AHMED BIN SULAYEM
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN & CEO
DMCC
Ahmed Bin Sulayem continues to play a leading role in positioning DMCC and Dubai as a major international commodities hub for trade. Under his leadership DMCC has built and delivered the UAE’s largest and fastest growing Free Zone; ensured the UAE has 60 percent market share of global tea re-exports, enabled mainly by the DMCC Tea Centre; helped establish Dubai as the world’s leading physical gold market and one of the world’s top 3 hubs for the diamond trade. Mr. Bin Sulayem’s extensive knowledge of the diamond trade also led to his appointment as global Kimberley Process Chair on behalf of the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2016. The UAE Chairmanship saw Mr Bin Sulayem travel to 20 countries including Latin America before concluding the successful chairmanship with a speech on the draft resolution “The Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict” at the UN General Assembly in February 2017.
PETER BISHOP
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE
LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (LCCI)
Peter Bishop is Deputy Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Alongside his LCCI role, Peter is Chairman of the ICC World Chambers Federation International Certificates of Origin Council which oversees the issue of over 15 million origin documents worldwide annually.
At LCCI, he is responsible for the Chamber's international trade facilitation and promotion activities which include documentation, an Enterprise Europe Network office, events and trade missions. In a typical year LCCI issues over 140,000 export and import documents, answers trade enquiries, and organises trade missions, export seminars and international trade training. He also has responsibility for the LCCI Asian Business Association and information service.
Peter was previously Chairman of the ICC WCF World ATA Carnet Council to manage and develop the temporary import and export regime for professional equipment, samples and goods for trade fairs worldwide. He holds an MSc in International Business and is a writer and consultant on the mechanics of international trade including procedures and regulations. His books include the Export Handbook and the International Trade Manual (co-author). He is on the LCCI board and is the editor of London Business Matters magazine www.londonbusinessmatters.co.uk.
HENRIK LANDERHOLM
AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN TO THE UAE
In September 2017, Mr. Landerholm took up his post as Sweden’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, residing in Abu Dhabi. He was previously Ambassador of Sweden to Latvia from September 2013 to August 2017. He has also served Sweden through different paths as an army officer, a politician, a civil servant and from 2011 as a Foreign Service Officer.
His previous posts include membership of the Municipal Council of his home town Straengnaes and as Deputy Chair of the School Board, political advisor to the Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Committee of Defence of the Swedish Parliament of which he was a member 1991-2002. Further on he served as the President of the Swedish National Defence University (SEDU) and as the Director-General of the Folke Bernadotte Academy (Swedish Agency for Peace, Security and Development). As the first head of a Swedish joint civil-military mission in northern Afghanistan he resided at a military camp in Mazar-e Sharif for almost two years (2011-2013). He is a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Swedish Army Reserve.
Beside his professional endeavors he is the co-founder of the Swedish Atlantic Council (SAK), three private schools in his home province, Soedermanland, and the biggest privafte museum of military vehicles in Sweden. Since 1999 he is an elected fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences as well as the Royal Naval Society.
His hobbies include US politics, modern literature, bicycle racing, cross-country skiing, cooking, civil-military relations and the art of war. Henrik Landerholm is married to Ann (née Karlberg) M.Sc and former Mayor of Straengnaes. They have three children.
BASSAM KHALIFA
MEDIA AND ECONOMIC ANALYST
EMBASSY OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – STOCKHOLM
Khalifa has been appointed as the Media and Economic Analyst at the Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Stockholm in 2015. He has over 20 years of Experience in the Economic field, Business Development, Business Strategy and International Development. Khalifa through his current assignment supports Swedish Companies, both multinational corporations and SMEs, expand in UAE and promote FDI and grow international revenue. Further on, he is a co-founder and the Trade Commissioner in Stockholm for the Emirati-Swedish Business Council. The Business Council has been launched in November 2018. Besides he is a Board Member at NSTO, Nordic Sustainability Trade Organization in Stockholm.
His previous posts include Lecturer at the Canadian University in Dubai, Emirates Aviation Collage and Counselor at various educational institutes in Dubai. Beside his professional endeavors, he is the Co-founder and the Director of Training & Business Development at Ryan International Consultancy in the United Arab Emirates.
With his vast experience, he has developed unadulterated industry competence across various business sectors. Apart from the business life he is a family person and likes to travel around the world with his wife and two boys, and enjoys cooking.
MASSOUD BIOUKI
TRADE COMMISSIONER OF SWEDEN TO THE UAE
& MARKET AREA DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST AT BUSINESS SWEDEN
Biouki was appointed as the Trade Commissioner of Sweden to the UAE and Market Area Director for the Middle East in early 2018. As a C-level executive with over 15 years of experience in Business Management, Business Strategy, International Development and Complex transactions, Biouki through his current assignment supports Swedish companies, both multinational corporations and SMEs, expand in MENA region and grow international revenue.
With a multi-sectorial exposure, he has acquired stark industry competence across Healthcare, Retail & Consumer Goods, Hospitality, and Banking.
With accumulated 10 year on-ground experience in the MENA region with focus on B2B and B2G, his previous roles include a Director of Strategy and Business Development at Global Health Partner in the Middle East and Managing Director - Middle East for Max Burger in the UAE. Apart from his professional endeavors, Mr. Biouki is married to Jessica (née Sandin) and has two daughters and one son. He likes to spend time with his family, sport, travel and read books.
ANDERS LÖNNBERG
SWEDEN’S COMMISSIONER GENERAL AT
EXPO 2020
Anders Lönnberg is Sweden’s Commissioner General at Expo 2020. Appointed in early 2018, he heads and leads the Swedish Committee responsible for Sweden’s participation in Expo 2020. Prior to his current mission, and with a background as an economist and politician, Lönnberg occupied several governmental positions, the last being the National Coordinator for Life Science which involved giving the government suggestions for changes and improvements within the Swedish life science eco-system and to coordinate the government’s life science actions between the Ministries of Enterprise and Innovation, Health and Social Affairs and Education and Research. It also entailed coordinating the life science-sector i.e. industry, academia and healthcare.
Anders Lönnberg occupied several governmental positions prior to 2018, these include State Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, member of the Swedish Parliament, Chairman of the Greater Stockholm Diabetes Association, Head of Negotiation at the airline SAS and Vice president of the Swedish pharmaceutical company Novartis. Lönnberg has also been since 25+ years a member of Stockholm County’s Administrative Board.
Besides his professional endeavors, Lönnberg is married and likes to spend time with his family and grandchildren.
NICLAS EMANUELSSON
WESTERN SWEDEN REGIONAL MANAGER GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPERS
BUSINESS SWEDEN
Emanuelsson joined Business Sweden in early 2017. As part of Business Sweden’s extensive Global Business Developers team, he is responsible for Western Sweden where he continuously supports small and medium sized enterprises in the region to plan for expansion to new markets or growth in existing markets.
Through his previously occupied positions, Emanuelsson accumulated over 15+ years of experience as a senior manager in sales development, operations, logistics, purchasing, quality and product development within multiple sectors, namely; telecommunications, healthcare, electronics, welding and adhesives. He has also been Chairman of the Board at Ale Elförening, an actor in the electricity infrastructure and sales market in Sweden.
Apart from his professional endeavors, he is a soccer fan and occasionally scuba-dives, he also likes to spend time with family and friends.
MARIA RANKKA
PARTNER AND HEAD
BRUNSWICK GROUP’S STOCKHOLM
Maria Rankka is Partner and Head of Brunswick Group’s Stockholm office. She has 20 years of experience from leading roles within management, public policy and communication.
Prior to joining Brunswick in 2018, Maria was the CEO of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. She also has a background as the CEO of Timbro, Sweden's leading free market think tank, and as Partner at Prime PR. Maria serves on the Board of Directors of Internationella Engelska Skolan and Cirkus Cirkör. She is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences as well as the Trilateral Commission.
Maria is a well regarded opinion leader with vast media experience. At Brunswick Maria advises managements and Boards on a wide range of issues related to public affairs, strategic communication and regulatory issues.
EMMA KYLBERG
LEGAL COUNSEL FOR INDIA MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA AT DANIEL WELLINGTON
Kylberg has for the past 4+ years been part of Daniel Wellington’s Legal team. As a Legal Counsel herself, she provides legal expertise and support to the management team with regards to retail expansion, negotiation processes, legal review, and other legal aspects to assist Daniel Wellington achieve their goals in India, Middle East and Africa.
Previously, Kylberg has worked with Suicide Zero – a Swedish organization working to reduce suicide where she contributed to their Identification Committee. She has also accumulated experience at Lindahl’s law firm after graduating from Uppsala University’s law school.
Beside her professional endeavors, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, travel and support nonprofit organizations.
JAMES DAVID BERNARD
HEAD OF SALES
DMCC FREE ZONE
In 2009 James became Director of Business Development for DMCC and now leads the business development unit for its Free Zone in Dubai.
James has worked for several global trading and investment companies providing him with over 20 years of extensive financial and physical trading experience and industry knowledge. Prior to joining DMCC in 2006, James was Chief Executive of Bartizan International Trading and Managing Director of Wonder International Mg-Shanxi Jinrun where he was also head of global trading, and risk management. James studied at the University of Westminster in London.
SANJEEV DUTTA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - COMMODITIES & FINANCIAL SERVICES
DMCC
Currently leading DMCC’s Commodities vertical, Sanjeev Dutta has been with DMCC since its establishment and has been instrumental in building DMCC’s award winning finance department, its Tea Centre and Tradeflow platform.
RUSSELL DALGLEISH
SERIAL SCOTTISH ENTREPRENEUR AND INVESTOR,
STRATEGIST AND INNOVATOR
Russell has enjoyed the benefits of a highly successful international career in the technology sector and now focuses his efforts on supporting owners and boards of small and medium size companies to devise and implement growth strategies to create shareholder value. In his earlier career he has held board leadership positions with International companies achieving turnover more than £200m.
Core areas of focus are Leadership, Value Creation and Strategic thinking. He is a regular speaker at events on Leadership in business and has spoken at conferences from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi.
Russell is founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners, www.exolta.com and Founding Chairman Scottish Business Network, www.sbn.scot the global network supporting Scottish business leaders. Other roles and accolades,
- Currently holds eight non-exec and board advisory roles with fast growing business and organisations.
- Member of Scotland Trade Board chaired by Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary.
- Named as one of the 100 most influential British Entrepreneurs and in thee top 100 most influential figures in technology today.
- A member of the Maserati List of business leaders who support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Scotland: Board member Institute of Directors Scotland, ScotlandIS, Merchant Company of Edinburgh and Asia Scotland Institute.
- London: Advisor to Tech Advocates and member of the Mentium Group.
- International: Board advisor Talent Tech Labs, New York.
- Addressing the gender imbalance in business through his support of the Association of Scottish Business Women and Changing the Chemistry.
- Advisor to a range of disruption led companies in UK and US.
- Investor/Advisor Par Equity angel investor fund.
Russell continues to live in Linlithgow, Scotland with his business interests based from London. Not all work - since turning 50 Russell has have developed a passion for endurance events and can often be found at weekends mud splattered clambering over obstacles and "trying to keep up".
LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/russelldalgleish/ | Twitter: @russellexolta | Email: Russell@exolta.com
H.E. RAWDHA AL OTAIBA
DEPUTY HEAD OF MISSION
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EMBASSY IN LONDON, UK
H.E. Rawdha Al Otaiba is the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of United Arab Emirates in the UK since 2016. She formerly served as the Director of American Affairs department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MoFAIC), during which time she was responsible for bilateral relations between the UAE and the Americas. She has also served in the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as the head of IRENA section, liaising with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and overseeing the UAE’s IRENA host country affairs. She also represented the UAE as an active member state to IRENA, and helped lead the UAE’s negotiating team for Rio+20. H.E. was also a member of the team working on the development of the UAE’s sustainability-related foreign and domestic policy. Prior to joining DECC, H.E. Al Otaiba served in the American Affairs department in MoFAIC and was responsible for the US file. In 2009, she joined the UAE task force for IRENA campaign, which ended successfully with the UAE hosting the agency.
H.E. Rawdha graduated from UAE University with a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Political Affairs, and a Masters degree in Public Diplomacy.
H.E. Rawdha was the recipient of the Professional Award from His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in 2011 for her work on the IRENA bid, as well as the recipient of the Special Leadership Award in 2011.
ALEXANDRA RENISON
HEAD OF EUROPE & TRADE POLICY
THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS
Devising recommendations and representing the voice of members on EU reform matters and helping to provide the link between business and Government on increasing international trade. She also routinely provides advocacy for the IoD on a range of regulatory issues in Brussels. Allie regularly appears across the national media, including Any Questions and Newsnight. She was previously Research Director at Business for Britain, the campaign focused on renegotiating the UK's relationship with the EU. Prior to that, she advised a number of parliamentarians in both Houses on EU legislative issues, with a particular focus on trade and employment policy areas. Allie holds a Master’s Degree in the political economy of emerging economies in the post-Soviet space.
DAVID STRINGER-LAMARRE
CHAIRMAN
IOD LONDON REGION
At the heart of the one of the world’s top business cities IoD London Region has a a deep interest in international commerce. IoD London Region's 6000+ members work in many sectors including banking, finance, insurance, business services and consulting sectors. David is the Managing Director of Fortis Consulting London which helps organisations & individuals meet their objectives via knowledge input, skills development & making beneficial connections. Combining commercial knowledge with top quality engagement skills, the team of over 30 consultants, has deep experience of working with British and International companies. There are four divisions: Consulting, Partnership facilitation, Seminars & briefings and Coaching.
OLIVER CORNOCK
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
OXFORD BUSINESS GROUP
Oliver Cornock has many years experience in high-growth emerging markets having worked in both the private and public sectors. From a background in project finance at HSBC Group, he went on to work with the British Ministry of Defence.
He joined Oxford Business Group in 2004, became Managing Editor for the Middle East in 2006 and was appointed Editor-in-Chief in December 2016. In this capacity Oliver oversees editorial output across all platforms, print and digital. Given his professional and personal specialisation in the Arab Gulf, he maintains his role as Managing Editor for the Middle East alongside his position as Editor-in-Chief. Additionally, Oliver directs OBG Consultancy projects.
Oliver writes frequently on developing economies and appears as a specialist on BBC, CNN, CNBC and other television and radio stations. He is a regular guest on BBC World’s daily Newspaper Review, as well as BBC Radio 4.
He is a frequent speaker at British universities and focuses on the dynamics of growth markets and their relationship with developed economies. In recent years themes of these lectures have included the economics of the Arab Spring, diversification in the Arabian Gulf, global trade patterns, digital disruption and sustainability in commodities based emerging markets.
Oliver has undertaken interviews with many prominent individuals, including an array of heads of state, ministers, Central Bankers and captains of industry. He is a familiar face as a speaker and a well-respected chairman at conferences and events around the world.
Over the years Oliver has secured interviews with amongst many others: Ali Al-Naimi, former Saudi Arabian Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources; Amr Moussa, former Secretary general of the Arab League; the late Boutros-Boutros Ghali, former Secretary General of the UN; Gonzalez Anaya, Mexican Finance Minsiter; Maria Angela Holguin, Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs; HRH Duke of York; Richard Armitage, US Senator; the late Lee Kwan Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore; President Donald Trump; David Rubenstein, managing Director of Carlyle Group; and Sir Stelios Haji Ioannou, founder of EasyJet.
Oliver holds a BA. (Hons) degree in Arabic with Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies from Durham University.
ELLIOTT KING
CEO
MINTTWIST
Elliott started programming computers in the 1980's and has over 20-years of professional experience, helping hundreds brands such as Roche, Virgin and Accenture to navigate and leverage the digital revolution.
His proudest accomplishments include;
- The ongoing honor of leading the highly talented, committed and likeable group of individuals that is MintTwist
- Being invited to address 100+ international NGOs at the United Nations (Geneva) on the ‘Future of Mobile Communications’
- Co-authoring the material and acting as the visiting lecturer for City University's courses on 'Strategic Digital Marketing' and acting as a regular speaker on 'all things digital', for organisations such as UK Department of Trade and Industry, Federation of Small Businesses, Dubai Government, City University and more.
JULIE ASHOWORTH
CEO
BROADREACH LTD
Round The World Yachtsman, Julie Ashworth, is CEO at BroadReach Ltd, an International Leadership Development Company based in Edinburgh with over 60% of its clients worldwide, from Australia and the US, to South America, Vietnam and the UAE. With strongroots in Retail, its' clients now span multiple industries with a commonality of multiple channels to markets or operations in multiple geographies.
After leaving school with GCSEs in English and Cookery, she went onto do A levels in Theatre Studies and Design and a Degree in Theatre and Photography. In order to fund a Marketing postgrad qualification, she began working evening/night shifts at her local Tesco and it was here that her corporate career began.
From their graduate training programme she became a stores Executive at Tesco and a number of Retail Directorships followed, ranging from Liberty of London to Punch Taverns. Internationally she was Executive Retail Partner for IBM covering EMEA and East Coast USA.
Julie is a Board Advisor, Ambassador and presenter at WOB, Women on Boards, where she works with FTSE 350 groups to pragmatically and actively develop Inclusion and Diversity in the BoardRoom.
She was, until recently, Executive Chair of Clear Returns: an established predictive tech start up based in Glasgow, whose technology predicted what would be returned when you buy online. This role has taken her to Silicon Valley where as part of SVc2UK she met with Google, Facebook, Huddle and others as part of the International Tech start up and scaling scene.
Julie is also the Edinburgh Chair for IoD Scotland and on the Advisory Board of Founders 4 Schools Edinburgh which uses Ai technology to match business and educators, giving young people access to entrepreneurs and established businesses.
TOM MARCHBANKS
Tom has exceptional trade and investment experience having managed teams for the UK governments trade development body UKT&I (now DIT) providing a wide range of support for internationalising companies, both in India and then China.
His last such appointment was Regional Manager of Scottish Development International’s Middle East office based in Dubai where he led his team in advising Scottish companies on their market access and penetration strategies and Middle Eastern clients on investment opportunities in Scotland.
Tom was most recently Associate Director at OCO Global and spent several months on deployment with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supporting their efforts in expanding and diversifying the Saudi economy and is considering his next move.
BEN DANSIE
CEO
OMOBONO
Ben Dansie is CEO of Omobono – a creative and technology consultancy focused on global business brands. His role is to drive innovation both within the company and on behalf of clients.
He believes there is huge opportunity for corporate brands that focus on two core dynamics – people and platforms.
Ben has particular expertise in financial services, professional services, manufacturing and hi-tech. He has won many awards including a much coveted Webby and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and is a member of the CBI’s business council.
He has previously been listed on the Drum’s Top 100 Digerati list.
FENG LI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
YINGTIAN GLOBAL
Feng Li has over 20 years proven commercial and legal skills and extensive experience in the MENA region especially in the field of legal, business and management including the preparation of international contracts, company risk control and solution, property, and company structure management and finance transaction.
AIMIN ZHANG
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
CCPIT HUBEI PROVINCE
Formal First Secretary in China Embassy Commercial Section in Israel and Dominica and Commercial Counselor in China Embassy in Uganda, and formal director of WTO office and Port Administration Office of Hubei Province Department of Commerce.
张爱明先生--湖北省贸促会副会长 曾任中国驻以色列大使馆经商处一秘、中国驻多米尼克大使馆经商处 独立一秘、中国驻乌干达大使馆经商处经商参赞、湖北省商务厅世贸办主任，湖北省商务厅口岸处处长等职
KUNXIANG LU
DIRECTOR OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT
CCPIT HUBAI PROVINCE
卢昆祥 先生
湖北省贸促会法律部部长
HAI JIANG LIU
FOUNDER AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
DUBAI CATC (CHINA-ARAB TV)
刘海江 先生
迪拜中阿卫视副董事长、创办人
D. JOSÉ MANUEL GARCÍA-MARGALLO
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
As Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (2011-2016) and throughout his political career José Manuel García-Margallo has been characterized by the way he boldly speaks his mind on major issues in international, European and national politics. His talks are noted for always being educational and direct and offer an overview of current affairs.
He has been involved in Spanish politics since the transition to democracy, formed part of the 1977 Constituent Assembly and was a member of the Congress of Deputies for thirteen years (1977-1982 and 1986-1994). He went from the Spanish Parliament’s lower house to the European Parliament, of which he was a member for seventeen years (1994-2011) and held the post of Vice-president of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Now, during the Spanish Parliament’s 12th Legislature he is the representative for the province of Alicante.
In 2011 Mariano Rajoy gave him control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He worked tirelessly on matters such as Spain’s candidature of the UN Security Council, the country’s repositioning in the EU, re-launching relations with the US, the revival of relations with Latin America, Spain’s involvement in international forums dealing with the situations in Syria and Libya, the launch of the Spain Brand and the creation of the ministry’s regulatory framework, as well as developing the new report on Foreign Policy Strategy. During the 10th Legislature he became the government’s most valued minister according to the CIS (Center for Sociological Research) Barometer.
He has a solid background in Law and Economics, holding a degree in those subjects from the University of Deusto. In 1973 José completed a master’s in Law and the International Tax Program at Harvard University. In 2004 he obtained a PhD from the Miguel Hernández University in Elche with a thesis on the European welfare model.
He has written numerous articles and several books, including 'Por una convivencia democrática' (Deusto, 2017), 'Europa y el porvenir' ('Europe and the Future') (Península, 2016) and 'Todos los cielos conducen a España' ('All Skies Lead to Spain') (Planeta, 2015). He has received the Grand Cross for Civil Merit and the Order of Constitutional Merit along with awards from more than ten countries."
HE SALEM RASHID AL OWAIS
CONSUL-GENERAL
UAE CONSULATE - BARCELONA
HE is married and has three children. He received his bachelor's degree in information system management from the Western International University in Arizona - United States of America.
He held several positions in UAE government institutions such as Dubai Municipality and the General Information Authority, as well as several positions in the UAE private sector such as Etisalat and Dubai Holding.
In October 2013, a Presidential Decree was issued appointing him as a consultant at the Department of Economic Affairs and International Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of economic relations with South America. In November 2014, a Presidential Decree was issued appointing him as Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Barcelona.
HE attended many training courses related to trade and investment, and participated in a number of conferences and forums, such as the Investment Forum in Chile and the UAE Forum in Mexico.
JOAQUIN GAY DE MONTELLÁ (KEY NOTE SPEAKER)
PRESIDENT
FOMENT
Academic background
Graduate in Law, University of Barcelona (1973)
Postgraduate in General Business (P.D.G.’86) at IESE (Barcelona)
Courses:
Corporate Banking Course” ’86 at ABECOR, Bad – Homburg (Germany)
Corporate Banking Course” ’88 at INSEAD –ABN - Breda (Netherlands)
Private Banking Course” ’90 at TBA – ABN - Zurich (Switzerland)
Treasury & Capital Markets Course” ’92 at Financial Services, Inc. USA – Vinkeveen (Netherlands)
International Taxation” ’95 at IESDE (Barcelona)
Corporate activities:
ESTRAM, S.L. CEO (2005 - )
ABERTIS LOGISTICA, S.A. Managing Director (2000 – 2005)
ABERTIS INFRAESTRUCTURAS, S.A. Deputy Managing Director (1999 – 2000)
AUTOPISTAS, C.E.S.A. “ACESA” Marketing Manager (1999 – 2000)
ABN AMRO Bank, N.V. – Spain Regional Director (1982 – 1999)
BANCO GENERAL Head Office Manager (1978 – 1982)
BANCA MASAVEU Deputy Head Office (1977 – 1978)
BANCO CATALÁN DESARROLLO Office Manager (1974 – 1977)
Institutional activities:
FOMENT DEL TREBALL NACIONAL (Catalan Confederation of Business Associations) -President
CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Business Associations) – Vice-President and President of the International Relations Commission
OECD – MENA Co-President International Board (Paris)
GLOBAL BUSINESS COALITION – B-20 Board Member
SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- Member of the Executive Committee
PATRONAGE of MONASTERIO DE POBLET (Tarragona)
FOUNDATION R.C. POLO BARCELONA – Vice-President
Family involvement:
ESTRAM, S.L. – CEO
ARTE Y RESTAURACIÓN, S.L. – Administrator
BODEGAS TORRE DEL VEGUER, S.L. (Penedés) - President
HOTEL VILLA PAULITA, S.L. – President
ESTACIÓN TERMAL CALDES DE BOI, S.A.
Business:
SERVIHABITAT SERVICIOS INMOBILIARIOS, S.L. – Counselor CAIXABANK
ABERTIS INFRAESTRUCTURAS, S.A. – International Advisory Board
CLARIANA, S.A. – Independent Counselor
CLARO SOL - Counselor
LETICIA TORRES GARCÍA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ABOGADO
Leticia is specialized in commercial law and internationalization of companies.
She counts with wide experience in internationalization and corporate advice as well as international professional background in America, Asia and Middle East. Leticia joined RLD's UAE office in 2015 and since then she has worked helping many companies to establish in the country.
Leticia runs the daily opperative of RLD's office in the UAE and provides advice for the incorporation of companies, M&A transactions and business secretary services, among other activities.
Leticia has a law and business administration degree from the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas (ICADE) of Madrid as well as a master's degree in International Business Management from the ICEX-CECO.
In addition, Leticia is member of the Bar Association of Madrid.
MUHAMMED MEKKI
FOUNDING PARTNER
ASTROLABS
Muhammed is a Founding Partner at AstroLabs, which runs collaborative coworking spaces that serve as a launchpad for top technology companies to establish a presence in Dubai and scale up globally. AstroLabs Academy designs and delivers specialized courses on topics in digital and entrepreneurship.
Prior to AstroLabs, Muhammed co-founded Dubai-based Namshi, now one of the largest ecommerce companies in the MENA region. He built and led the operations teams and helped raise venture capital funding to fuel the company’s growth. Muhammed is a former McKinsey & Company strategy consultant with clients across the GCC.
Muhammed received an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
ELISABET COLL-VINENT
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF BARCELONA
Her professional career has been linked to the business world, advising companies on internationalization projects, and involved in the organization and management of international events.
She is currently Director of the Department of International Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, Responsible for the Enterprise European Network as for the Plan Cuba and Plan Algeria.
She has accompanied more than 1000 companies in processes of internationalization. Degree in Economics and Business Studies (UAB) and in Psychology (UOC). Master in International Trade (UPF) and ESADE.
MARIA JOSE FERNANDEZ NEBREDA
CO-FOUNDER
mymmerchan.com
María José is a trilingual communications professional with ample international experience in different countries and positions. Since 2013, she has researched on site the existing commercial and investment ties and opportunities between the Gulf and Spain.
Her work –based on personal interviews to political leaders, Presidents and CEO’s of relevant companies and institutions– is presented in the trilogies and includes the UAE: The Center of the New Silk Road, published in El Economista and in El Correo del Golfo. This work – produced with the support of the UAE Embassy in Spain and the Consulate General of the UAE in Barcelona – led the UAE Ministry of Economy to sign a still valid MOU with MyM Merchan in 2016 on the understanding that their editorial projects raised awareness and promoted “the economic and investment climate in the UAE, particularly in Spain and the emerging economies of Latin America”. It also led to the agreement early this year between Dubai Media Inc. and MyM Merchan to boost the image of Spanish companies in the Gulf through the publication of reports in the Emirati daily Al Bayan. The first project –exposing and promoting the image of Barcelona as a medical tourist hub for Arab patients- was published in January 2018.
María José began working as an interpreter of English and German at major international sports events such as FIFA World Cup ‘82, Basketball World Championship ‘86. In 1988, she moved to Munich to work at the HANNS SEIDEL STIFTUNG, the political foundation of the government party, CSU. She was in charge of the organisation of official visits of high-ranking Spanish-speaking personalities to Bavaria. e.g. former Spanish PM José María Aznar, ministers, mayors and politicians from Spain and Latin America as well as for the translation and representation of the Foundation during them. Back to Spain, she worked in Málaga at the TOURIST BOARD OF THE COSTA DEL SOL. 2 years after, she was offered to work at the World Exposition EXPO 92 in Seville, supporting the General Commissioner of the German Pavilion in his diplomatic and representation tasks. Once the event was over, she stayed on in Seville working at the General Consulate of Germany in charge of the organization and management of official visits of German delegations to the city.
In 1995 she joined Global Press, an international press agency specialized in the production of country reports and for international media, e.g. WirtschaftsWoche, Die Woche, Frankfurter Rundschau, Berliner Morgenpost, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, etc. She was responsible for the overall production of projects among others in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Indonesia and Switzerland, including on-site market analysis, organization and coordination of interviews, budget management, project financing through advertising, logistics, etc. From 1998-2008 onwards she was based in Madrid and appointed Network Manager for EUROSPORT TV in Spain, responsible for the management and negotiation of contracts with big TV content-providers national-wise. At that time, she reported to the headquarters in Paris and conducted her work in English, Spanish and German.
She moved to Málaga in 2008 after adopting 2 Chinese girls and worked at the MALAGA VALLEY HAPPENING, among other international events. Her responsibilities were the search of sponsors for international gatherings of leading IT industry companies promoted by Club Malaga Valley and Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía. Since 2008 and until embarking in 2013 on the projects focused on the Gulf countries she worked as freelance multilingual communication professional in Málaga.
EVA MARTIN
CO-FOUNDER
mymmerchan.com
Spanish journalist with a BA in Media Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid. She’s a marketing and communications expert and cofounder –with María José Fernández Nebreda– of www.mymmerchan.com, an agency specializing in economic-related content creation for international media. Since 2013, her work has focused on strengthening economic relations between Spain, Latin America and the GCC.
Since 2013, Eva has researched on site the existing commercial and investment ties and opportunities between the Gulf and Spain. Her work –based on personal interviews to political leaders, Presidents and CEO’s of relevant companies and institutions– is presented in the trilogies and includes the UAE: The Center of the New Silk Road, published in El Economista and in El Correo del Golfo. This work was produced with the support of the Embassy of the UAE in Spain and its Consulate General in Barcelona– led the Emirati Ministry of Economy to sign a still valid MOU with MyM Merchan in 2016 on the understanding that their editorial projects raised awareness and promoted “the economic and investment climate in the UAE, particularly in Spain and the emerging economies of Latin America”. It also led to the agreement early this year between Dubai Media Inc. and MyM Merchan to boost the image of Spanish companies in the Gulf through the publication of reports in the Emirati daily Al Bayan. The first project –exposing and promoting the image of Barcelona as a medical tourist hub for Arab patients was published on January 2018.
Eva started her career in Spain working as a business journalist for Ranking de la Economía Española and Anuncios. In 1991 she moved to Toronto, Canada, where she worked for local newspaper Tiempo and acted as freelancer for Spanish publications Diario 16 and Tribuna de Actualidad Económica. In 1995 she joined Global Press, an agency specializing in the production of promotional reports for international media (The New York Times, WirtschaftsWoche, Die Woche, Frankfurter Rundschau, Berliner Morgenpost, U.S. News & World Report, Le Nouvel Economiste…) where she spent five years working as journalist, project manager and director of Business Development. She witnessed the aftermaths of the breakup of former Czechoslovakia, the economic consequences of the Croatian war of Independence and the Asian financial crisis. She also worked on special surveys, among others, on Caribbean offhore financial centers, the Netherlands, Australia and Brazil. She spent over a year in Tanzania and Mauritius producing in depth reports for German media.
In 2000 she cofounded her own press agency writing reports for the American daily The Boston Globe. At this time she chronicled, among others, the rise of the emerging Malaysian market. Back in Spain, between 2006 and 2012 she worked in the development of targeted promotional products and corporate gifts for major Spanish media, contributing to increase their audience.
Along her 25 years of experience, Eva has interviewed leading political figures and businessmen all over the world. She has also worked as freelance writer for corporate publications such as Ford Magazine, Winston Magazine and others published by leading German Gruner+Jahr group.
RAMON SENTMARTÍ.
DIRECTOR
PRODECA
Master at London School of Economics, Director of PRODECA, a public agri-food agency within the Government of Catalonia, which provides support services in foreign trade and internationalisation to the agri-food industry in Catalonia. Previously Mr. Sentmartí was Head of the Agri-food commercialization programme at the Department of Commerce in the Government of Catalonia.
He was formerly director of a consultancy company in the agri-food sector specialising in commercialisation of quality food. He has collaborated with the Alicia Foundation in the department of food producers and gastronomy, and has been commissioner of the programme ‘Catalonia European Region of Gastronomy,’ and Managing director of a consortium of 13 municipalities in Catalonia. In addition, he has worked at the Autonomous University of Barcelona together with other European research centres on projects related to the agri-food sector.
AHMAD AL HADDAD
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
JAFZA
Mr. Ahmad Al Haddad has an extensive career of more than 13 years in the world of trade. He joined DP World, UAE Region in 2005 and served in various capacities as Software Engineer, Project Manager and Quality Manager in the Asia Pacific and the UAE Region.
He has played a key role in establishing the IT security framework for the UAE region, and implementing and achieving ISO 2000, ISO 27001 and CMMI model for the IT Department.
In 2015, Mr. Al Haddad was promoted to the position of IT Director to oversee the whole UAE Region. During this period, he took charge of terminal 2’s automation and operation efficiency projects. In 2017, he was appointed as the IT director for Jebel Ali Free Zone “Jafza” and in July 2017 as the Chief Operating Officer of “Jafza”.
He holds a PhD in Graph Theory and Information Intelligence and has completed the Leadership Development Programme from Barcelona, Spain in 2017.
EBTESAM AHMED AL KAABI
HEAD OF SALES
JAFZA
Ebtesam brings to Sales a wealth of Jafza experience. Since 2004, she has been serving the community and understanding the needs of both customers and employees. As an IT graduate of the Higher Colleges of Technology; she brings the right technical expertise and business knowledge needed to not only take practices to the next level but also to advance the sales methodology to match the direction of Dubai at large.
A mother of two, she perfectly juggles both motherhood and her work life. A minimalist with a flair for design and a strong supporter of women.
SIMON DENTON
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SOVEREIGN GROUP
Simon has 30 years’ experience and expertise in the international private client tax planning, trustee, corporate services, fiduciary, pension trustee and the market entry industry.
His career started with The Consult Group in the Principality of Andorra before joining the Gibraltar offices, the sister HQ of The Sovereign Group in 1990. As MD of Sovereign Trust in Gibraltar, he served 2 terms as Chairman of the Association of Trust & Company Managers and was a member of the Gibraltar Government Financial Sector Legislation Committee.
Moving to London in 1996 to establish the Group’s UK subsidiaries in London he continues to be the Managing Director of these two companies.
Simon has been a director of The Sovereign Group, was the Chairperson of the UK Chapter of The Offshore Institute, is still the Vice President of The Royal Society of Fellows, continues to be a member of The Institute of Management, is the founder and Chairman of International Professionals Association Ltd, is a regular lecturer and speaker at tax planning and financial services conventions throughout the world.
Aside from his career exploits, Simon was once a professional squash player and is currently an international cyclist.
RUSSELL DALGLEISH
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER
EXOLTA CAPITAL PARTNERS
Russell has enjoyed the benefits of a highly successful international career in the technology sector and now focuses his efforts on supporting owners and boards of small and medium size companies to devise and implement growth strategies to create shareholder value. In his earlier career he has held board leadership positions with International companies achieving turnover more than £200m.
Core areas of focus are Leadership, Value Creation and Strategic thinking. He is a regular speaker at events on Leadership in business and has spoken at conferences from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi.
Russell is founding Managing Partner of the advisory group, Exolta Capital Partners, www.exolta.com and Founding Chairman Scottish Business Network, www.sbn.scot the global network supporting Scottish business leaders. Other roles and accolades:
- Currently holds eight non-exec and board advisory roles with fast growing business and organisations.
- Member of Scotland Trade Board chaired by Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary.
- Named as one of the 100 most influential British Entrepreneurs and in thee top 100 most influential figures in technology today.
- A member of the Maserati List of business leaders who support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Scotland: Board member Institute of Directors Scotland, ScotlandIS, Merchant Company of Edinburgh and Asia Scotland Institute.
- London: Advisor to Tech Advocates and member of the Mentium Group
- International: Board advisor Talent Tech Labs, New York.
- Addressing the gender imbalance in business through his support of the Association of Scottish Business Women and Changing the Chemistry.
- Chairman StartEdin which aims to nurture the city's thriving and vibrant Tech community and promote Edinburgh internationally.
- Advisor to a range of disruption led companies in UK and US.
- Investor/Advisor Par Equity angel investor fund.
Russell continues to live in Linlithgow, Scotland with his business interests based from London. Not all work - since turning 50 Russell has have developed a passion for endurance events and can often be found at weekends mud splattered clambering over obstacles and "trying to keep up.
LORD STEPHEN GREEN
CHAIRMAN
ASIA HOUSE
Lord Stephen Green has been the Chairman of Asia House since January 2017.
Stephen Green was educated at Lancing College, Sussex, and at Oxford University where he graduated in 1969 with a BA (First Class Honours) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975.
He was created a Life Peer in 2010 and was appointed Minister of State for Trade and Investment in January 2011. He retired from this position in December 2013.
Lord Green began his career in 1970 with the British Government’s Ministry of Overseas Development. In 1977, he joined McKinsey & Co Inc, management consultants, with whom he undertook assignments in Europe, North America and the Middle East.
He joined The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1982. In 1998, he was appointed to the Board of HSBC Holdings plc as an Executive Director. He became Group Chief Executive in 2003 and Group Chairman 2006. He retired from HSBC in December 2010.
Lord Green was Chairman of the British Bankers’ Association from 2006 to 2010. He also served as a Trustee of the British Museum. He served as a non-executive director of BASF until 2010.
He is Chairman of the Natural History Museum and is a member of the House of Lords EU Select Committee.
PAUL BATTYE
MANCHESTER CHAIR
INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS - NORTH WEST
Paul Founding Chief Executive of Moorlands Human Capital a specialist Executive Search and Talent Management Consultancy. Moorlands Human Capital is a member of the Kennedy Executive Search and Consulting network and Paul is the Global Head of the Financial Services practice. Paul specialises in senior executive and non-executive appointments has a wealth of experience advising organisations from start-ups through to FTSE 100 businesses on how to attract, retain and develop the best executive, non-executive and senior managers. His works includes team and individual capability evaluations, leadership and succession mandates and building teams across Europe and the UK. Paul has worked with some of the world’s largest institutional investors in helping them find, attract and retain the best talent. Outside of Moorlands Human Capital Paul is a Non-Executive Director of Stalybridge Celtic Football Club and is currently studying for an MBA.
JON GELDART
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GREATER CHINA. GRANT THORNTON INTERNATIONAL LTD
Jon Geldart is Executive Director: Greater China. Grant Thornton International Ltd as well as Chair of the institute of Directors: Yorkshire & Humber. With over 25 years of experience both within the UK and across over 60 countries in brands and brand strategy he now advises organisations both in China and the UK on leadership and strategy development. Jon walked to the North Pole in 2006, has climbed in the Himalayas as well as led teams all over the world in both business and extreme environments. He is a qualified UK mountain guide and the author of 3 books on China the most recent of which, ‘Inside the Middle Kingdom’, was published earlier this year. Jon will draw on his extensive experience of living and working in China to discuss how the impact of the Chinese Middle Classes and recent changes in attitudes to wealth creation has created a ‘morality gap’ in Chinese society. With access to a wide variety of business and political leads, as well as the wider public Jon has a very different personal perspective on China.
GAVIN MAUDE
CEO
PEMBERTON PARTNERS
Gavin was born in Zambia and moved to Zimbabwe to complete his education. He began his career with the Royal Engineers of the British Army as a Sapper and was soon ‘fast tracked’ to the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst. He graduated to join the Brigade of Gurkhas as an Infantry Officer – a position which took him to Cyprus, Hong Kong, Nepal, Brunei, Kenya, America, Bosnia and Kosovo, where he served in a number of specialist leadership, training, negotiation and operational roles. After leaving the British Army as a Captain in 2000, Gavin embarked on a career in executive search. In 2001, he was approached to join a private equity backed search and selection firm, where he was instrumental in building a multi-facetted global FS practice. In 2007, Gavin left to set up Pemberton Partners. He was appointed CEO as the business grew to over 20 people, and in addition to supporting a number of key clients in London he was also responsible for growing Pemberton’s International operations and in 2011, opened its office in Dubai. Gavin splits his time between London, the GCC and Europe, where most recently he has expanded the firm’s coverage into Cyprus, Malta and Montenegro. He actively executes mandates across business and support functions in banking, wealth and asset management, FX, brokerage, payments, gambling and gaming. Gavin has a direct approach and believes in creating strong, trusting relationships with hiring managers, human resources professionals and candidates. He effectively combines the leadership skills developed from his time in the armed services with broad financial services industry knowledge and 17 years of search and this has enabled him to develop a strong reputation across several markets. Gavin is married with three children aged 21,18 and 15. He enjoys sport, particularly rugby where he has been a successful youth club and county coach, and club sponsor. His other interests are very much linked to his previous life: Gavin speaks Nepalese and where time permits continues to support Gurkhas – both serving and retired. He is passionate about Africa, collecting bushman art and acting as sponsor and coach to Maun Puppies rugby team in Botswana. He has also worked with the Raptors Botswana Research and Conservation, and Central Kalahari Game Reserve Conservation Projects. If you cannot get hold of Gavin, you will find him in his Devon retreat, where he escapes to with his family as often as time and other commitments allow.
VICTORIA BOLDISON
FOUNDER
BOLST GLOBAL
Victoria is a multi-award winning Chartered Marketer and has worked internationally for all of her career within the start-up and SME environment marketing and selling health and wellness related products around the world. Multilingual and with an executive MBA, Victoria now runs Bolst Global, supporting high growth challenger brands within the health food, drink and supplement sectors to export via support with various international sales and marketing services. Victoria also sits on the regional board for the Chartered Institute of Marketing and leads on international marketing within Yorkshire. She regularly runs workshops and webinars for The Department for International Trade (DIT) and manages ExportExchange, a prestigious peer to peer export community of behalf of Leeds Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) and DIT in the Leeds City Region. In her free time Victoria spends most of it either in the gym or swotting up on international business affairs.
CLAUDIA CATELIN
EU AND TRADE POLICY
IoD
Previously, she worked at the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and in the Board of Directors at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She also worked for Newsfirst as French news editor.
Claudia has Australian and British citizenship and a Master of Science in European Studies from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French and Spanish.
ZAYD MANIAR
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON PARTNER
CROWE HORWATH UAE
Zayd is the International Liaison Partner of Crowe Horwath UAE, a Key Economic Center of Crowe Horwath International and is responsible for trans-national Audit clients. In addition to his Audit Qualification, he holds the prestigious Auditor Certificate from the Ministry of Economy, United Arab Emirates.
Having a proven expertise in managing and overseeing the firm’s Regulatory and Legal issues allows him the ability to better understand the increasing risks faced by his audit clients (majority being medium and large enterprises). By advising clients at a Board level he helps clients benefit from the firm’s diverse experience and expertise.
Zayd served as an Audit Manager before assuming his current role in June 2011. His career begun as a trainee ACA at Shipleys LLP, Haymarket, London. Prior to moving to Dubai, he helped clients manage tax exposure and handle enquiries from Regulators.
He is a regular contributor on social media and is often a guest speaker at international conferences. As part of his aim of giving back Zayd is a mentor for Students at the University of Reading.
As a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, he is the Qualified Person Responsible for Training of ICAEW students, who are, tomorrow’s leaders.
Being a Committee member of the ICAEW’s Tourism and Hospitality Special Interest Group allows him to gain and share industry insight, as Tourism and Hospitality is a key driving force of the UAE Economy.
Zayd is the Treasurer of the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club, where his son plays. He enjoys active pastimes with his children, such as swimming and biking. Zayd credits his success to the support of his wife, Ilhaam, who helps him maintain a healthy work-life balance.
View his profile or read one of his blogs on Linkedin https://ae.linkedin.com/in/zayd-maniar-564026a4
Don’t forget to follow Zayd on twitter @zaydmaniar to see what he is up to!
Industry Experience:
- Family Owned Business
- Professional Service
- Manufacturing
- Real Estate
TOM MARCHBANKS
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
OCO GLOBAL
Tom has exceptional trade and investment experience having managed teams for the UK governments trade development body UKT&I (now DIT) providing a wide range of support for internationalising companies, both in India and then China.
His last such appointment was Regional Manager of Scottish Development International’s Middle East office based in Dubai where he led his team in advising Scottish companies on their market access and penetration strategies and Middle Eastern clients on investment opportunities in Scotland.
Tom was most recently Associate Director at OCO Global and spent several months on deployment with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supporting their efforts in expanding and diversifying the Saudi economy and is considering his next move.
SUHAIL AHMAD
FOUNDER
dFINANCIAL.NETWORK
Suhail brings a wealth of experience gained over 20 years of work in financial services and technology. Suhail started his career with Canada's largest financial institution, RBC Financial as a financial adviser before joining an Islamic private equity firm and later becoming the Chief Executive of its investment banking subsidiary.
In 2010, Suhail left the industry, moving to the UK to pursue his passion for financial technology. He co-founded Infinnet Technologies in 2012 and developed the SiAlpha quantitative investment research system and in 2015 launched the Financial Network, a fintech consultancy developing Financial. Network, a blockchain powered decentralised financial ecosystem connecting people to qualified financial advice, education, and technology solutions they can trust.
He was Partner with Exolta Capital Partners, a leading Scottish business advisory firm before joining Gateway LLP, a London based global professional services firm helping clients design frameworks, products, and transactions to enter the Islamic economies of the Middle East and Asia.
Suhail travels regularly but loves the rain so much, has made Scotland (UK) his home. He has spoken at numerous international conferences sharing his insights on the blockchain, technology investing, fintech, ethical and Islamic finance.
Suhail holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and is also a qualified Chartered Investment Manager.
VIKASH MITTERSAIN
CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
NAZARA TECHNOLOGIES Ltd.
Chairman & Managing Director, Nazara Technologies Ltd. &
Founder & President, India Business Group Chamber of Commerce
Advisory Board on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre – Lucknow
Member of Rotary Club of Bombay
Honorary Consul (Designate) of Republic of Mali
Tedx Speaker
Author – YOU CEO – Book & YOU THE LEADER - Book.
Mr. Vikash Mittersain was born in Mumbai on 4 June 1954. He is an Electronic Engineer from Walchand College.
He is the Chairman and Managing Director of “Nazara Technologies Ltd.” started in the year 2000, a company in the Mobile games space.
Nazara Technologies is a Global company and is already operating in many countries.
Apart from this, he has a company in e-commerce, in the Food industry called Gourmet Company and which is into gifting solutions.
He is the Founder & President of India Business Group, a Chamber of Commerce which is growing rapidly and will soon touch 3500 Members. This Chamber connects with all segments and sectors of Business. The Chamber focuses on 12 major sectors and would be connecting worldwide through various events and Members who are global in nature. The Chamber has already Cooperating arrangements with 20 Chambers around the world and many more are expected to join us as Cooperating Chambers.
He is Radio Jockey at All Radio India - FM Gold Mumbai 100.1Mhtz for the show called “Chhoo lo Asmaan” every Friday from 5.05pm to 6.00pm.
He is well connected in the business and Political circles both in Maharashtra and New Delhi. He is also well known in the Expats and Consulate circles in Mumbai.
He has a vast experience spanning over 30 years in business in multiple sectors and connected to almost all important sectors of business as the President of IBG.
LT. GEN. J. S. AHLUWALIA
PVSM (RETD.), PRESIDENT, INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS
Lt. Gen J. S. Ahluwalia, PVSM (retd.) is President of the 'Institute of Directors' (IOD) and the 'World Environment Foundation' (WEF). A Post Graduate in Electronics Engineering and MBA. He has undergone extensive training in various manufacturing concerns in France, UK, USSR and Japan. He retired as the Director General of EME, Indian Army. He is author & editor of a number of books and articles, and is a trainer of top management on Corporate Governance and directorship areas. He is Fellow Member of a number of foreign and Indian professional engineering and management institutions. He has been chairman of the 'Institution of Engineers (INDIA)', & President of 'Delhi Management Association'. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ‘Quality and Safety Forum’ of the Institution of Engineers.
SHANKAR CHATTERJEE
FOUNDER CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
S CUBE TRANS CONTINENTAL LOGISTICS
Shankar Chatterjee is the founder Chairman & Managing Director of a Global Logistics Services, Solutions, Trading & Consultancy Organisation – S CUBE Trans Continental Group. It was first set up in the UAE, with its own Group companies also in India and the USA. Shankar’s career panning over 28 years, saw him in professional Director & Board Member positions over the last 14 years now. He is also an internationally invited speaker in many forums and occupies positions in Governing Councils & Editorial Boards of several Business Schools and Corporate magazines.
Shankar has a Management background specialized in International Sales & Marketing. His career in Logistics & Supply Chain business largely revolved around the Automotive, Thermal & Nuclear Power, Fertiliser Plant Sectors, while he networked globally to enhance his role both in areas of Business Development and also as Profit Centre Head, over the last several years. Now, Shankar Chatterjee assumes his new role as an entrepreneur, yet another milestone in his distinguished and eventful career.
Shankar firmly believes that in the business of Logistics, the key driving force besides the infrastructure and financial strength is always the PEOPLE, around whom any Organisation is built and created. Customer focus and most importantly, the “attitude and commitment” towards service, according to him are the precursor to SUCCESS. His mission is now to GO BEYOND LOGISTICS, while the group objective is to SERVE, SUPPORT & SIMPLIFY.
VIKESH WALLIA
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS
MBA and a Certified Corporate Director, brings rich expertise in Board Governance, Fair Business Practices, Media, FMCG & Startup Companies. He is also a Mentor for Corporate Top Deck & Women Corporate Leaders.
He is an Alumni of Pondicherry University, IIM-A, Cranfield, UK and Wharton, US.
A former Board Member at WWM a Times Group-BBC JV Company, he is currently the Regional Director for Institute of Directors, Mumbai, India.
He has been a Speaker at various National & International Conferences, Forums and B Schools. He brings real life Corporate stories of over four decades from best of National & Multinational Corporates from Indian and Overseas markets.
SHARAD AGARWAL
CEO
EMIRATES NBD MUMBAI INDIA
Sharad has been with Emirates NBD Group for last 10+ years. Sharad joined Emirates NBD as head of Trade Sales, Factoring & Escrow Services (Real Estate & Commercial) for Emirates NBD Group in Dubai UAE. After a stint of about 10 years in Dubai, Sharad moved to India as Chief Representative of Emirates NBD India Representative Office.
Recently he has been appointed as the CEO of Emirates NBD’s first branch in Mumbai India which commenced banking operations in July this year.
Sharad has more than 20 years of experience in banking in India and the UAE.
Prior to joining Emirates NBD Bank, Sharad was heading Transaction Banking Sales in HSBC Bank Middle East for GCC and HSBC India. Sharad is an MBA, CFA, CAIIB and holds a Diploma in Business Leadership from Duke University.
SHIVA RAO
DIRECTOR
AUTOMATED TOOLING SYSTEMS INDIA PVT LTD.
Mr Shiva Rao is a Management professional with over 25 years of experience in Corporate & Business Management. He holds Master’s degrees in Management, Psychology & Geoscience. Fellow & Certified Director from Institute of Directors, New Delhi, Fellow at Optical Society of India, Kolkata. He has travelled widely in Asia, North America, Europe and Middle-East.
Shiva Rao currently serves as the Director at Automated Tooling Systems India Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad and as Hon. Secretary at Institute Of Directors, Hyderabad besides serving as Vice-Chairman (Membership) at Society for Automotive Engineers, Hyderabad Division, Panel Member (2018-19) at MSME & International Linkages; Aerospace & Defence Panel at Confederation of Indian Industry, Telangana State, Hyderabad.
Shiva Rao has earlier served as Director & Vice-President in ELICO Group in Hyderabad and has held several Leadership positions, such as President (Hyderabad), District Secretary (Asia-Pacific Countries) and Founding Trustee (Mumbai) at International Society for Automation, Chairman (Standards Committee) at Confederation of Indian Industry, New Delhi , Joint Secretary, Indian Ceramic Society, Hyderabad, Joint Secretary, Hyderabad Marketing Association, Executive Committee member at National HRD Network, Hyderabad, Technical Committee Member on Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, Member on Quality Council of India, New Delhi and Member ASTM Intl, USA.
RAJNIKANT PATEL
FORMER MD & CEO
BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE, BSE
Mr. Patel started his career as Banker. He has worked with Reserve Bank of India, MNC bank like BNP Paribas, Public Sector Bank and State Bank Group for more than 2 decades.
He then moved on to Capital Markets to become the First MD & CEO of the corporatised BSE. He has the distinction of transforming BSE - Asia’s oldest stock exchange into a corporate entity having a Billion Dollar valuation.
He has been part of the Financial Sector for more than 30 years; having worked in Banking, Capital Markets, Commodity Futures & Commodity Spot Markets. He is a regular on Business TV channels like CNBC , Zee Business, ET Now, Bloomberg etc.
He has been keynote speakers at various International & national forums like World Economic Forum, SIBOS, USSEC, World Congress etc. He has been part of many committees of World Federation of Exchanges, SAFE, SEBI, RBI, FCII, CII, ASSOCHAM, IMC, etc.
He has been recipient of many Awards including Indira SuperAchiever, HR Excellence Award, CEO with HR orientation , IT People award and many more.
He has degrees in Commerce, Law, Management and various other qualifications from MIT - Boston, Georgetown Univ, Oxford University, University of Toronto, Univ of Pennsylvania etc in areas like Design Thinking, Behavioural Economics, Global Business Strategy, Economic Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurial Mindset etc.
He takes MasterClass for Independent Directors on Corporate Governance, Risk Management & Effective Board Performance. He also advises start ups and Corporate Boards on the Strategy.
He is an avid Motorcycle Rider and regularly travels throughout India.
KIRAN BHANDARI
DIRECTOR
DUBAI BUSINESS EVENTS
Kiran is the Director of the India office of Dubai Business Events, and his role is to establish the Emirate as a premier business event destination by promoting and positioning the city to decision-makers and influencers across organizations, agencies and associations that organize international meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibitions.
Kiran is also the Director, and Co-founder of Cruiseclub Vacations Pvt Ltd, and drives the strategic direction for the group.
Earlier, Kiran was with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for 6 years. He joined STB in Singapore in 2004, and held positions in product development, investment promotion and planning roles.
He assumed the position of Area Director (Southern India) at the STB in March 2007. In his role as Area Director, he was responsible for undertaking and spearheading STB’s tourism marketing, promotional and developmental efforts.
Kiran is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Pune, and holds a Master in Business Administration degree from the National University of Singapore Business School, where he was awarded the Reginald Quahe Memorial Gold Medal for top graduating student 2003-04.
SRIKANTH BADIGA
CHAIRMAN
ASSOCHAM TELANGANA DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Mr. Srikanth Badiga plays a strategic role in the Phoenix leadership team.
He has been associated with Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli since 1994 in the core support.
He is a management graduate and has hardcore experience in Marketing, IT and Infrastructure Management.
He is adept at Test Marketing, Product and Brand Launches as he began his career as a Market Research Consultant.
As an IT professional he played a key role in architecting and developing an ERP package for an automobile company.
With expertise in SEZ act and policy he was responsible for placing Phoenix as one of the leading SEZ on national scenario.
Presently he is serving as the Chairman of Assocham Telangana Development Council , Chairman of Indo American Chamber of Commerce (AP & TS Chapter), Member Central Governing Council EPCES, a Ministry of Commerce, Government of India Body and President ,SEZ Association of AP and Telangana.
He is also an Executive Council member in many of the national and international trade bodies.
S. SITTARASU
CEO
JNPT SEZ
Mr Sittarasu has served in leadership roles across leading public and private SEZs across India, including JNPT, MIHAN and Tata Steel SEZ.
At present, Mr Sittarasu is serving JNPT SEZ as Chief Executive Officer. The SEZ is a focus project of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, under the Ministry of Shipping. It is a 670- acre multi-product port based SEZ, located strategically for international trade. Planned investments into the SEZ are ~Rs 5000 Cr; with direct and indirect employment of 1.5 lacs, by mid-2019.
Prior to JNPT, Mr Sittarasu served in Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited as Vice President - Marketing & CRM. He was responsible for Marketing Strategy and Planning. He spearheaded participation of the project in various key forums such as Make in India, Mumbai Defense Expo, and Emerging India (Singapore).
Prior to Tata SEZ, he served as General Manager, Marketing at Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited. He marketed a flagship project of Govt. of Maharashtra- MIHAN - a Multi-Modal International Airport and Special Economic Zone in Nagpur. He was instrumental in bringing in marquee companies including Boeing, Infosys, TCS, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, L&T Infrastructure, Tata Aviation, Container Corporation of India, Reliance Air Structure, Ambuja, Lupin, SBI and UCo Bank, with investment of ~US$ 2.billion creating employment of ~7500, and exports of ~Rs 300 Crs. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra is Chairman of the Company.
Prior to leadership roles in the SEZ sector, Mr Sittarasu built extensive experience in Sales and Marketing in leading Industrial companies. At Swaraj Mazda, he was recognized as Best Sales Officer. At Larsen & Toubro, he worked as Sales Supervisor spearheading the establishment of L&T brand in the state of West Bengal. At Duncan Andhra Cement as Asst. General Manager, he was involved in turning around the company with marketing support in Eastern India.
Mr Sittarasu presented/ spoke/discussed at roads Shows & forums in India and abroad on SEZs. He is a member of EPC Governing Council of Western Region and member of World SEZ forum, Dubai. He was a steering committee member of Industry dept., Govt. of Maharashtra. He has published and presented papers on Marketing and SEZ as, faculty member of Dy Patil, Vivekananda College & NL College in Mumbai. He presented research work on Special Economic Zone at the National Research Seminar on Entrepreneurship by St Francis Institute of Management & Research Management. He has attended the Defence orientation course organized by CII on Defence offset policies and DIPP. He has received several appreciation letter from various Consulates and organizations associated and stake holder in Govt. of Maharashtra of promotion of the projects including Consulate General of USA, Mumbai.
Mr Sittarasu has travelled across Nepal, Dhaka, Dubai, Japan, Korea, London, Brussel, Ottawa, Toronto, New York and Washington DC with senior government officials for business presentations and round table conferences to attract investment for the State of Maharashtra. He maintains regular rapport with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, (DIPP), Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Telecommunication, Chief Minister’s Office, apex bodies such as CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, EPC of SEZ, and also with international bodies such as USIBC, Indo-American and Indo Canadian Chambers/Councils, Jetro and Jico, KOTRA.
Mr Sittarasu holds an MBA (Marketing) from NMIMS and a B.Com from St-Xaviers College-Kolkata.
ABDUL SALAM
DIRECTOR GENERAL
UAE-INDIA BUSINESS COUNCIL (UIBC)
Mr Abdul Salam is an experienced investment promotion professional and has been involved in developing and managing trade & investment promotion projects. Mr Salam’s work spans investment promotion, policy & economic research, government relations, consultancy, etc. and has the expertise of leading outbound and inbound trade & economic missions and organizing investment promotion programmes for facilitating dialogue between various government agencies, international trade development bodies, and industry players.
Mr Salam is currently Director General of UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), a Joint Business Council set up by the UAE and Indian Government for promoting economic synergy between both the countries. UIBC was formally launched by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs of India and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs on 3rd September 2015 in New Delhi.
Prior to UIBC, Mr Salam worked as Joint Director at the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and was managing policy advocacy and investment promotion activities related to infrastructure sectors. He was also involved in different activities relating to promotion and development of SMEs and start-ups in the country.
Before joining FICCI, he was working for Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and had extensively worked in the areas of trade consultancy, investment promotion, trade facilitation, etc. He has also worked with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) and was involved in handling economic & policy research and investment promotion activities.
Mr Salam holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Commerce from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Masters in International Business from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.
PARAMJIT SINGH
LT. GEN & VSM, COMDT MCEME, SECUNDERABAD
Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh took over the Command of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) as Commandant in Secunderabad on 21st August, 2017.
Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, Secunderabad, established in 1953, is a premier technical and management training institution of the Indian Army. The College is a recipient of the Golden Peacock Awards for training and is ISO-9001 certified for training standards. The institution trains technical personnel of the Indian Army for providing sustainability and engineering support to the equipment of the Indian Army.
He is an alumnus of NDA and IMA. An Electronics Engineer, with Post Graduate in Radar Technology, and has an MTech in ‘Management and Systems’ from IIT, Delhi.
The General Officer has been Deputy Military Attache (Tech) in Embassy of India, Moscow, MGEME of Western Command and Commander of Army Base Workshop Group, before joining MCEME.
For distinguished service of an exceptional order, he was decorated with Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
PRADEEP ISRANI
DTCM
Pradeep is a tourism professional having worked extensively around the outbound tourism landscape from India.
He has worked for several years with the Singapore Tourism Board promoting tourism to Singapore and currently is the Account Manager -India Office for Dubai Business Events, Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing.
He started off his career with the events industry in Singapore and has spent time extensively in Singapore & India.
Having lived in multiple countries, he recognizes people as the most important factor to any landscape. He loves travelling and exploring places the “local” way.
ABHIJIT UDAY SHAHANE
GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
XPERT ADVISORY
A seasoned trading professional with over 10 years’ experience in commodities, energy and manufacturing, Abhijit Uday Shahane comes with a wealth of knowledge in Business Development, Sales & Marketing. Prior to starting Xpert Advisory, a Bespoke Corporate Advisory and Company Formation entity, he worked with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (the regions fastest growing free zone) and other renowned commodities trading company where he managed the business development operations for the MENASA region.
He has detailed know how through hands on experience on all gamut’s of developing and growing business streams across a range of different industries and varied products and segments.
For the past 5 years he was Manager Business Development for DMCC, where he played an instrumental role in bringing renowned commodities companies to the free zone, which further contributed to DMCC’s position as the region’s leading commodities trading hub. He held a leading position in the organization and was one of the key players for their meteoric success and for attracting over 7,000 companies into the UAE. He achieved this by combining business development and sales techniques with CRM management and data base generation.
He designed, developed and implemented the Key Accounts Department for the DMCC and was responsible for ensuring that the free zone remains an attractive proposition for key clients through introducing new initiatives, products and services.
Abhijit’s dynamic, focused personality has led him to develop a new business and strategy which basically offers companies a fully integrated advisor, company formation and back office solution and is convinced that with perseverance, dedication, attention to detail and customer focus, growth and success is assured and well deserved. Abhijit holds an MSc in Engineering from the University of Liverpool in UK.
SUNIL PAREKH
SENIOR STRATEGY ADVISOR
ZYDUS CADILA HEALTHCARE GROUP and JUBILANT BHARTIA GROUP
Mr. Sunil Parekh, Advisor, Zydus is the Co - Chairman of FICCI Gujarat State Council for the year 2019.
Sunil Parekh is currently Senior Strategy Advisor to two Indian MNCs - Zydus Cadila Healthcare Group and Jubilant Bhartia Group. He is also on the Board of GNFC Ltd, GVFL Ltd. He has 42 years of working experience with corporates in India, Africa & the US. He is an empanelled Arbitrator and a Fellow of the Indian Council of Arbitration ICA.
He is a start-up evangelist, deeply involved with Gujarat’s start-up ecosystem, several universities and industry bodies like FICCI National Executive. He is also associated with global organisations like WEF Geneva’s Ahmedabad Shapers Initiative & The Value Web. Mr. Parekh is the founder Chairman of PanIIT Alumni Association (Gujarat). He is also on board of some leading NGOs and is the Chairman of FICCI - Gujarat Start-up Sub Committee. He continues to speak at several forums on current developments. He loves interacting with youth.
His selfless work has been recognized and he has received following National awards:
- Outstanding Contribution to National Development - OCND by IIT Delhi
- Power 100 Eminent Personalities of Gujarat in 2011 & again in 2014 by the Hon’ble Governor Gujarat
- ‘ET ICON Entrepreneur 2018’ for Excellence in Corporate Advisory & Support to Start Ups
ANKIT PATEL
MANAGING DIRECTOR
RAJIV ENGINEERS
Mr. Ankit Patel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from Gujarat University and PGDM in Marketing Management from Ahmedabad Management Association, Ahmedabad. He is heading as a Managing Director of Rajiv Engineers and in this tenure, he has taken company to newer heights and got many acquisitions in the field of Welding & Cutting, Plasma Technology, Modern Equipment’s, Robotics & Automation. He has also helped company to expand their business outside India with good profit margins. His highly expertise ideas and aggressive sales focus has made Rajiv Engineers to reach at a top position in the field of Welding & Cutting.
Mr. Patel has contributed largely in Vibrant Gujarat Events in 2017 & 2019 by bringing investments from China, Hong Kong, France & Russia, which was appreciated by the Chief Minister of Gujarat & Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi. Recently Mr. Patel had also presented his book to Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi on Vibrant Gujarat 2019.
Current Affiliations of Ankit Patel at Gujarat State level:
- Managing Director at Rajiv Engineers
- Vice President Corporate Affairs at Satyendra Packaging Ltd
- Director at Stuffs Food Hospitality
- Board Member - Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Since Two Terms
- MOU Partner – Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Raisan
- MOU Partner – Dharamsinh Desai University
- BJP Youth Convenor, Entrepreneur Cell, Gujarat State
- Course Director, Ahmedabad Management Association (Academic Institute)
- Panel Discussion Member, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar
- Delegate Member – Vibrant Gujarat – Russia, France, China & Hong Kong. Recently visited Vladivostok with Four States CM & Commerce Minister of India.
Achievements over the last year:
- Awarded by Economic Times for Best Engineering co of the year
- Awarded by India Business Award for bringing technology to India
- Awarded as Young Indian Entrepreneur of the Year
- National Executive Council Member at FICCI
- Invited by PMO, HMO and various CM’s & Industrialists to present book on Vibrant Gujarat 2019