Pinaki Aich has a proven track record of over 20 years in senior leadership roles at the intersection of principal investment, global financial services, strategy, and emerging technologies. His areas of expertise include growth strategies, venture capital, business development, change management, data analytics and insights, emerging markets, partnerships and alliances, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and thought leadership.
Aich currently leads two pioneering financial platforms at the forefront of technological and sustainability transformation across the Middle East and North Africa region and globally:
As CEO of Forward Investments (MENA’s Leading Corporate Venture Capital Firm), he established the first and largest off-balance sheet venture capital fund of any government-related entity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
As CEO of the Dubai Green Fund, he is spearheading the establishment of a crucial supporting node for the energy transformation agenda in the Gulf region. The Fund (the region’s first impact fund of its kind) is dedicated to backing, supporting, and co-investing in projects and firms across various industries driving sustainable transformation. It prioritizes investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable infrastructure, aiming to make a positive environmental and social impact.
Formerly, he was the Head of Group Strategy and Innovation with Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) and was a Founding Partner of Auxanó Capital Partners.
Pinaki holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Delhi University, an MBA in Marketing from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Wayne Dunn is the founder of the CSR Training Institute and CSR | ESG Institute. A former Professor of Practice in sustainability at McGill University, he is recognized as a global thought leader and pragmatic problem solver, frequently speaking on business, social responsibility, economics, and strategy at events worldwide.
He is an award-winning global sustainability expert with extensive teaching, writing, lecturing and advisory service experience. He is supported by an extensive faculty and advisory team.
Leadership on SDGs & Business “The pedigree speaks for itself…Pragmatic and global thought leadership on aligning SDGs and business.”
Dr. Eugene Owusu
Special Advisor to the President
of Ghana on the SDGs
Demystified ESG, SDG & CSR “It demystified ESG, SDG, and CSR. Very simple and engaging learning.”
Robert Gyamfi
Head of Community Engagement
Future Global Resources
A Practical & Realistic Approach “Professor Dunn brings a practical and realistic approach to CSR and shared value, blending theory and practice to develop pragmatic approaches that address real-world challenges.”
Dr. Ellis Armstrong
Former CFO
BP Exploration
Thoughtful, Coherent, Insightful “Coherent, thoughtful, stimulating, insightful, and state-of-the-art! The network of public, private, and civil society participants was incredible. Some of the leading experts in the field.”
Kojo Busia
Snr. Mineral Sector Governance
Advisor,
United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa/UNECA
Just What I Needed “Pragmatic, strategic, and full of practical insights. Just what I needed.”
Gifty Owusu-Nhyira
ESG & Sustainability Coordinator
Ecobank West Africa
Really Practical
‘…useful beyond expectation, has given me a clear perspective’
Leonard J. Mkude
Accountant General
United Republic of Tanzania
“The Masterclass reinforced the importance of ESG and challenged me to articulate its value proposition.”
Ross Mitchell
Verdensure
