Hadi Badri is responsible for leading the DEDC team in orchestrating the implementation of projects relating to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. As the economic development arm of Dubai, DEDC’s mandate includes enhancing Dubai’s economic competitiveness across sectors, diversifying the emirate’s economy, attracting foreign investment and global talent, and establishing initiatives focused on advancing innovation and the contribution of Dubai’s digital economy.

Prior to joining DET, Hadi held various management roles at Emaar Properties, including as CEO of Emaar International, Group Chief Strategy Officer at Emaar and Chairman of Namshi. Hadi has served as a Board Director for Emaar Properties in 15 companies across Real Estate, E-commerce and Hospitality, including Emaar’s real estate development businesses in India, Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco and Jordan.

Previously, Hadi accumulated extensive experience working with multinational corporations across diverse fields including management consulting with Bain & Company and private equity investing with The Carlyle Group.

Hadi holds an honours degree in Economics from Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA

....and has a reputation as a futurist and strategist with a strong track record in forecasting economic developments in the region. 

Mr. Kanoo currently serves as the Chairman of The Kanoo Group, one of the largest, longest running and independent family-owned groups of companies in the Gulf region. Furthermore, he is a professional and motivational speaker, writes articles for local and regional media, is published in business journals on a regular basis, and holds chief positions as Chairman/Director of various reputable companies, including Gulf Capital, KHK & Partners Limited, Dalma Capital, Johnson Arabia LLC and KAAF Investments.

Mishal Kanoo tries to help people reach their professional dreams. The excitement of helping others achieve their goals, both big or small, is what drives him. Playing a role in bettering people's lives is a great instigator for doing what he does. Kanoo has been investing on a personal and company level since 1991. 

Mishal Kanoo adheres to family values and ideals in pursuit of quality and excellence. Over the years, the Kanoo family has always been associated with the progress and development of the entire region combined with a sense of philanthropy.

Mishal grew up in the United Arab Emirates and finished his early schooling in Dubai. Thereafter he obtained two MBAs, one in finance from the University of St. Thomas, in Texas, and one from the American University of Sharjah. He began his professional career within the family business before going to university to get his first Master’s Degree. He then worked as an auditor outside his family business with Arthur Andersen in Dubai, before Re-joining The Kanoo Group in 1997 as the Deputy Chairman.

With an annual turnover in excess of US $ two billion, Petrochem is the largest chemical distributor in the Middle East and the twelfth largest distributor in the world. Apart from their state-of-the-art tank farm in Jebel Ali Fee zone in the UAE, The company also has two large bulk chemical storage terminals in Egypt (Adabiya and Port Said) that can store more than 55 kt of various chemicals and a drumming and logistics facility in KSA which has not only expanded their portfolio, but has created economies of scale.

Petrochem distributes chemicals across pharmaceutical, oilfield, and paint, coating, printing and packaging industries, in more than 32 countries.

Under his leadership, Petrochem Middle East has now expanded into chemical trading, tank leasing and logistics. With new expansion plans already underway, Petrochem is newly tripling its chemical storage and distribution capacity with stainless steel tanks with manufacturing and blending capability in Jebel Ali investing more than $ 95 million to committing to sustainable development in UAE. Construction of this large bulk storage terminal has already started a few months ago to complete in late 2025.

Petrochem have offices in China, Singapore, Taiwan, London, Egypt, and India with their corporate head office in Dubai. UAE.

Mehta earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Mumbai; India and his first job was at his father’s chemical manufacturing factory in western India. It was here that Mehta honed his innate leadership skills and gained valuable hands-on business experience. He then went on to open his own chemical trading business, which enjoyed limited success.

Mehta then relocated to Dubai in 1990, and in five years, managed to establish a successful chemical distribution business and become a market leader. Mehta attributes his company’s success to the team of engineers and professionals who are like a family.

His son Rohan joined Petrochem eight years ago and is very successful in his own right. Rohan plans to take the company to new heights and believes that they have just started the growth period at Petrochem.

Yogesh is a Harvard Business School Alumni and a trustee board member of GSN, Global Sustainability Network, supporting human rights and abolition of child slavery. He is also the vice chairman and Trustee of the iconic BAPS Temple being built in Abu Dhabi and a board member of the Education for Employment ( EFE) Middle East chapter.

Mehta’s contribution to the Dubai music and culture and arts is legendary and has promoted several events regularly.

He co-founded companies like web.de and lastminute.de and is the initial investor in several German unicorns, such as Babbel, Staffbase, and Mambu.

He co-founded companies like web.de and lastminute.de and is the initial investor in several German unicorns, such as Babbel, Staffbase, and Mambu.

Today, he focuses his entrepreneurial energy on his Forever Healthy Foundation to accelerate the transition to a world without age-related diseases. Forever Healthy's initiatives include hosting the annual Rejuvenation Startup Summit, funding translational research on the root causes of aging, and providing evidence-based evaluations of current rejuvenation therapies.

Activities at Michael's venture capital firm, Kizoo, complement the mission of Forever Healthy by creating, mentoring, and financing rejuvenation biotech startups that turn basic research on the root causes of aging into therapies for human use.

Strongly believing that exponential technologies offer amazing potential for humanity and that it is best realized in a community of like-minded doers, Michael started Future [+]. The initiative seeks to connect people who enjoy creating a positive future. It hosts (art) events, round-tables, and get-to-gathers and operates its own social spaces.

Over the years his major contributions to economic and conferences sectors have been iconic. He is the mastermind behind Strategic Holding - a conglomerate that has successful operations in the Exhibitions, Conferences, Events and Marketing industries.

Mr. Dawood is a man of personal integrity and high ethical standards, with the ability to maintain organizational balance through his strategic business vision. Mr. Dawood speaks English and Arabic fluently. His extensive knowledge and proficiency in various sectors across the globe enabled him to hold a number of applicable positions in various organizations as followed:

• President of the Annual Investment Meeting – Since 2011 AIM was set up as a result of strong perceived need for a foreign Direct Investment (FDI) forum led by emerging markets. AIM has grown enormously attracting a mix of high-profile government officials, private asset owners, international organizations and project promoters from all across the globe.

• President & CEO, M/S. STRATEGIC HOLDING Dubai, UAE — 2000 – Present

• President of Global Project Management Forum – KSA Aims to showcase best practices, latest technology research outcomes and lessons learned presented by senior project leaders.

• High Steering Committee Member of World Investment Forum 2023 The Forum devises strategies and solutions for global investment and development challenges. It facilitates multi-stakeholder collective action to stimulate investment in development.

• President of the Invest in Dubai Real Estate –Since 2020 The official global real estate initiative of Dubai Land department – Government of Dubai.

• President of the International Property Show (IPS) –Since 2001 The Middle East’s Biggest Property Sales Platform for local and international real estate markets.

• President of Wood Show & DIFAC – Since 2005 The foremost exhibition and the region’s only dedicated trade show for wood specialists who visit the show every year from across the globe. It is the only business-to-business meeting place for the wood, wood accessories and woodworking machinery industry.

• President of the DIGAE –Since 2011 The benchmark for public sector excellence showcases where all local, federal and international authorities, institutions and departments unveil their most effective programs and innovative solutions.

• President of Future Cities Show (FCS) –Since 2017 Aims to highlight the latest and most innovative technologies that are set to change the future towards being a smart city.

• President of the AIM Startup –Since 2017 A platform where disruptive startups from across the world gather to present their ground- breaking products or services on a truly global stage.

• Vice President - Commercial & Business Improvement of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

His career has included key roles at the World Bank (Saudi Arabia), BCG (USA) and Capgemini (Europe) in the 1990s, where he gained extensive expertise in M&A and raising VC/PE capital for growth companies.

In 2006, Tom co-founded and became CEO of a major VC fund, which is part of the Schwarz Group, a multifaceted conglomerate including not only a single family office but also renowned discount retail businesses, with impressive revenues totaling €150 billion. He played a pivotal role in the fund`s development focusing on MedTech, BioTech and Industrial IoT. Tom has actively participated on advisory boards for these early stage investments and has provided support to emerging start-ups.

One notable investment was in a company specialising in extracorporeal heart and lung support, which was in the end sold to Fresenius Medical Care following its successful development.

In addition, Tom Villinger is an active private investor in international technology start-ups, using his extensive knowledge and expertise to nurture innovative companies.

Since January 2024, the major VC fund has been rebranded as D11Z.Ventures, where Tom is proud to continue to make significant contributions. D11Z.Ventures remains the single family office of the Schwarz Group, further strengthening their commitment to shaping the future of technology and innovation with a mission focused on AI/Deep Tech, B2B SaaS, and Asset-Light IoT. Their motto, "Shaping Tomorrow, Today," aptly reflects their unwavering dedication.

He started his career in Europe and has been serving international families for over 16 years. He relocated to the UAE in 2013 and is currently acting as a trusted advisor to a number of successful families across the Middle East region. He is leading PwC Tax and Legal service offering to private clients, entrepreneurial & royal families and family offices in helping them understand and manage their global affairs, overcome cross-border tax challenges and identify opportunities to achieve their family and business objectives.

Prior to joining PwC, Ismael was acting as head of Private for another big four firm and was responsible for the design and execution of the overall firm strategy for private companies and their owners across all service lines. He also founded and led their MENA family enterprise and family office award-winning consulting practice which specialises in assisting successful families, entrepreneurs, and family offices across MENA at managing risks, preserving and growing wealth.

Ismael has contributed to building and is currently serving multiple Family Offices. He is a regular speaker in the Middle East on topics such as family business and private wealth institutionalisation, global tax transparency, succession planning, governance and the role of the family offices.

Ismael holds a Master Degree in Business Administration, HEC-Ulg School of Management (Belgium) and is a certified chartered accountant in Luxembourg (“expert-comptable”). He also holds an Islamic finance qualification, Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance (UK). He is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and holds a Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA, F

James is a CFA charterholder, completed the General Management Program from Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Warwick University.

Chairman of Henley & Partners, he is one of the world’s foremost experts in investor immigration and citizenship by investment, a field he pioneered.

Holding PhD degrees in law and in philosophy, he advises governments and international organizations and is the author and editor of many publications.

Founder of several companies including Arnova Capital and SIP Medical Family Office, he is also founder and chairman of Andan Foundation, a humanitarian organization based in Switzerland.

At college she became aware of the intense loneliness Gen Z face. She launched a Gen Z social media in Miami & London, reducing the time to make plans to 62 seconds.

Previously, Sean was a Director at Diginex, a NASDAQ-listed digital assets exchange, and Diginex Solutions, its sister company that focuses on blockchain ESG solutions. Prior to this, he was Vice President at Cantor Fitzgerald, the global investment bank, specializing in APAC structured finance and special situations financing.

First family office exposure was in 1982 with Thailand's HRH Boribalbaribhund in South Carolina University, USA, whilst on scholarship study from Warwick University, UK. Graduated Phi Alpha Theta, Warwick Alumni, and Dean's List.

Subsequently worked in Behavioural Psychology/global sales for : Institutional Investor Magazine, BBC, The Guardian, Capital Radio.

Foreign Correspondent in BKK and Myanmar for the BKK Post. Analytical Editor for Thai Securities Analysts in SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand).

Historic building purchase and restoration advisor, with 45 projects in 33 years (SPAB/HHA).

Helped launch The Traditional Homes stable of publications, the 'go tos' for historic/stately home restorations.

Designed and co-owned an ecletic, fine-dining restaurant in Central London, The Birdcage, with chef Michael von Hruschka, as well as MVH, its sister enterprise.

Based now in Mayfair, London, Caroline has visited over 50 countries, and lived/worked in 8.

She enjoys sailing, horse-racing, polo, travel, guitar, quantum mechanics/ancient wisdom and rescuing impossible buildings. Currently designing a labyrinth for the public on a cliff in Valentia Island, Co.Kerry, Ireland, amongst other NFP ventures.

....where her key responsibilities include guiding succession and family governance strategies, setting up a private wealth management foundation in DIFC, and establishing the Family Office.

Her work with TAF is distinguished by her impactful contributions to governance, compliance, family matters, wealth planning, and investment frameworks. Before her advisory role with TAF, Lia was the Executive Director and Chief of Staff at Dubai Holding, acting as a crucial advisor to the Group CEO. Known for her ethical standards and ability to drive significant business initiatives, Lia has significantly advanced operational excellence in various sectors.

At Majid Al Futtaim Holding, as Deputy Company Secretary, Lia played a central role in enhancing governance frameworks, overseeing critical board meetings, and facilitating a major USD 16 billion shareholder transition. Her efforts were pivotal in transforming the corporate governance landscape, fostering greater transparency and accountability.

Lia's extensive background also includes her tenure as Head of Corporate Governance at Embark Group (a Lloyds Banking Group PLC entity), where she managed a GBP 400 million acquisition and a thorough board restructure. In her role at LivaNova PLC, she oversaw governance and compliance for 55 international subsidiaries and led contract negotiations across Eastern Europe and Africa, generating annual revenues of USD 100 million.

....with a passion to invest in and grow businesses that are profitable whilst “doing good”. An award-winning journalist, producer, and CEO, (News Ltd, Channel 9 Australia, BBC, and Sky TV), Joanne founded Channel Health – Europe’s first digital health platform which had 8 million viewers a month online, on Sky TV and in doctors’ surgeries.

She floated the company on the London Stock Exchange and became a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. After selling her company, Joanne became an active impact investor. She is co-founder of Earth Shot Prize finalist, www.ensotyres.com and managing partner of www.planet-positive.ventures.

She founded strategic communications group Cerescom and sits on the board of anti-ageing nutraceutical company Glisodin. She is a trustee of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Johann co-founded Pentatonic in 2016 with the aim of moving circularity from theory into tangible and profitable reality, by bringing together hard science and impeccable design. Johann brings a wealth of direct experience in circular supply chains, having built products and manufacturing technologies with factories from Asia to the UK.

Fluent in German, English and Mandarin, Johann is a published molecular science author, and a frequent speaker and advisor on the circular economy. A collaborative, driven, and performance-focused leader, he runs business, team, and organizational development from Pentatonic’s head office in Berlin.

Additionally, Mrs. Beerhalter also serves as Ambassador, Member of the Board, Trustee, Committee Member, Advisor, and Expert to various for-profit and not-for-profit organizations around the globe -- amongst others: United Nations’ University for Peace (UPEACE), Costa Rica, Orcan Energy, Germany, Auma Obama Foundation Sauti Kuu, Kenya & Germany, USA, Green Sands Equity, USA, Abrahamic Business Circle, Dubai, UAE, First Light Trust, UK, Aescuvest, Europe- specialized in a wide range of issues including, social business, entrepreneurship, investments with positive impact, renewable energy, education, leadership, economic development, mental health, gender inclusiveness, women & minority empowerment, investments in emerging and growth markets, and wealth management, financial literary, family governance, and succession planning.

As Investor she also manages also her own investment portfolio. Mrs. Beerhalter was awarded with the TIAW World of Difference Award in 2015.

The managing director of the Berlin Institute for Sustainability Management has made a name for herself as a futurologist, keynote speaker, author and social impact founder. Her inspiring keynotes deal primarily with the topics of self-leadership and leadership, future mindset and green management.

She is a multiple founder of sustainable startups, including GetYourWings, the learning space for future designers, CoCarrier, a crowd-shipping provider, and HealthMedo, an international platform provider with a focus on mental health offerings. She has many years of international management experience in business development for consumer goods companies, including Samsonite and Fielmann. Anabel contributes her know-how to several committees and boards, including as Chairwoman of the Circular Economy Future Council, as a member of the Board of Directors of the British Chamber of Commerce, as President of the Club of Budapest Germany and as a member of the Board of the Plant for the Planet Foundation.

Anabel has received several awards for her entrepreneurial and voluntary commitment, including the CEO eLearning of the Year award, as an ambassador for women companies, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology's women entrepreneurs initiative, the Google Impact Challenge for her online learning game Code and Safe the Planet and as an influencer as LinkedIn Top Voice Sustainability.

Anabel comes from an international family of entrepreneurs. In addition to business studies, she studied among others product design, education/psychology, trend management and art history.

During her time in Australia, she worked as lawyer specialising in Sports and Corporate Risk, where she advised on commercial matters in sports, entertainment and insurance. Cassandra's practice included strategic advice to Boards and CEOs on governance and risk management issues. She also acted in insurance disputes primarily in the management liability, professional indemnity, medical negligence and public liability space.

Cassandra is a speaker and MC, travelling worldwide to present on corporate risk and governance matters and has held a number of appointments or board positions, including to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Panel for Queensland, Australia and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball.

In 2017, Cassandra was named in the Top 20 under 40 in Queensland Business Monthly and has regularly been named in the Who's Who List of Australian Women.

He is a government, family office, venture capital, and angel investor veteran who has built technology, consulting, and investing businesses. He has a particular interest in renewable energy, water, waste management, food, and affordable housing.

He served in the United States Air Force in technology and intelligence fields both operationally and in research and development. He has worked at a US government think tank supporting the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence in a $20B per year investment vehicle evaluating technology investments across multiple disciplines.

Chris is on the board of Operation Snow Leopard which supports Afghanistan refugees as well as the advisory board of Veterans in Media and Entertainment supporting fellow veterans in the industry. He also volunteers and advises programs that support female entrepreneurs and investors including Beyond The Billion, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, FYLI, and Women In Tech (WIT).

His education includes a BA in Business (Information Systems) from the University of Washington, an MS in Information Systems from Bowie State University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, and an Asset Management program at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School.

At the age of 10, Daniel and his family relocated to Canada for school, only to return to Jamaica at the age of 20. This international exposure undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Daniel's perspective on business and life.

Early Beginnings at Juici Patties: Daniel is currently the CEO of Juici Patties USA, a renowned restaurant franchise that originated from the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, Jukie Chin. Jukie founded Juici Patties in Clarendon, Jamaica, at the tender age of 16. Daniel's connection with the business started during his teenage years when he would dedicate his summer breaks to working at Juici Patties in various capacities, from cashier to baker and various roles on the production floor.

Educational Achievement: Daniel pursued a degree in Business at the University of Guelph, graduating with honors at the young age of 20. His academic foundation, coupled with hands-on experience at Juici Patties, laid the groundwork for his future success.

Business Philosophy: One of Daniel's guiding principles is his belief that "the best way to get something done is not to do it at all." Instead, he emphasizes the power of encouraging others to share the same passion and determination for a common goal.

Leadership Style: Daniel is a leader who values collaboration and inclusivity. He ensures that every voice on his team is heard, fostering a culture where problem-solving is a joint effort. By treating his employees with respect and involving them in decision-making, Daniel instills a sense of ownership among the team.

Innovative Solutions: Recognizing the challenges posed by labor shortages, Daniel implemented streamlined recruiting procedures for restaurant managers, enabling them to fill positions rapidly and efficiently. He believes in embracing technology to simplify processes, comparing Juici's recruitment order process to the speed and simplicity of ordering from an online store like Amazon.

Commitment to Social Responsibility: Juici Patties sponsors the James and Friends Foundation, which provides orphaned children in Jamaica with tuition and meals during high school and university.

Global Expansion and Future Vision: Juici Patties, already the largest restaurant chain in Jamaica, is poised for a groundbreaking expansion into the United States. Daniel has set a lofty goal of opening 1,000 restaurants by the year 2035, with 22 franchise agreements already signed for Florida alone.

Passion for Food and Travel: Beyond the boardroom, Daniel's love for food and travel is evident. He enjoys exploring the cuisines of new cities and countries, a passion that aligns seamlessly with his role in expanding Juici Patties globally.

Daniel Chin stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, hard work, and innovation in the competitive world of restaurant franchising. His journey from a summer employee to the driving force behind Juici Patties' global expansion showcases his commitment to excellence and the pursuit of culinary innovation.

He is currently senior advisor to Burda Principal Investments, Asia. Previously, Peter developed and oversaw joint ventures in Taiwan with SPH, Indonesia with the Alisjahbana family, and Korea with Design House Inc. He was also closely involved in the set-up of a print joint venture with the Hindustan Times Group in Delhi and helped to acquire one of the region’s most successful luxury publishing companies, Prestige.

In the digital space, he has worked on the company’s investment into contextual advertising in Korea and in 2016 set up the company’s office in Singapore. Currently there are 6 companies in the BPI Asia portfolio, one of which, Carsome is almost a unicorn.

Prior to joining Burda, Peter worked in New York for the Economist, where he developed the magazine’s US market penetration strategy, now its largest market, and for Scientific American.

He has extensive Asian business experience in Japan, Korea, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Peter received his BA in business studies from the London Metropolitan University and served in the 21st Special Air Service (SAS) while in the UK military.

Prior to joining Burda and setting up Burda Principal Investments, he was at Solon Management Consulting for over a decade as Partner and Head of the London office. Christian focused on business building as well as growth and investment strategies in TMT industries. Before that, he worked for investment banks Lazard and Greenhill covering European tech and semiconductor industries.

Christian holds degrees in economics from Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid and ESB Reutlingen and is a Harvard Business School Alumnus.

The Family Investment portfolio is spread across 4 continents, 6 currencies and almost all Asset Classes. Amol’s responsibilities towards this portfolio include Strategic Asset Allocation, Geographical Allocation, Tactical rebalancing, Opportunistic Investing, Portfolio Monitoring and MIS.

Amol has actively participated in Domestic Succession Planning and Estate Planning projects, involving structuring of Family Trusts and executing transfers of Assets from the Settlors into the Trusts. Amol has been instrumental in the Family Office’s move overseas. This involved Conceptualization, Overseas Trust Structuring, Formation of Asset Holding Companies overseas, Obtaining regulatory Approvals, Cross Border Asset Transfers and Overseas Investments.

Amol has more than 15 years’ collective experience in Family Office Investments and Financial Research. He also holds a Global qualification in International Trust Management, conferred by STEP and the University of Manchester.

We are generally sector agnostic however have our roots in FinTech, Ecommerce, Logistics and Telecom while actively looking at new industries and markets. Varun is a passionate wellness advocate, 3 time founder, and venture capitalist with over 16 years of experience.

....has been in finance for over 18 years total. His career started in the German Retail Banking Sector, where he spent 10 years with a focus on private and corporate banking. After a 3 year project in Kigali, Rwanda focusing on Financial Sector Development and Microfinance on behalf of the German Sparkassenstiftung, he moved to Switzerland in 2019 to dive deeper in the Private Equity and Venture Capital space for Family Offices.

GE Ventures AG invests primarily in German speaking countries. Ideally, the focus is on companies with the potential to create sustainable, long-term value through changing economic cycles and a close collaboration with the management to achieve that. GE Ventures AG is currently invested in 15 companies in Europe, with combined sales over USD +300mio and over 550 employees.

Next to Venture Capital and Private Equity, GE Ventures invests in sustainable energy and real estate in Germany.

Mr. Roos holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA of Hochschule für Finanzwirtschaft & Management (Bonn, Germany), which included a summer term in Harvard University. He graduated as best in class in 2013 and got awarded with the price of the Eberle Butschkau Foundation.

The boutique rehab clinic NEOVIVA is the result of a long journey that began with his own recovery from addiction some 35+ years ago. When his best friend queried him about his drastic career change and asked whether he wants to change the world, Oliver’s simple answer was “YES”. Years of research into best practices in addiction treatment and extensive site visits to treatment centres around the globe led to the creation of NEOVIVA. “It is my sincere wish that anyone suffering from addiction can find help, and I truly believe that anyone has the ability and the potential to recover from addiction,” Oliver says.

ertified as a Postgraduate in Addiction Psychology & Counselling and with a Master’s Degree in Addiction Studies from King’s College London as well as an “Expert in Animal Assisted Therapy” by the University of Basel, his team would also attest that Oliver is “certified as a little dreamy and a bit impatient”. His zest for action is undeniable, and he wants to implement his visions today rather than tomorrow. When he is not involved in something NEOVIVA-related, he likely is trying to birdie the next hole, training his three donkeys to become therapy donkeys, or enjoying a stroll with his old dog.

MSc in Addiction Studies (King’s College London)
PGCert in Addiction Psychology & Counselling (LSBU)
PGCert in AAT (University of Basel)

He has vast experience advising successful individuals and entrepreneurial families with Middle Eastern exposure on implementing intergenerational wealth transfer strategies and structuring their operational assets and global wealth through Family- and Group- Holdings, Single- and Multi- Family offices, Foundations and other asset consolidation/protection and legacy structures. He is regularly involved in the ongoing management of such structures – as a board member, council member, guardian or protector. Strong practical experience of working with regulators.

A two-time WealthBriefing MENA Leading Individual awardee [2020 & 2021], Yann is recommended by all of Chambers & Partners Private wealth, Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite and Who’s who legal private client. He was the Chair of STEP Arabia from 2015 to 2018.

She joined the Swiss pioneering ETP issuer 21Shares in January 2020 following her role at Credit Agricole (Suisse) SA, where she was heading the business development for the Swiss-German and French-speaking part of Switzerland. With 27 years in finance, she holds a diploma as Certified International Wealth Manager CIWM and has held numerous positions with major Swiss financial institutions like Credit Agricole Group, Clariden Leu and UBS SA. Bridging her financial experience with passion, she is spearheading the investment process with the new disruptive digital industry.

Adrian creates data-based market analysis with a focus on the cryptoasset industry. Fritz completed a master's degree at HULT International Business School in San Francisco and began his career as a stock broker in New York. He then worked in investment banking and management consulting.

Before 21.co, he was at Signature Management Consultants SL in Barcelona and worked as a financial analyst at Cellnex Telecom in Zurich.

An expert in energy metabolism and recovery, George has vast experience in the field of sports performance at an elite international level (NBA & Olympic athletes) and more than 35 year’s experience in the promotion of optimum health.

With medical and technological advances, people are living longer than ever before. It is George’s belief that old age should not signify functional decline. Through his development of award winning programmes delivered at Chenot health wellness retreats worldwide, George helps people achieve and maintain optimal health, and lead fully active and fulfilling lives at any age.

George received his MSc and PhD at Loughborough University (U.K) and, carried out substantial post-doctorate research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. His research work has been published in numerous medical journals.

This is due to his previous engagements with leading international advisory firms, private equity firms and working with renowned and respected European entrepreneurial families.

Mr. Maresch started his career as an investment banker at Alantra Investment Bank in Frankfurt before joining Aurelius Private Equity. Mr. Maresch then worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Munich, focusing on restructuring and turnaround cases. During his time at BCG, he advised companies on a wide range of issues - from strategic realignment to insolvency avoidance. In his role, he was primarily responsible for the GSA region and gained extensive experience in the healthcare, industrial goods, consumer goods and telecommunications sectors.

Mr. Maresch then joined Green Peak Partners, a leading private equity boutique focused on renewable energy and ESG investments. As an investment manager, he pursued a buy & build strategy in the wind services sector. During his time at Green Peak Partners, he was responsible for five acquisitions of wind services companies across Europe, which were integrated into one company and sold with a very good performance.

Since 2019, Mr. Maresch is Managing Director and Head of Direct Investments at FLOTTE Holding - the Piëch family office. In this role, he has built up the family's direct investment portfolio and a fund portfolio.

David Maresch holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Economics from the University of Innsbruck, with stays abroad in Taiwan and Maastricht as well as a Master in International Management and Finance from IE Business School and London Business School.

...which includes investments in hospitality, real estate development, construction, manufacturing, finance and energy.

Kadir has taken on several roles, including being a founder and investing within multiple companies and startup projects; Kadir is currently concentrating on ethical and sustainable investing in line with United Nations Global Goals and The Paris Agreement, also still advising various initiatives.

His love of gaming and passion for global expansion has allowed him to experience life and business in over 40 countries, across various industry segments such as emerging markets, consoles & peripherals, products & services development, game development, and studios’ leadership and collaboration. Mark is an active games industry advisor and board member.

Mark is a life-long ocean lover and an active member of the Board for the Oceanic Society, the oldest ocean conservation organization in the US, and Sunday, a leading non-profit which provides zero-interest microloans to people around the world. He also serves as Chair of the International Game Developer’s Association’s (IGDA) Indie Collective, a group of industry veterans whose sole mission is to help indie developers around the globe. Mark is an active advisor to various game studios around the world, and other non-profit organizations such as Games for Change and the United Nations Playing for the Planet Alliance.

Mark lives in Dallas with his wife and three sons. He enjoys time with his family, watching his boys play soccer, and surfing the coastal waters of his native Costa Rica.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Irena’s career spans various roles at major companies including Scopely, Sony, Warner Brothers, and Activision Blizzard, where she contributed to notable titles such as World of Warcraft, Game of Thrones: Conquest, and Monopoly Go! Irena's expertise lies in enhancing player experience, blending her background in photography, archaeology, graphic design, and religion to create engaging and culturally rich social games.

In 2023, Irena was lauded as one of the Gaingels Top 100 Entrepreneurs to Watch, a recognition of her significant impact in the gaming industry. Under her leadership, Unleashed Games has earned accolades for its innovative spirit, notably being named a '2024 Game Changer' by Lightspeed and GamesBeat. The company is currently raising a seed round to fund 'Haven', their ambitious project. 'Haven' is a deeply social fantasy role-playing game where cooperation is the win condition, designed to teach players vital interpersonal and social skills.

Irena balances her professional life with personal passions. She divides her leisure time between gaming, reading, and foraging for mushrooms on hikes with her golden Chewbacca. She resides in Rhode Island with her three children.

As a social entrepreneur and cross-sector leader, Susanna has over 25 years of experience advancing ambitious social impact goals through traditional and interactive media.

At Games for Change, Susanna leads a global nonprofit and community dedicated to using games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education. She has initiated dozens of G4C's world-class events, public arcades, design challenges, and youth programs in partnership with clients like American Express, Verizon, AARP, United Nations, Epic Games, Carnegie Foundation, Autodesk, and Ad Council.

Under her leadership, G4C has been widely recognized for innovative programs and cross-sector impact, receiving a Classy Award, an Anthem Award, a Shorty Impact Award, and an Engage for Good Halo Award. Susanna has been named on the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50 List and the Worthy 100 List.

Prior to Games for Change, Susanna worked across the commercial and public sectors, including a 14-year stint in various SVP positions at BBC Worldwide.

He was the CEO of the SCS Holding AG from 1995 until May 2008, when the company was sold to Unibail-Rodamco. Since 2010, while still involved in some commercial real estate projects, he has been focussing his activities on impact investments in biotech, renewable energy, sustainable forestry and land development in Europe and South America.

He is fluent in Italian, German, French, English, Spanish, and is currently perfecting his Portuguese. He also has a CHPL (Commercial Helicopter Pilot License). While he was finishing his studies, he started working for the family real estate company in Austria. Through a series of buyouts, the group became the main owner of Europe’s largest Shopping Mall, the SCS, Shopping City Süd near Vienna.

In 2011, he founded Endless which aims to provide universal access to technology and equal opportunities to succeed in the digital world by tackling three key challenges. First, Endless is harnessing the power of modern games to introduce youth to 21st Century skills like coding and design. Second, it is addressing the internet gap by creating technology that enables youth anywhere to have access to basic educational resources. And lastly, Endless is building a “pay as you go” laptop program making access to a computer cheaper than a data plan.

Matt discovered his passion for building organizations of consequence when he founded the China Care Foundation at the age of 16 to offer orphaned children a brighter future. For his work, Matt was honored as one of Oprah Winfrey’s “People Changing the Lives of Children Around the World”, as one of Teen People’s “20 Teens Who Will Change the World,” and the youngest recipient of the Fulbright Award. All of this was set in motion by living with a family in China at age 11. That year in China changed his life, setting him on the course that led him here today. Matt is a graduate of Harvard College (‘06) and Stanford Business School (‘12).

Kim has many years’ experience advising international private clients, family businesses and family offices in the Middle East and beyond on a wide range of topics, such as asset ownership structuring, personal tax residency, succession planning and family office optimisation.

Kim specialises in the creation and optimisation of bespoke global asset ownership structures that work for the business as well as the shareholders to meet the families’ long term objectives, which typically include, for example, asset protection, wealth preservation, succession planning and tax mitigation.

Kim has prepared numerous thought leadership pieces for the UAE/Middle East on Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, family offices and family businesses topics and has supported a number of government entities and authorities across the GCC in the context of the design of their strategy to attract UHNWIs and family offices.

Kim is a UK Chartered Tax Adviser and a Fellow of the Association of Tax Technicians. She has also completed the Northwestern University Kellogg Family Business Advanced Education Program and holds the Family Firm Institute Certificate in Family Wealth Advising.

Anisa specialises in supporting Family Businesses, Family Offices and HNWIs. Over recent months, Anisa has worked closely with a number of clients to advise on the VAT implications of asset restructuring plans and the establishment of Foundations in the UAE.

Anisa is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and Chartered Tax Advisor (CIOT).

His expertise lies in guiding clients on effective strategies to preserve family wealth, navigate intergenerational transitions, and manage risks.

With a focus on designing tailored solutions for the longevity and sustainability of family wealth, Abdallah excels in areas such as asset protection, wealth preservation, succession planning, and owner's strategy. He is adept at creating and optimizing global ownership structures and family offices, working closely with ultra high net worth private clients to assess and develop governance frameworks that are fit for purpose.

Abdallah's professional journey also includes significant contributions to the establishment and ongoing service of Family Offices. In this capacity, he has played a pivotal role in designing comprehensive strategies, streamlining operations, and shaping organizational structures.

Prior to his role in private client services, Abdallah garnered extensive transaction advisory experience in corporate finance within two Big Four firms. His proficiency spans equity valuations, financial modeling, financial due diligence, restructuring, and business plan development across diverse sectors.

Abdallah earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Finance from the American University of Beirut. Additionally, he holds a Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA) from the Family Firm Institute.

....which has evolved from its technology and digital sector to lead the creation of the world’s first cognitive community. Joseph and his team’s strategic foresight are delivering a full-scale, end-to-end cognitive technology ecosystem for NEOM. By harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and robotics, they are bringing cognitive cities to life.

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Prior to NEOM, Joseph spent 15 years at Cisco in various senior leadership roles, the most recent of which was Global Vice President IoT, Blockchain, AI and Incubation Businesses. The California native graduated with a B.A. in economics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Joseph’s career has been defined by remarkable success. With a lifelong passion for data-driven systems that enable sustainable synergy between people and technology, Joseph has made it his life’s mission to enable companies in maximizing these dynamic interactions.

His mission is to enable private investors to cut through the noise and misinformation prevalent in the financial services world so that they can create and protect multi-generational wealth.

In recent years his mission has seen him speak at the United Nations in New York, Harvard Business School in Boston and both houses of Parliament in the UK. At the World Wealth Creation Conference in Singapore Graham shared the stage with billionaire investor Jim Rogers and business guru Brian Tracy. Graham chairs Beaufort Private Equity, a global network of over 500 high net worth investors and family offices in 37 countries. As well as providing educational content and market analysis its members, the Beaufort team provides direct equity investment opportunities in fast growing privately held companies and a mix of bonds and loan notes combining above market returns with strong asset-backed security.

He also sits on the advisory boards of a digital assets hedge fund and an international digital marketing agency.

Graham has fronted three series on Sky TV, Make Your Money Work, Finding Financial Freedom and Money & Me. In March 2024 he will publish his fourth investment book, Diary of a High Net Worth Investor. During 2024 he will speak at events in Dubai, Singapore, London, New York, the Cayman Islands and Riyadh.

He has 25 years of professional experience acquired in the United States and the Middle East. Yaser spent most of his career as an investment practitioner, during which time he developed and implemented investment strategies across direct and financial portfolio investments. He is experienced in capital markets and macro-economic analysis.

Yaser currently serves on the Investment Committees of several GCC family groups and was appointed in 2022 as a non-Executive Board member of Bidaya Finance, Saudi finance company.

Previously, Yaser was an Investment Consulting Principal with Mercer, Head of Asset Management at Emirates Investment Bank in Dubai, and a fund manager with Mission Square in Washington, DC. He has been a CFA charter holder since 2002 and received a BA in Economics from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and an MBA with High Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a native bilingual Arabic and English speaker.

...that (a) harnesses the body’s own defences to fight injury and disease, (b) provides a significant boost to the immune system for protection and prevention, and (c) helps to stimulate healthy longevity and anti-ageing.

Originally, he was one of the early patients in 2010 to help repair a damaged knee from multiple sports injuries, and was then invited to become an investor and Chairman in 2016 following a corporate reorganisation.

In his teens, Max played tennis as captain of the British junior team and was offered a sports scholarship at one of the leading US universities. The untimely death of his father forced a change of plan and meant that he had to find a job. So he trained to become a chartered accountant, specialising in tax planning, and then went into industry, becoming finance director of a public property company aged 26.

Two years later he branched out on his own and bought control of his first listed company, which expanded under his chairmanship into property development, natural resources and financial services.

Max now has more than 40 years’ experience at board level in building businesses from an early stage into substantial international companies. Although based in the UK, Max has considerable experience throughout Europe, South East Asia and the United States. His family office has helped to guide companies in finance and insurance, energy and mining, shipping and films, not to mention the healthcare sector, including The Children’s Medical Charity Investment Trust plc in the UK and Specialized Health Products International Inc in the US.

He is currently Chairman of three international companies including Wellbeing.

Mr Tsang’s industry experience includes: education and professional services, TMT, retail and consumer products, real estate, natural resources/mining, advanced manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, logistics, environmental products/services, energy and alternative energy, financial services etc. The companies he has been involved with include Noah Education Holdings Limited, Minsheng Education Group (1569.HK), Galloping Horse Media Group Limited, Kangda International Environmental Protection Holding Limited (6136.HK), Pansoft Group Limited, Ambow Education, Hidili Industry International Development Limited (1393.HK), Launch Tech Co Ltd (2488.HK), Great Wall Auto (2333.HK, 601633.CN), Nord Anglia Education, Kasca Education, China Mini-Storage, Teky Holdings, Carsome, Cakap, Sayurbox, Halodoc, Zagana. Prior to founding Strategic Year Holdings Limited, he spent 13 years at Baring Private Equity Asia (“Baring Asia”), where he was Managing Director. He was the Founding Partner of Baring Asia’s Beijing office. Prior to that, he was with Merrill Lynch Asia Pacific doing equity research, focusing on media and retail sectors. In the 1990s, Mr Tsang began his career at Peregrine Investment Holdings, where he was involved with Asian fixed income sales and marketing. Since 2016, he became Founder and Chairman of Strategic Year Holdings Limited.

Mr Tsang is currently President and Executive Director of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HKVCA). Previously, he was Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s Chairman of the Board (2013-2015). Mr Tsang is also General Member of the Hong Kong Cyberport Investors Network. Prior to founding Strategic Year Holdings Limited, he was Senior Advisor, Asia with Apollo Education Group, a US higher education company.

Mr Tsang obtained a Master’s Degree in Management Studies at University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (First Class Honors) at Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, United Kingdom. He also completed an executive program on Private Equity and Venture Capital at Harvard Business School, US.

Personal Awards:
CBN Weekly, “2011-2012 Most Valuable Partners 50 in China”
Forbes China Magazine, “2008,2009, The 50 Best Venture Capitalists in China”
Top Capital Magazine, “2008 The Best PE Investor of The Year”
China Most Valuable Venture Enterprises Awards, “2008 The Best PE Investor”
Zero2IPO Group, “2007, 2009, Top 10 PE Capitalists in China”
World Eminence Chinesebusiness Association, “Top 100 Most Visionary Chinese Investors (2007, 2008)”
China Venture Group, “2008 The Top 30 PE Investors of The Year”

....currently acting as Head of Sales at Quantumrock. Leveraging his extensive network, he plays a major force in establishing Quantumrock as a leading Asset Manager in Liquid Gemstones.

Prior to joining Quantumrock, Stephan held key senior management positions at UBS, also serving as a member of the Global Key Clients Executive Committee. He was member of the executive team at Lombard Odier in Zurich and Head of the Munich branch at a leading Private Bank and Family Office in Germany. Notably, his career commenced at Ernst & Young in the Financial Services Sector.

Stephan holds a Dr. rer. pol. degree in "Environmental Auditing" and an MBA from the University of Siegen. Complementing his academic achievements, he pursued additional studies at the University of Milan and Harvard University.

....Partner at Keniley-Kumar, LLC Entertainment Law, adjunct professor at Georgia State University and Chairman for the North American Entertainment/Sports/IP Law Summit.

Scott is a frequent lecturer (law schools, undergraduates, entertainment and law conferences and twice served as a college graduation keynote speaker) and formerly served as General Counsel to a NASDAQ traded music company, criminal court judge and NARAS (Grammy’s) Board member.

Alexander has been exploring the intersection of art and technology for over 25 years, and in 2014 his passion for audiovisual arts led to the inception of his most ambitious project yet. Working his day job as a scientist while moonlighting as a solo developer, Alexander began transmuting his vision of the future of music into (virtual) reality.

The official launch of Soundscape VR in April 2017 attracted creatives from across the globe, and Alexander relocated to Denver to found Groove Science Studios. Through his direction and artistic vision, Alexander has self-funded and built Groove Science Studios into not only one of the most exciting companies in existence today - but one of the most ethical. With no in-game ads, no selling of user data, and no corporate sponsorship, Soundscape has become a platform for good, an oasis far from the digital wasteland of today.

Alexander has pioneered numerous advancements driving the music industry's latest technological revolution. Major world-first achievements include:

First VR Music Venue (The Black Sun - 2014)
First Metaverse AI (Sonic AI - 2016)
First VR/MR Live Music Stage (SVR @ Burning Man 2017)
First VR/MR Festival Live Stage (SVR LIVE @ Hulaween 2018)
First VR Open-World Music Festival (Soundscape Universe - 2019)
First Music MMORPG (Sound(E)scape - 2020)
First Solo-Produced VR/MR/XR Live Concert (Silica Sol presents: Artist Link - 2020)
First Level 2 Metaverse Concert (Desert Hearts Magic Mirror - 2021)
First Multi-Stage VR Music Festival (Soundscape: The Musical Metaverse - 2022)
First Level 3 Metaverse Concert (Goose - 2022)
First Hybrid Reality (Soundscape - 2024)

Before moving to the fund industry in 2004, he was a stock lending trader and liquidity manager at BNP Paribas Securities Services in Milan. In the last 20 years Massimo was involved, initially in Italy and then in Switzerland between 2008 and 2020, in selling fund administration, custody and financing solutions to European based asset managers. His focus in the last years, in Switzerland with both UBS and Credit Suisse and from 2020 with Amicorp, was on structuring funds in various jurisdictions for family offices.

Massimo holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Bocconi University in Milan – Italy.

He has over 30 years’ experience in finance and a strong network of contacts and relationships across the globe. With a global team of journalists, analysts, and experts, Opalesque produces newsletters, videos, roundtables, research, webinars and podcasts that reach over 90,000 users in 160 countries, including the respected HORIZONS: Family Office & Investor Magazine.

Matthias is also a Senior Advisor at Castle Hall, a leading global provider of due diligence services, covering more than 2,300 funds and servicing $10 trillion in assets, helping investors worldwide manage the operational, ESG, cyber, and investment risks of asset managers, and a Member of the Executive Council at Mintus, the first UK regulated investment platform democratising access to art as an alternative asset through fractionalisation.

The team at Pelican consists of executives who have successfully operated companies very similar to those in which they are now investing. This provides a unique competitive advantage for Pelican in sourcing deals, executing transactions and transforming companies from small, family-owned businesses to much larger, professionally managed companies that are highly attractive to both strategic and financial buyers.

Pelican has a successful track record of growth over the past twelve years, having utilized two distinct investment strategies. The first strategy is investing in companies with innovative product or service offerings selling into the oil and gas value chain. An example is Gordon Technologies, a provider of high-end measurement-while-drilling (“MWD”) equipment and services. When Pelican invested in the company in 2017, it was a small, regional business servicing a handful of drilling rigs in the United States and making less than $20 million in annual revenue. Today it is a global player, servicing over 140 rigs and making over $200 million in annual revenue. It is now partially owned by a JV with Alpha Dhabi Holdings and ADNOC Drilling. Pelican has made 25 platform investments in the oil and gas value chain strategy.

Two years ago, Pelican started an additional strategy investing in companies with products and services that are sold into the nuclear power value chain. Pelican spotted the global resurgence in nuclear power early on and is one of the few private equity funds with a dedicated focus on this sector. Pursuing this strategy has enabled Pelican to continue to execute its very successful process of investing in small, family-owned businesses and transforming them into much larger, professionally managed companies. Pelican has completed three platform investments in the nuclear value chain strategy and is actively pursuing additional investments.

Prior to founding Pelican, Mr. Scott was a Principal at Sorenson Capital, a private equity fund in Salt Lake City, where he focused on oilfield and midstream investments. Prior to joining Sorenson, he worked at Cameron International, a multi-national oilfield equipment manufacturer, where he held several management positions.

Mr. Scott earned a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He began his career as a power plant systems engineer at Honeywell, holds five patents, and has received several prestigious design and technical achievement awards.

With extensive experience in sectors such as FMCG, CE/IT, and Multichannel environments, Rico's dedication to customer-centric strategies and team empowerment consistently delivers successful outcomes in his impressive career.

Rico served as CEO and co-founder of the innovative startup, Whacky Food Company, a groundbreaking Superfood FMCG venture. He has orchestrated a successful initial investment round and meticulously crafted a robust cash flow plan, ensuring operational stability for the company's inaugural year.

As Regional Director for DACH and a key Logitech's EU leadership member, Rico led the company to remarkable success. Under his guidance, the DACH cluster doubled its revenue, becoming the world's third-largest. Rico's focus on talent development and a growth-driven culture expanded the team and boosted employee satisfaction.

Prior to Logitech, Rico worked for Coca-Cola for 11 years in various markets and leadership positions. During his tenure as the Country Sales Director and Board Member at Coca-Cola Hellenic in Switzerland, Rico orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, reversing a four-year flat revenue within the core portfolio. His implementation of a comprehensive route-to-market strategy and a customer-first approach resulted in record levels of customer satisfaction and marked transformations within the sales organization. His digitalization project for the company's e-commerce platform and Home Delivery Service showcased his commitment to innovative business solutions.

Rico Uesluek’ s remarkable journey in the corporate world reflects his unyielding dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, customer focus, and sustainable growth, setting him apart as an exemplary leader in the global business landscape.

Enrique Plaza has earned a reputation as a visionary and expert in the industry, showcasing remarkable versatility in leading a wide spectrum of unmanned projects.

As the CEO of Microavia, a company established in the UAE, Enrique Plaza is at the helm of an innovative venture with a specialized focus on border control and critical infrastructure perimeter surveillance. Microavia distinguishes itself through its cutting-edge Drone in the Box solution, designed to enhance security measures and provide efficient monitoring solutions in challenging environments.

In his role as CEO, Enrique Plaza leverages his expertise to guide Microavia towards excellence in the unmanned vehicle sector.

The company, under his leadership, is dedicated to advancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems, contributing to the enhancement of border control operations and critical infrastructure security.

Enrique Plaza's journey in unmanned vehicles has seen him lead projects ranging from jet drones and bird-shaped drones to tethered copters and long-range fixed-wing aircraft. This experience, coupled with his forward-thinking mindset, positions him as a driving force in the dynamic and rapidly advancing field of unmanned technology.

With his commitment to innovation and technical acumen, Enrique Plaza continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in unmanned vehicles.

As the CEO of Microavia, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's trajectory and contributing to the evolution of border control and critical infrastructure surveillance solutions.

Ms. Henton has over 15 years of professional experience in strategy consulting and finance, including private equity for businesses in emerging markets.

She holds an MSc in International Business from Maastricht University and was part of the inaugural class of the Oxford Impact Investing Programme at Said Business School.

In her free time, she is an avid urban kiz dancer and a gym rat. Furthermore, she is a sponsor of Plan International and a member of Women on Boards.

James manages these investor relations and provides expert investment advisory support, connecting American and African investors and businesses to tools and resources within the U.S. Government. Prior to joining the Secretariat, he worked in the Africa Bureau at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Prior to joining USAID, he worked across Asia and the U.S. on private sector development, education in emergencies, and refugee resettlement and placement with several U.S. and International NGOs.

James holds a Masters in International Development Studies from George Washington University.

As the founder and owner of ShaylaUnlmtd, The Unlmtd Agency, and Unlmtd Brands LLC, Shayla has carved a niche for herself as the quintessence of wealth psychology, high performance, luxury and success coaching.

Shayla's clientele are the embodiment of the upper echelon: the 1% within the 1%.

Encompassing Wealth Creators and Inheritors, Dignitaries, C-Suite Executives, High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth individuals, CEOs, Elite Entrepreneurs, Champion Professional Athletes, and Thought Leaders.

These are the ultra-successful individuals who, to the world, seem beyond the need for coaching - yet they are the ones who actively seek Shayla's unparalleled expertise.

Shayla is more than a coach; she is a Leader and a Confidante to World-Class Leaders.

Her Wealth Psychology and High Performance Transformational Coaching are a testament to exclusivity, excellence and confidentiality.

She is a voracious learner, deeply immersed in the study of Human Psychology, Human Behavior, Emotional Intelligence, Wealth, Luxury, and Business & Marketing.

Shayla's commitment to her craft is unrivalled. Her investment in continuous professional and personal development is a testament to her dedication to remain at the forefront of her field.

Like her distinguished clientele, Shayla is a High Performer, expecting and delivering nothing less than the best.

She is the leader who first leads herself, setting the benchmark for her clients.

Shayla's impact is global, having supported thousands of clients from around the world.

Her work is pivotal in assisting her clients to navigate the non-financial challenges that accompany wealth and success, enabling them to carve out their identity, heal their health and relationships, revel in their wealth and operate at peak levels in every facet of their lives.

Whether it's through her private coaching in Wealth Psychology and High Performance, intimate luxury businesses development masterminds and intensives, or global speaking engagements- Shayla has emerged as the preeminent choice for coaching, advising, mentoring, and supporting the most elite high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and companies.

.....while nurturing the growth of the next generation of family business leaders. The Centre focusses on building awareness around the issues facing family businesses and creating a platform for learning and development of the rising generation of family business leaders.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Adib boasts extensive expertise in business advisory.

A substantial portion of his career, spanning two decades working at prominent big 4 firms. During this period, he provided invaluable support and counsel to numerous families, aiding them in the formulation of robust governance structures, facilitating seamless succession planning, and establishing their family offices.

Adib's work extends well beyond Dubai's borders, as he has engaged extensively with families both regionally and globally. He is an active participant in regional and international Family Business forums, actively contributing to the exchange of knowledge and best practices. Furthermore, he has garnered international recognition by being elected as a board member of the esteemed Family Firm Institute between 2014 and 2018.

Adib has recently been awarded the status of a Fellow at the Family Firm Institute in addition to acquiring advanced certificates in family business and family wealth advisory, complementing his array of professional qualifications.

Acclaimed concert pianist, musicologist and Founder of Dubai-based performing arts company, Encore!

An experienced, high level creative and cultural leader in the region, Amira has engaged her legendary work ethic at prestigious musical environments around the Globe for over 30 years. Specialising in Classical Music and the Arts, Amira's company Encore! has inaugurated and artistically managed the hugely successful "Music in the Studio" monthly series of concerts and masterclasses in close partnership with Dubai Opera, since 2017, presenting well over 90 musical events and collaborations.

Passionate about musical outreach in her community, especially for the next generation, Amira established the respected National Youth Orchestras of Dubai, the largest and most accomplished in the region, which has performed at the leading venues in the country including Dubai Opera, Global Village and Emirates Palace. She also currently runs the award-winning Music Academy at Nord Anglia School International Dubai (NAS). The school has won the award for ‘Best Music Provision in the UAE’ at the Schools Compared National Award for two consecutive years.

"As a lifelong and passionate creative leader and educator my goal is to bring people and communities together, connecting through music and the shared experience of the arts. I strive to build sustainable, inclusive and meaningful bridges between cultures every day".

Helped Scale Fintech start-up MX.com from 2-28M users. Known as the "Flying Kiwi," he has been in personal development for 20+ years, traveled to 37 countries, and is currently based in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Sana has been at the forefront of building the field of gender finance, and one care area of her focus in the last few years has been around climate and gender finance. She is a seasoned finance and investment professional, gender-smart investing specialist and her career spans mission venture capital, development finance, impact investing and equity research. She is focused on leveraging capital as a tool for social change and supporting greater economic empowerment.

.... and execution focused on economic development, responsible business, and social impact. She has developed, implemented, and scaled complex and crosscutting programs and investments, and the infrastructure and teams that support them in 76 countries on six continents for the U.S. government, the Inter-American Development Bank, foundations and family offices such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Fortune 500 companies as COO of WEConnect International.

Greta currently serves as a Senior Strategic Investment Advisor in support of the Prosper Africa Executive Secretariat and the USAID Africa Trade and Investment activity. The first continent- wide effort to expand and accelerate two-way trade and investment between African nations and the United States. There, she is focused on enhancing strategic collaboration between donors, foundations, and family offices to complement engagement with endowments and pensions funds on private capital mobilization. She also serves as the Chair of the Highland Endowment Committee and as an advisor to the Impact Financing Center, based in Colorado.

Greta holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, with a focus on International Economic Development.

....and has a reputation as a futurist and strategist with a strong track record in forecasting economic developments in the region. 

Mr. Kanoo currently serves as the Chairman of The Kanoo Group, one of the largest, longest running and independent family-owned groups of companies in the Gulf region. Furthermore, he is a professional and motivational speaker, writes articles for local and regional media, is published in business journals on a regular basis, and holds chief positions as Chairman/Director of various reputable companies, including Gulf Capital, KHK & Partners Limited, Dalma Capital, Johnson Arabia LLC and KAAF Investments.

Mishal Kanoo tries to help people reach their professional dreams. The excitement of helping others achieve their goals, both big or small, is what drives him. Playing a role in bettering people's lives is a great instigator for doing what he does. Kanoo has been investing on a personal and company level since 1991. 

Mishal Kanoo adheres to family values and ideals in pursuit of quality and excellence. Over the years, the Kanoo family has always been associated with the progress and development of the entire region combined with a sense of philanthropy.

Mishal grew up in the United Arab Emirates and finished his early schooling in Dubai. Thereafter he obtained two MBAs, one in finance from the University of St. Thomas, in Texas, and one from the American University of Sharjah. He began his professional career within the family business before going to university to get his first Master’s Degree. He then worked as an auditor outside his family business with Arthur Andersen in Dubai, before Re-joining The Kanoo Group in 1997 as the Deputy Chairman.

Michael is founder and chairman of Portland holdings, a privately held investment company that manages public equity and private equity, and has an ownership interest in a collection of diversified businesses operating globally in sectors including financial services, insurance, tourism, agriculture, consumer goods and services, real estate development, energy and targeted radionuclide therapy.

Portland is committed to “building strong indigenous businesses” and, equally important, these businesses must also seek to improve the social wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.

Among his many personal accomplishments, Michael has received doctor of laws degrees from a number of distinguished universities in Canada and Jamaica. He has been profiled in Forbes, Fortune, Canadian business, Black enterprise and Time magazines. From 2011 – 2016, Michael held the esteemed position of chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada.

In 2008 he was awarded the order of Jamaica, one of the country’s highest national honours for outstanding service in business and philanthropy and, in 2018, Michael was appointed to the order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour, reserved for those whose contributions have shaped the province, the country and beyond.

She chose a different path, it was not easy, but she challenged the obstacles and is still in a challenge to reach what she aspires to.

During her studies, she began to volunteer with Takatof a Social Program. From there began the aspirations of Sheikha Jawaher to choose her career path which included a lot of social work. Her choices in entrepreneurship often includes working with others. Sheikha Jawaher graduated from high school in 2013 and completed her university studies but it was not enough., she started working in entrepreneurship in a simple way and within the family, From Abaya fashion shop to events organizing office, and finally real estate management offices, Sheikha Jawaher was not satisfied with this simple experience and insisted on working in the government sector, to expand her experience in the field of work, from one job to another in the field of marketing and human resources to public relations .. She was convinced that she learned the basics of work and entrepreneurship. That’s when she started her own career in the world of entrepreneurship, she knew that she had to learn from her mistakes. Where she believes that the human every day must learn something new.

Sheikha Jawaher is a 23 year old young woman who has established an institution to empower young inventors and innovators. Where their ideas do not remain on paper, but applied to the working fields, believing there are a lot of creative young people waiting for the right opportunity to achieve their dreams. Here begins a new chapter of the life of Sheikha Jawaher, new challenges and more achievements.

A billionaire, Global thought leader and a pioneer of the ‘Beyond 100’ philosophy, Dr. M has led many revolutions in technology innovation, entrepreneurship and social leadership to achieve global peace and human happiness. His many initiatives are directed at creating an ecosystem where everyone can live “happy, healthy and wealthy beyond 100.”

As Founder-Chairman of Modi Holding, an international business conglomerate with interests in Mobility, Finance, Healthcare & Wellness, Entertainment and Technology, Dr. M is known as a ‘Man of Many Firsts’, forging successful alliances with category leaders like Continental, Xerox, Alcatel, Telstra, Olivetti, Mediatek, KKR and Fountain Life etc. and bringing the latest global technologies to consumers in Asia. Some of these ventures such as India’s first mobile call have been instrumental in the development of the New Digital India that we see today.

As a global thought leader, Dr. M has worked extensively in the interfaith space in support of human unity and progress. He has authored multiple books on the subject and in the year 2000, was appointed ‘Coordinator’ by the United Nations for the Millennium World Peace Summit. His business endeavours in the field of entertainment such as the Bollywood movie Oh My God! And TV productions Buddha and upcoming Adi Shankaracharya are a refreshing take on interfaith knowledge which have been commercial and critical successes.

In 2013, he formed the Global Citizen Forum with the objective of creating ‘One World beyond gender, religion, nationality and boundaries’ to lead discussions with world leaders on issues of global significance. In 2019, he founded the Foreign Investors India Forum (FIIF), a HNI forum that seeks to promote international investment into India.

He was appointed ‘Honorary President’ by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA)- A UN affiliated body with presence in over 100 countries. For multifaceted initiatives in business, society and culture, Dr. M was felicitated for his global leadership by former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 2009. He has been also conferred the Seal of US House of Representatives, in recognition of his “inspirational innovations and Humanitarian efforts Worldwide”; awarded ‘Ambassador for Peace’ by Universal Peace Federation, a UN affiliated NGO in 2014; is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award by Channel News Asia in 2015 and was conferred the title of “Global Wellness Leader” by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine in 2019, USA.

She holds a first-class honours degree in Literature and Philosophy. She is the President and co-founder of NetworkHER, an organization that seeks to connect professional women around the world, across all interests and fields - business, politics, media, philanthropy, academia, science and art.

This organisation is a dynamic combination of bringing women together in a spirit of collaboration rather than competition and supporting and guiding each other not just to build businesses but also creating a rare incubator where women can lean on each other’s experiences to support and guide each other to be more effective leaders in the workplace.

Francesca Agostinelli is the former co-host of the TV show Bold Women. Her weekly interviews gave voice to dynamic and accomplished conservative women with inspiring and empowering stories.

Francesca Agostinelli is involved and a strong supporter of charities that support Women , Children and Cancer Research.

She is the MC of The American Italian Cancer Foundation, a New York-based non-profit organisation that supports cancer research, education and control, emphasising the outstanding resources of Italy and the United States.

She is a commercial and residential real estate advisor both In Europe and America and is active as the Founder and Director of ERA International, a global luxury real estate brokerage firm.

Francesca Agostinelli sits on the advisory board of the Robert F. Agostinelli Foundation, which provides support for American war veterans and broad-based freedom agenda. She is extremely active in the organisations that the Foundation supports including the Warrior 100 veteran , the Bush Institute , The American Valor and the National Memorial Day parade in Washington DC.

As a frequent public motivational speaker Francesca Agostinelli is dedicated to sustaining an agenda of classical values in a modern age where woman can and do make a difference.

She is a Trustee of Museo Del Prado in Madrid, Spain. An institution dating back more than 200 years, housing the world’s richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings, as well as masterpieces of other European paintings.

Francesca Agostinelli splits her time between London, Rome, Paris and Palm Beach.

Speaking five different languages, Francesca is a mother of 4 young children and she is an incredibly passionate woman, who takes the utmost pride in all that she does.

An acclaimed Emmy-Winning TV Host known for anchoring her highly rated primetime shows on Fox News Channel and NBC, she is also a Veteran Correspondent and Multiple Best-Selling Author, who was listed in 2017 and 2018 among the Top 200 Most Influential Authors in the World.

Rita has secured exclusive interviews with more than twenty world leaders, including seven U.S. Presidents, and became the first American journalist to interview Pope Francis when she spoke to him at the Vatican about his historic Mideast Peace Summit. Having traveled to some of the most volatile locations, she’s conducted historic back-to-back interviews with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, met with Fidel Castro in Cuba, and was one of the last American journalists to meet with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

She has received seven esteemed Gracie Awards for her top-rated Rita Cosby Show, and was selected as Legend of the Year, chosen among all women on and off air in the radio industry.

Having spoken at the United Nations, Capitol Hill and in Normandy, France for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Rita hosts the annual Troopathon TV Telethon, a star-studded broadcast which has raised many millions of dollars for care packages sent to active duty service members around the world. Her own father was a prisoner of war in a Nazi camp, ultimately saved by US troops. In 2019, Rita was heralded at The White House, New York City Hall and at The Presidential Palace in Warsaw, where she was decorated with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit, one of Poland’s highest civilian honors.

Because of Rita’s “extraordinary journalism and exemplary service on behalf of her community,” October 11th, 2010 was officially named “Rita Cosby Day” in the State of New York. She is also Chair of the preeminent Global Service Institute, a dynamic, game-changing, educational-based non-profit organization, inspiring young people around the world to give back to charitable causes, and make a profound impact in their personal and professional lives. Having garnered significant support from leading world figures, celebrities, athletes and more, the institute has been featured in the biggest media in America

Mr. Jafar’s business ventures include banking, aviation, real estate development, and hospitality management. He led the team to establish the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai. Other key projects he has led include the development of Emirates Financial Towers and Dubai’s D1 tower, as well as the management of The Capital Club in Dubai, Bahrain, Nairobi, and Lagos.

Innovation and improvement in the way healthcare is delivered has been a growing passion for Mr. Jafar. In 2016 he established THB Global, a health and wellness management company offering excellence in healthcare services using technology, combined with a uniquely personalized care approach.

Since a young age he has combined business with philanthropy and a humanitarian approach to projects. Central to his approach is a belief in the adoption of a triple bottom line framework, seeking a balance of commercial success, environmental sustainability & social justice.

Mr. Jafar is the founder of the Global Sustainability Network (GSN) to drive progress in support of achieving Goal 8 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The GSN brings together over 1500 leaders from each respective sector; faith, government, business, media, and non-profits to work jointly to accelerate the achievement of Goal 8. The group meets quarterly, rotating between the Vatican, the UN HQ in New York, Lambeth Palace in London, and Dubai.

Viktoriya is the Founder and the President of ICLUB Global, the global network of angel investors.

She is also the founder of WTECH, an international network of women tech founders and entrepreneurs with 5k+ members. She is the Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Startup Fund and a Member of the Committee for Innovative development of the Ukraine economy.

Viktoriya is the Founder and the President of the Odesa International Film Festival; and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Film Academy.

In 2022 Viktoriya co-founded OneUkraine, a charitable platform to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and to set the foundation for Ukraine’s recovery.

He worked widely across Sub-Saharan Africa in the energy, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors with a proven experience in management, private equity, and venture capital. In Central and Southern Africa, Mr. Mathonnet was in charge of internal auditing and cost optimization for multinational companies and managed various African profit centers with up to +400 employees. In West Africa, he spearheaded the expansion of the Kappafrik Group Family Office and lead several M&A and RTO.

He is a Director at the Board of multiple public and private companies all involved in private direct investments on the African continent such as the Impact Investment Cooperative, Kapower, and Reservoir Capital Corp. (REO.CN) investing in baseload clean power assets. Mr. Mathonnet is an advisor to Adalabs, a pan-African incubator specialized in Blockchain, AI, and smart technologies and has undertaken various investments in real estate, tourism, digital marketing, and micro-finance as an angel investor.

Mr. Mathonnet holds a BSc in Management and is a Certified Financial and Modelling Analyst.

Mr. Jorge has over 20 years of experience in private equity, consulting, and industry across Europe, the Middle East, Brazil, and Asia. He built substantial capabilities in leading organizations through operational improvements and portfolio management.

Mr. Jorge holds a leadership role as a partner at Bridge Capital and Chairman of Ultimate Stay Holiday Homes Dubai. He is also a former senior member of the investment team of Mizuho Gulf Capital, Principal at Ashmore PE, and Strategy Director of British Gas, with prior experience in consulting at BCG and marketing with P&L responsibility at P&G and Reckitt Benckiser.

Mr. Jorge graduated from London Business School with an MBA. He also holds two bachelors from FGV and University of Sao Paulo in business and advertising respectively. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Acclaimed concert pianist, musicologist and Founder of Dubai-based performing arts company, Encore!

An experienced, high level creative and cultural leader in the region, Amira has engaged her legendary work ethic at prestigious musical environments around the Globe for over 30 years. Specialising in Classical Music and the Arts, Amira's company Encore! has inaugurated and artistically managed the hugely successful "Music in the Studio" monthly series of concerts and masterclasses in close partnership with Dubai Opera, since 2017, presenting well over 90 musical events and collaborations.

Passionate about musical outreach in her community, especially for the next generation, Amira established the respected National Youth Orchestras of Dubai, the largest and most accomplished in the region, which has performed at the leading venues in the country including Dubai Opera, Global Village and Emirates Palace. She also currently runs the award-winning Music Academy at Nord Anglia School International Dubai (NAS). The school has won the award for ‘Best Music Provision in the UAE’ at the Schools Compared National Award for two consecutive years.

"As a lifelong and passionate creative leader and educator my goal is to bring people and communities together, connecting through music and the shared experience of the arts. I strive to build sustainable, inclusive and meaningful bridges between cultures every day".

He is also the Founder of RTS Global Partners, Fobillion Holdings, Family Business Academy and Verchool Tech. He has built 12 start-ups over 33 years and completed 2 successful exits, with 6 current ventures in the portfolio, alongside managing a family office real estate portfolio in UAE, UK, USA, Europe & India.

For over 21 Years his Family Office has also been helping other Family Offices and he has become a Global Family Business Authority (bestselling author of “Unleash Your Family Business DNA” and “The Family Business Messenger”, a Mentor to (UHNW) Billionaire Families and a Private Executive Board Advisor. He has to date supported 206 family business conglomerates (2nd to 12th generation firms). In 2022 he founded and launched Verchool Tech, a Virtual Extended Reality tech R&D company, that builds private metaverse platforms for family offices and governments, which closed its pre-seed round on a $50m valuation in 2022.

Together with creating commercial value for all the stakeholders, Maxwer Group is also focused on Impact Values by supporting commodity SMEs on the way to the smooth transition to green energy.

Before establishing Maxwer Group she spent almost 20 years in the commodity trading business, out of which last 8 years on executive positions, where she was responsible for setting up Swiss-based export sales and operations business for commodity production companies and held seats in the management committees and Boards of Directors.

She is a Founder of the Charity Fund “In Bono Veritas” which provides medical and educational support to disabled children and children without parents.

Lilia holds a Master of Arts degree in Philology and is currently studying Executive Management (Technology and Leadership) at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and University of Sankt Gallen (HSG).

She is an active speaker and panelist at the commodity and trade finance conferences all over the world. Her motto: “Do not tell me that it is impossible. Let us think and discuss how to make it possible”.

Amine Bentaleb, Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Kimera in 2017. Prior to this, he served as a Portfolio Manager for General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) in Abu Dhabi.

Previous public mandates have been ranked top quartile by Bloomberg in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Amine has extensive experience in setting up an integrated front to back asset management process to oversee multi-asset portfolios with large institutions, GPSSA among others.

Amine holds active board memberships of diverse institutions across Education, Fish Farming, Technology and Real Estate Investment.

Amine is a member of Young Arab Leaders, a government-sponsored group with a mission is to develop and bring together a strong network of influential business leaders to serve as role models to the youth and young entrepreneurs across the GCC region. http://www.yaleaders.org/

Amine received his BBA in Finance from Al Akhawayn University, Morocco, and his MSc in Financial Analysis from Neuchatel University, Switzerland.

He started his career in Europe and has been serving international families for over 16 years. He relocated to the UAE in 2013 and is currently acting as a trusted advisor to a number of successful families across the Middle East region. He is leading PwC Tax and Legal service offering to private clients, entrepreneurial & royal families and family offices in helping them understand and manage their global affairs, overcome cross-border tax challenges and identify opportunities to achieve their family and business objectives.

Prior to joining PwC, Ismael was acting as head of Private for another big four firm and was responsible for the design and execution of the overall firm strategy for private companies and their owners across all service lines. He also founded and led their MENA family enterprise and family office award-winning consulting practice which specialises in assisting successful families, entrepreneurs, and family offices across MENA at managing risks, preserving and growing wealth.

Ismael has contributed to building and is currently serving multiple Family Offices. He is a regular speaker in the Middle East on topics such as family business and private wealth institutionalisation, global tax transparency, succession planning, governance and the role of the family offices.

Ismael holds a Master Degree in Business Administration, HEC-Ulg School of Management (Belgium) and is a certified chartered accountant in Luxembourg (“expert-comptable”). He also holds an Islamic finance qualification, Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance (UK). He is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and holds a Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA, F

The approach is hands-on and active, identifying businesses that are catalysts for making an impact in their sectors. Investments are diverse; from an impact-driven multi-family office, mental health to impact investments using technology such as blockchain.

Amer has a background in finance, having spent over five years with Rothschild Bank in Zurich. He originally moved to Zurich in 2010 to join a multi-family office where he was responsible for all merchant banking. He started his career in London, where for almost a decade he was advising entrepreneurs and family businesses on private equity and M&A at First Capital and direct investments at First Ventures.

Amer studied Manufacturing and Management at Cambridge University as post-graduate and earned a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce with Japanese from Birmingham University, which included a year on scholarship in Japan. He holds a Diploma in Accounting and Finance (ACCA) and an Investment Management Certificate (IMC) from the CFA Institute.

Amer is on the committee of Philanthropy Impact in Zurich and lectures on impact investing at the Anant University, where he has also founded the Ikigai Scholarship to help disadvantaged students.

He shapes brands, serving as the CEO of Carl F. Bucherer, Hanhart, and Favre-Leuba.

He was instrumental in winning Watch Magazine's 2009 Innovation Award for a peripheral rotor movement, and Best New Watch of the Year 2018 for a diver's watch with a degressive depth gauge.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and in Business Administration.

Entrepreneurial and passionate by nature, he loves to bring that spirit to companies, not-for-profits, and political advocacy. He believes strong communications and a meaningful purpose are essential for the modern corporation and he brings that philosophy to all my endeavors. He is a published writer in academic, industry, and mainstream outlets and an in-demand speaker.

Currently he is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Green Leaf Carbon Tech, a technology company enabling the energy transition. Their technology is designed to production zero-emissions fuels from organic rich material with large scale projects in the United States and through a licensing arrangement, the Kingdom of Jordan.

He is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Questerre Energy Corporation, an innovative energy supplier and leader in the new concept of tight reservoirs. Their exploration in Quebec for non-conventional gas resulted in one of North America’s largest natural gas resource discoveries. His early work in unconventional natural gas has led to a peer-reviewed paper in Marine and Petroleum Geology as well as speaking engagements both in Canada and abroad.

In his role as Chairman of the Board for High Arctic Energy Services an international service provider, he turned it into a successful business delivering results for shareholders and clients alike. He is the Honorary Consul to Canada for Papua New Guinea where High Arctic has operations. While his business focuses on new ventures, turnarounds, and non-conventional energy projects, his passion remains political advocacy. Advocacy is an ever-changing and exciting field with technology and innovation changing how to best communicate with the public and politicians. Good communications are the bedrock of grassroots campaigns and the biggest corporation alike.

At the Modern Miracle Network where he is the Chief Executive Officer, they advocate for a reasoned conversation around energy policy in Canada. The work involves connecting with a large network of industry stakeholders, media, government officials, and politicians. In this capacity, he has written for publications including Policy Options, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and The Toronto Sun amongst others.

In 2000, inspired by the effect that adaptive skiing had on his aunt, he founded the Lesley Binnion Foundation for Disabled Sports, now known as Sage Roots. Over the past two decades, the Sage Roots has helped – and continues to help – hundreds of disabled athletes with learning programs through to developmental programs for the Paralympic Games. Sage Roots is also focused on reducing poverty on Indigenous reserves through education, excellence in environmental stewardship and responsible development to create jobs and economic prosperity. In previous roles, he chaired the Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation calling for responsible use of public funds. He began his career as a specialist in research and development taxation at Ernst & Young. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta.

He established PIABO with the mission to support the rise of globally ambitious tech entrepreneurs in achieving growth targets and ultimately conquering the market. Tech heavyweights such as Google, Stripe, Silicon Valley Bank and Shopify trust in his advice.

Tilo is a keynote speaker at international innovation conferences such as NOAH, DLD, and MWC as well as a passionate and active supporter of the tech ecosystem as a mentor for founders.

As a value-adding investor in numerous VC funds worldwide, he accelerates the growth of upcoming business stars. He is also the author of the book "Light Your Fire!" on personal branding for Movers, Shakers and Visionaries.

Educated in Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Neeraj has delivered over 2 million square feet of commercial and industrial real estate development throughout Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and residential and hospitality real estate development throughout the United Arab Emirates.

An experienced entrepreneur, having managed family business investments and operations in the agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, logistics, and paper sectors, in emerging markets. His flagship project is establishing and delivering a premium STEAM University in Accra, Ghana. https://acity.edu.gh/

Throughout his tenure, he navigated legacy and next generation family businesses to establish the Vista Group Foundation, which today serves as their family office, and which he now manages.

Headquartered out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Neeraj manages his family’s wealth in the real estate / public equity categories and is passionate about architecture, real estate, development, and investment.

In his spare time, Neeraj enjoys advising high-net-worth families in the MENA region and speaking on topics such as, navigating one's family business / es to establishing a family office, transitioning to the next generation, and implementing structure / governance to ensure wealth preservation.

Neeraj has been a type 1 diabetic on insulin since the age of ten, and shares his experience / guides families, who are going through similar situations with their children today.

In 1999, he founded Tutors International, a world-class private tutoring company for UHNWIs that specialises in full-time residential private tuition. Tutors International is based in Oxford, England, but has a global client base.

A former schoolteacher, Adam has academic excellence at the heart of his company. This, combined with his entrepreneurial acumen, has earned Tutors International a reputation for skilfully merging superlative standards and educational innovation. From sourcing tutors for families living on superyachts, to founding micro-schools in the Puerto Rican mountains, Adam has the expertise to support the most unique requests to suit lifestyles and educational ambitions across a wide range of families.

Adam has extensive experience with students of all ages and backgrounds. He began teaching in 1987 while still an undergraduate at Glasgow University, before receiving his teaching qualification from the University of York in 1991. He has received specialist training in the non-medicinal management of dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder. Adam has also worked as a private tutor for prestigious families across Europe. His experience, insight and drive ensure that he is at the forefront of improving standards across the industry and a leading voice in education affairs globally.

To distinguish himself and his company, Adam is committed to delivering a level of personalised service that is unmatched by other private tutoring firms. A customised global search is conducted for every tutor according to the individual specifications of each Client.

Adam is highly sensitive to the educational and personal needs of children. Having worked for high-net-worth families himself, he is adept at building rapport with all stakeholders, garnering a thorough understanding of the unique aspects of UHNW living.

Adam Caller is well-known and accomplished figure in premium education worldwide.

Stephen leads our investing in Digitalisation and Deep Tech companies where he has led transactions in AI/ML, B2B SaaS, and Data Analytics companies among others. As CTO he additionally advises the broader investment team on wider opportunities whilst performing technology and product due diligence. As part of the Lakestar value-add platform, he advises portfolio companies on product and technology-related matters as well as setting Lakestar’s internal technology strategy.

Prior to Lakestar, Stephen worked at Goldman Sachs for 20 years in various global offices. There, he was a managing director, led complex global engineering and change groups and served as Chief Technology Officer in a number of global services. Additionally he chaired and sat on various internal global committees including Operating Risk, Regulatory reporting, Career Development, Diversity and Inclusion.

He is a regular external speaker on technology and investment trends at various universities and conferences including NOAH, GTAI, UK Parliament & Internet, Seedery, FIMA and AISummit. He additionally serves on the BVCA (British Venture Capital Association) committee and the advisory board for the Global Tech Advocates network. He graduated with a BSc in Computer Science from Southampton University.

...addictions and related behavioural disorders. With a global reputation for excellence and the highest staff to client ratio in Europe (400+ staff vs 170 beds) over 8,000 young people have been through the Yes We Can Programme and gone on to rebuild their lives.

Piet Jansen is the Managing Director at Yes We Can Youth Clinics. As a Keynote speaker at many events, he enjoys grasping the attention of any audience, addressing universal issues that often resonate long after the event has passed.

Of Dutch origin, yet a true internationalist having studied International Affairs and having lived in Salamanca, London and Bordeaux, he now travels the world on behalf of Yes We Can to build a network of like-minded professionals to help as many families in need as possible. His mission is to create a world- leading environment where every young person can feel safe and be given a reason to change. “Young people getting their lives back on track motivates me to carry this message around the globe. Seeing hope and joy return in the lives of others is my raison d’être. There is nothing more powerful than seeing these apparently broken flowers reach for the sun and stand straight again in all their beauty.”

With a background in audit from PwC, Victoria joined the corporate team at Tutors International in 2011. She had a pivotal role in the structural transformation of the company and continues to facilitate its evolution as a growing enterprise. Within the company, she is known for her calm and measured approach to problem solving, her diplomatic skills and her continuous pursuit of knowledge.

As COO of Tutors International, Victoria is involved with a range of projects, from the tiny details of daily operations right up to company structure, mergers, and acquisitions. She is a natural connector-of-people, and a capable generalist with the ability to fulfil many different functions and specialities within the company.

Victoria is passionate about education and is a self-proclaimed life-long-learner. She completed her TEFL and TESOL qualifications (teaching English to speakers of other languages) during her gap year, where she also sailed in the Tall Ships Races and discovered a love of sailing. She speaks reasonable Swedish and is currently brushing up her French and Spanish skills.

She read Politics with European Studies at the University of Exeter. Victoria went on to study an MA in War and Society and was elected Vice President of the Post Graduate Guild of Students. She has most recently completed an MA in Education from the University of Bath.

Victoria’s professional interests lie in the intersection between education and the future of work, with a particular focus on the role of educators in preparing children for remote working positions. She volunteers as a co-opted governor at her local primary school and serves as the honorary secretary for a local charity which combats homelessness.

Also, Peter works in the impact investing space with the single family office 4L Vision GmbH (www.4l.vision) and is the Chairman of the Investment Committee of a Swiss private single family office. He is co-founder of the Bundesinitiative Impact Investing, the federal German initiative for impact investing (Working group “Family Offices”) and Managing Director of The Impact Investing Magazin (www.impactinvestings.de).

His expertise lies in advising entrepreneurial families in setting up a family office for holistic wealth structuring solutions, family governance and succession issues as well as M&A advisory assisting family investors in direct investment projects and impact investing.

Until 2018 Peter Brock was Executive Director and Leader Family Office Services in EMEIA/GSA at EY (Ernst & Young). Since over 25 years he works in Investment Banking / SME Corporate Finance transactions and in Private Banking initially at Deloitte and the WestLB-Group in London, then HSBC Trinkaus and Sal. Oppenheim, prior to EY.

Since childhood, Karl Ernst Kirchmayer has been involved in his family’s agricultural and forestry business in Austria. He pursued a master’s degree in economics and speaks German, English, and Romanian. During his studies, he was already running the family farming and forestry business in Austria.

In that time, he managed to increase the family farm to 450 ha of organic farming and the production of vegetables. Karl was a consultant to many farming projects in Europe, North America, and Central Asia during his career. In 2007 Karl built a large-scale farm with over 12.000 ha. Since then, he has been active in significant farming activities in eastern Europe.

In 2020 Karl became one of the Managing Partners and Investment Managers of the asc impact GmbH, an independent owner-led firm that primarily manages sustainable investments in agriculture and forestry. asc impacts investment approach is characterized by our deep involvement in our investments and aims to operationally and ensure sustainable value creation.

In 2022 the asc impact forestry fund celebrated a successful first closing with a subscription volume of € 26.1 million. The fund invests according to strict ESG criteria in a diversified portfolio of up to 20 sustainable forestry projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. All projects are actively managed by the asc impact management team, combining decades of agriculture and forestry experience with dedicated expertise in venture capital, start-up, and legal.

Our investment approach is that all projects will be actively managed by the management team and aims to ensure sustainable value creation operationally.

Before joining asc, Christian worked for some 12 years in venture capital, Partner at btov Partners, and in banking at Credit Suisse. Christian holds double master’s degree in business and economics from the Universities of Maastricht, Rotterdam, and CEMS.

As a daughter of teachers, Joanna was brought up in an educationally conscious environment. She started tutoring mathematics and flute to her peers, aged 16, and has been teaching or learning ever since. She is fully fluent in French, Spanish and English.

Having studied Marine Sciences at Southampton University, and having completed a Maitrise in Oceanography at the Universite de Bordeaux, Joanna embarked upon several years of travelling, volunteering and working as a marine scientist and diving instructor in Indonesia, the Seychelles and Fiji before she settled into a career as an educator on a full-time basis.

Joanna finished her PGCE in London, where she focused on secondary mathematics. In addition to being a maths specialist, Joanna is highly experienced across all the sciences, as well as several languages. This all-roundedness has seen her teach a wide variety of subjects and students, all around the globe, most notably onboard a superyacht in the South Pacific, as well as two years in Mustique.

Joanna particularly enjoys teaching through practical experiences and travelling with her students to bring learning to life. She believes a well-rounded education is so much more than just what happens in the classroom.

Her wealth of experience, working closely with UHNW families and depth of understanding of the bespoke nature of each tutoring role, is now being directed toward ensuring the all-important match between the client family and their tutor.

He is responsible for ensuring that commercial, client acquisition, and product strategies continue to support a rapidly growing international client base.

Before joining Fidelity, Manuel served as an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, where he ran the Market Solutions group in Europe, managing infrastructure and FinTech partnerships.

Manuel earned his Master of Engineering degree in Software Engineering from the University of Southampton.

Her work focuses on newsletters, regulations, crypto policies — and their impact on markets. Leena is a former business journalist and contributed to the first-ever Startup Guide Egypt.

​He comes from an academic background of studying International relations and Journalism. Prior to 21Shares, Karim worked as an intern researcher at the Cambridge center for Alternative Finance - where he contributed towards the publication of the 3rd global crypto asset benchmarking study covering the digital asset industry.

Karim is currently pursuing his master studies on Blockchain and Digital currency at the University of Nicosia.

He has vast experience advising successful individuals and entrepreneurial families with Middle Eastern exposure on implementing inter-generational wealth transfer strategies and structuring their operational assets and global wealth. He is regularly involved in the ongoing management of such structures – as a board member, council member, guardian or protector.

Yann is recommended by all of Chambers & Partners Private wealth, Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite and Who’s who legal private client.

He was the Chair of STEP Arabia from 2015 to 2018, and is a Guest Lecturer at Fribourg University, Switzerland, LLM in International Business Law – Doing Business in the Middle East.

Natalie is now applying her knowledge and expertise to expanding Altoo’s business. On a daily basis Natalie works with high net-worth individuals and families to optimize their wealth management through Altoo’s wealth aggregation platform. Since 2009, Natalie has continued to consult and manage the Board of Directors for a Swiss company, owned by a Czech family office.

Holding dual Swiss-British nationality, Natalie was educated in Switzerland until age 13, after which she continued her education in England, attending an independent boarding school. After obtaining a BA degree in Combined Social Sciences in 2004 from Durham University, she received a combined master’s Degree in Economics, Politics and Law from Basel University. Taking her education one step further, she also completed the STEP examinations on behalf of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Among many talents, Natalie is fluent in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish which enables her to represent Altoo and reach prospective clients globally. Outside work, Natalie is an enthusiastic golfer, participating regularly in the annual Swiss Ladies Interclub Championships. She also loves skiing and abstract painting in oils.

Those who have worked with Natalie have acknowledged her to be a great team player, a multi-linguist, a problem-solver, and as a very open-minded person.

Founder of digital agencies Visuality and Bite, as well as online gold bullion dealer, GoldMadeSimple.com In 2014, after witnessing the global financial crisis of 2008 and realising that there should be a better way to help protect your money, Jason began development of Glint (glintpay.com), launching the first iteration of the Glint app three years later.

Jason’s vision for a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper has culminated in the creation of a Shariah compliant, global payments platform that offers its clients unprecedented liquidity of gold. Enabling them to buy, sell, save, send and spend real, allocated gold, even at the checkout, using the Glint Mastercard and proprietary app.

Glint, which is not a bank, also supports fiat currencies on its platform and today has over 180,000 registered users; it is able to issue cards around the world and can open accounts in over 200 countries. Glint, regulated by the FCA in the UK, has completed more than $350 million worth of transactions to date and its clients’ gold, around $100 million, is securely stored in a Brinks vault in Switzerland, insured by Brinks with Lloyds of London.

.....which is the think tank and hub for research on allocators, private capital funds, and hedge funds at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ziad specializes in researching and building relationships with allocators and private capital funds and represents the University of Pennsylvania at alternative investments conferences globally, where he is a frequent speaker and panelist.

Ziad teaches executive education classes on alternative investments at Wharton, attended by 50-70 C-level executives and investment professionals. He develops technical content for such investment classes and authors case studies on private equity.

He also sits on advisory boards and provides consulting services on investment and fundraising affairs to companies, funds, allocators, and governments.

Before his current role, Ziad worked for Zouk Capital, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Deloitte in the U.S. and EMEA regions, where he advised private equity funds, family offices, and corporate groups on M&A deals and capital deployment.

Ziad is a U.S. certified public accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance.

An Iranian-born mother of three, Pouneh is a veteran of the fund management industry. She has worked at leading financial organizations such as MUFG and HSBC, and is a hugely successful equity fund manager, having managed a range of equity funds totaling £2bn and winning multiple awards for her flagship fund’s consistent performance.

Her 25+ years of investment experience have been directly transferable to the digital assets space, where she has invested successfully by focusing on projects with the strongest and most sustainable business models.

Pouneh studied Business Administration at the European Business School, speaks French, German, and Farsi, and holds both the CFA and CISI qualifications.

International seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in the business development and management of companies operating in the Wealth Management Industry, he has worked in many countries such as France, Kazakhstan, Singapore or Dubai.

Christophe Numa has a strong track record of launching companies, monitoring PnL, managing teams, successfully growing startups from scratch and scaling them, with a strong focus on sale, into multi-millions USD revenue.

Thanks to a revolutionary trading platform and professional services, Bunker Gold & Silver achieved to serve High Net-Worth Individuals, Asset Managers, Hedge funds or Family Offices and has become a major company in the market for gold, silver, platinum bars in Asia.

Mr. Numa has graduated from Skema BS, the 7th Top French Business School and speaks fluent French, English and Russian.

....the highly successful multi-family office that initially developed the AtlasFive platform. Rob’s passion for systems development and client service led him to establish Eton Solutions as a technology and services provider to the ultra-high net worth office.

Prior to Eton, Rob held key roles at the UBS Multi-Family Office Group, the Private Asset Management Group at NC Trust Company, Arthur Andersen, and Price Waterhouse.

He is responsible for expanding the domestic and international markets for institutional products providing innovative solutions that combine insurance and investments to address the needs of a global audience of Institutional Investors, Family Offices and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals. The Company offers custom solutions that enable investment managers and investors to enhance their returns on investments in alternative assets and managed accounts. For non-U.S. Institutions, Crown Global provides efficient and effective solutions to block ECI, FIRPTA and Branch Profits Tax on their U.S. investments. The Company operates globally and maintains offices in North America, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands. Since its founding in 1998, Crown Global has established a solid track record of issuing U.S. and non-U.S. compliant private placement life insurance and annuity policies for Institutional and Ultra-High Net Worth Clients.

Tom has over 30 years of extensive experience in the insurance, asset management and financial services industries. Prior to joining Crown in 2021, he was the Executive Managing Director, Institutional Solutions and Head of the Institutional Business at Lombard International where he achieved a dramatic compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in assets under management from 2016 to 2021. Tom was formerly a Managing Director and Client Executive at BNY Mellon responsible for the overall client management and strategic business development for a number of the bank’s largest global insurance clients. His previous experience also includes positions as the EVP for Business Development in Hartford Life’s Institutional Solutions Group, COO for Marsh’s Benefits Business, CAO for Nationwide’s Asset Management subsidiary Gartmore Global Investments and VP of Operations and Systems at Prudential Investments. Tom started his career in financial services working as an Originator for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets followed by several business development and management roles at the Bankers Trust Company.

Tom holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Series 7 and 66 Registered Representative, a Series 24 Registered Principal and is Life Insurance Licensed.

​David serves as the Global Director of Impact for NEXUS, a worldwide thought community that brings together leading next-gen wealth holders, impact investors and social innovators from the world’s most influential families to catalyze new leadership and accelerate solutions to our world’s most critical problems.

At NEXUS David has overseen the launch of The NEXUS Impact Accelerator and led the development of the Impact Society, The NEXUS Forums program and The SUPR Initiative to eliminate single-use plastic in major sports stadiums across the country.

Prior to NEXUS, David was the founder of Modavanti, the world’s largest online sustainable fashion retailer. Modavanti was named best in Ethical Fashion by Instyle Magazine, and Honoree for 'Best Startup' for NYC by the New York City government.

David serves as a board member of Georgetown University’s Entrepreneurship Alliance working to expand Georgetown’s entrepreneurial community. David has also spoken at the White House, The UN, The Web Summit in Dublin and SXSW.

David lives in London and holds his degree from Georgetown University with a major in Arabic Studies and a double minor in Economics and Government.

With over 25 years of experience in the field of asset consulting for UHNWI clients and single family offices, he is an expert in investment organization (Strategic Asset Allocation, Tactical Asset Allocation, Manager Selection, Risk Management), Wealth Compliance (financial accounting, performance reporting, wealth controlling) and strategic advice (family office organization, outsourcing, governance including Nextgen, philanthropy including impact, and other topics).

Christian Stadermann was previously appointed BaFin-licensed managing director at HQ Trust, the Multi Family Office of the Harald Quandt family, and also expanding their single family office reach. Before that, he held management positions at Sal. Oppenheim & Cie. based in Cologne and with Credit Suisse, based in Zurich.

He began his career in Institutional Equity Sales and Private Wealth Management, including a role as head of the International Private Banking Center of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, looking after clients from EMEA, Asia and the Americas. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and has extensive experience in the philanthropy segment, serving as head of a foundation council for many years himself.

Christian Stadermann received academic education in Munich (Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität), Pisa (Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa) and London (The London School of Economics), while already working also at European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel. He holds a German M.A., a British M.Sc. (Econ) and a degree as ‘Finanzökonom’ for financial planning. Besides in German he is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and able to manage some French.

Born 1965 in Frankfurt, living in Berlin, married, two daughters.

Black Group Ventures was set up as an Australian Corporate Advisory firm in 2014 and in the last eight years James has teamed with globally established and Start Up Companies requiring the expertise, resources and capital to scale businesses for growth locally and internationally.

Having passion and know-how in a range of domains, James has led Black Group Ventures in launching many businesses including a BioTech Firm, an Australian Global Digital Bank, an Aviation industry and a crypto exchange platform to name a few. Their current focus is on renewables where James is part of a thriving team, Net Zero, a new carbon/renewable registry and Fund based in Singapore which is dedicated to educating, investing and working alongside dedicated innovators and change makers to regenerate the environment sustainably. Working alongside him are Jesse Collver and Justin Reynolds who are focusing on businesses and change makers sourcing businesses and private investment into the renewable sphere globally.

Justin Reynolds who partners James at NetZero comes from 20+ years of experience in Corporate governance and ESG / Sustainable working with stock exchanges. Justin previously worked with Bain Capital, Goldmans and Blackstone.

The team is seeking strategic partnerships and investment and have developed strong bonds with many Family offices over the last few years.