This 'industry needs' notion is perfectly sensible,
all organizations small and large often need an evangelist, somebody who keeps espousing a certain point. through that value they are tolerated. while some of these 'leaders' are fundamentally arrogant, manipulative and dishonest to the point one would never actually do business with them, they still represent value to the organism as a whole.
I don't have any idea if that notion represents a broad opinion of SKS, but I do know that is the impression I have gotten for a very long time from any public presentation he has done, and I do know I am not alone in that assessment.
I'm not particularly overwhelmed with Solms' public speaking, but he is clear, to the point, and doesn't leave me feeling like I was listening to a loose-with-the-truth narcissist.