Christopher Damian Barker
34 Years, In Parallel
Imagineers.ai
Founder, GenAI Training Lead & Fractional CAiO
Aug 2023 - Present | Johannesburg, South Africa
Current chapter: AI executive trainer, advisor, and fractional CAiO.
- Built Imagineers.ai to train executives and teams in applied GenAI.
- Trained 600+ executives across 60 courses, with live counters maintained in the editor.
- Secured fractional Chief AI Officer and board advisory roles, including Curro.
600executives trained · 2026
60courses run · 2026
Engagements
Curro Fractional CAiO · Daily Maverick AI Executive Retreat · ExecutiveNavigants.co.za · AI executive training programme
Skills
Capability ratings, with the scale kept in view.
Modelling, strategy & AI
Excel modelling10
Financial modelling10
Problem solving10
Critical Thinking10
Corporate Strategy9
Strategy8
Generative AI8
Telecommunications8
IT systems development8
PowerPoint8
Build, sell & turn around
Entrepreneurship10
Presentations10
High performance teams10
Training10
Business development8
Project Delivery8
P&L Management8
Turnaround Experience8
Operations8
Sales8
Strategy Execution8
Divestitures6
Sectors, relationships & governance
Client relations8
Value Propositions8
Business knowledge8
Stakeholder engagement8
Healthcare8
Mining8
Large workforce management8
Communication8
Relationship Management7
Negotiation7
Coaching & Mentoring6
Government relations6
Grant administration8
10Likely best in South Africa
9Among a handful of the best in South Africa
8As good as any executive I have ever met
7Top-tier professional capability
6What a highly experienced graduate would usually claim
5Solidly proficient
Deep dives
Evidence for the strongest claims.
UnileverYoungest GM in Unilever Global history.1 roleMcKinsey & CompanyOffice modelling expert in a pool of modelling specialists.2 rolesRight to CareCo-founded what became Africa's largest NGO.1 roleCSIR BioPadHelped CSIR design a biotech incubator and screen early initiatives.1 roleNeotelWon the second national operator licence and raised SA's largest BEE deal to date.1 roleRightMed PharmacyBuilt one of SA's largest HIV-focused retail pharmacy groups.1 roleMTN, Seacom & Telecom AdvisoryEntrusted with MTN's highly confidential bid submission.3 rolesTurnaroundsMoved Marikana pit from R20m/month loss to R10m/month profit.4 rolesAfrica WeatherCommercialised weather in Africa and exited.1 roleEeziphoneStartup reflected in the fundraising table; project closed.1 roleVizier eMathsBuilt and sold SA's first Singapore Maths e-learning content.1 roleDeloitteSold R300m over five years while leading delivery of every project sold.1 roleHealth 4 DevelopmentEvaluated African pharmaceutical manufacturing on-shoring.1 roleImagineers.aiCurrent chapter: AI executive trainer, advisor, and fractional CAiO.2 roles