Conrad Koch is an internationally acclaimed South African comedian, ventriloquist and keynote speaker, best known as the creator of the outspoken puppet Chester Missing. A double International Emmy-nominated comedian, Conrad combines intelligent comedy with insights into human behaviour, organisational culture and communication.
He holds a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology, completed cum laude, with a focus on corporate and African culture. This unusual combination of academic expertise and comedy has enabled him to work with major organisations on culture, communication, diversity and employee engagement.
Conrad has performed internationally at prestigious events including the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland, as well as extensively across South Africa.
His best-known character, Chester Missing, became a prominent voice in South African satire and was the first recipient of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Anti-Racism Award.
For corporate audiences, Conrad combines comedy, ventriloquism and anthropology to explore how humour can improve communication, build connection and help teams navigate challenging conversations. His keynote Making Laughter Work demonstrates how humour and playfulness can contribute to healthier, more engaged workplace cultures.
Career Highlights
- Double International Emmy-nominated comedian
- Creator of Chester Missing
- Master’s degree in Social Anthropology – cum laude
- Performed at Just For Laughs, Montreal
- Performed at the Montreux Comedy Festival, Switzerland
- Standard Bank Ovation Award recipient
- Chester Missing received the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Anti-Racism Award
- Experienced corporate keynote speaker, MC and facilitator
- Specialist in organisational culture, communication and human behaviour
Conrad is an excellent choice for corporate conferences, leadership and culture events, awards evenings and organisations looking for an intelligent, highly entertaining alternative to the traditional keynote speaker.
