blockchain systems that reduced fraud by 80 percent to smart city platforms that improved citizen services in multiple municipalities. For Dr. Ris, technology is not about complexity.
“Technology should not complicate life. It should clarify it.”
Resilience and Reflection: A Leader’s Mindset
After decades of global work and constant innovation, Dr. Ris took a moment to pause. His personal pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago became a turning point in 2025.
Reflecting on that experience, he shared:
“I reduced my workload and stress. Some call it laziness. I call it focus. Less is more. Structure and focus bring the results I’ve long been hoping for.”
It was a profound shift. A reminder that leadership is not about doing more but doing what truly matters.
This philosophy now guides how he runs Lumen Spei. Beyond driving technology adoption, he ensures that every innovation serves a meaningful purpose and adds value to people’s lives.
A Legacy of Light
Beyond the titles of CEO, CIO, and Advisor, Dr. Krunoslav Ris remains a mentor and lifelong learner. His colleagues describe him as a bridge between vision and execution, someone who unites strategic thought with empathy.
Alan Brezovac, a longtime collaborator, summarized his leadership simply:
“Krunoslav and his team deliver every project with precision, passion, and purpose. He builds trust first, technology second.”
Whether he is developing blockchain-based financial systems, guiding enterprise innovation, or mentoring the next generation of digital leaders, Dr. Ris continues to embody what Lumen Spei stands for—the light of hope through innovation.
“You can’t predict the digital future,” he often says. “But you can shape it with integrity, insight, and imagination.”
Editorial Note
Dr. Krunoslav Ris’s journey from a small Croatian office to leading digital transformation across forty-six countries is a story of perseverance and principle. He represents a generation of leaders who see technology not as a tool, but as a catalyst for human progress. His work inspires confidence, his leadership builds trust, and his vision continues to illuminate a more connected, secure, and intelligent world.
