ESG & Sustainable Finance

He is a Founding Member of the Global Advisory Board for the SDG Foundation and of the EU Africa Chamber of Commerce. He also chaired the inaugural EU Africa CSR Awards and Ta’atheer 2016, the MENA CSR and Social Impact Summit. He serves on numerous other advisory boards and CSR awards juries throughout Africa, in the Gulf Region and around the world.

Previously, Dr. Samir was employed as Senior Advisor with Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a 100% Government owned free zone that promotes modern technology based industries. Previous to DSO he was at Economic Zones World, EZW, a global developer and operator of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks under the Dubai World Group. EZW’s portfolio includes JAFZA, one of the world’s largest free zones; TechnoPark (TP), a research driven business and industrial park, and Dubai Auto Zone, an industry specific free zone. 

Dr. Samir coordinated a multidisciplinary team, which developed for the Dubai Economic Development Department and Dubai Executive Council the “Dubai Medium Term Economic Plan 2012-2016”.

Dr. Samir has served in various posts since he began his career. He was Manager of Research & Development at The Arab Science & Technology Foundation (ASTF).

During 2004-2005, Samir joined the Euro-Arab Management School (EAMS), as Director of Business Development. In 2002, he founded the Barcelona Arab Center, which aims to consolidate Euro-Arab cooperation in the cultural, social, educational and economic fields, and until very recently he was its director.

He serves as the Chief Knowledge Officer at the World Free Zones Organization and is a Senior Advisor on Strategy and Business Performance to the Executive Council of the Government of Abu Dhabi. He was a key strategic architect of the Abu Dhabi 2030 Initiative.

Previously, he held the position of Head of Strategy and Business Performance at DP World, where he spearheaded strategic planning and performance management initiatives for Ports, Free-Zones, and Customs worldwide. His role was instrumental in aligning government entity strategies with Abu Dhabi’s overarching vision and ensuring cohesive integration across sectors.

Dr. Mohan’s academic contributions are equally profound. He is a Fellow of the Judge Business School at Cambridge University and has led and directed numerous programs and initiatives for the school

He currently directs the EMBA and MBA programs at the University of Wollongong Dubai Campus, where he imparts his expertise in Strategic Decision Making and Corporate Governance. Additionally, he supervises doctoral candidates, enriching the academic landscape with his practical insights and research acumen.

Dr. Mohan’s dedication to bridging theory and practice is evident in his extensive publication record, which includes two authored books and numerous research papers and articles.

He is a recognized global thought and practice leader, bringing a unique value creation perspective to the space where ESG & Sustainability intersect with Finance.  He has led and supported transformative transactions across industries:

• $500 Million equity raise for ABB E-mobility,
• The sale of Schneider Electric Sensors to Yageo ($800 Million, pending),
• The sale of Ewellix to Schaeffler ($800 Million),
• The sale of BBS Automation to Duerr $500 Million, pending),
• The acquisition by SIG Combibloc of Scholle IPN ($1.5 Billion),
• General Electric/GE Prolec acquisition of SPXC’s Waukesha ($600 Million),
• Hitachi’s acquisition of ABB Power Grids ($11 Billion),
• The LBO acquisition by the Advent/Cinven consortium of ThyssenKrupp Elevators ($19 Billion),
• The sale by Bombardier of its Transportation division to Alstom ($8 Billion)
• The sale by Weir plc of its Oil & Gas division to Caterpillar ($400 Million).

Prior to the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS his roles included Co-Head of Global Diversified Industrials/Large Caps and Head of Industrials for EMEA.

With a profound understanding of corporate finance, ESG, and sustainability economics, Laurent has been instrumental in leading transformative transactions across industries.

Laurent Bouvier is also an accomplished author, sharing insights on financial markets and industry dynamics through his publication, “The Unchained Banker.”

He is currently leading two pioneering financial platforms at the forefront of technological and sustainability transformation across the Middle East and North Africa region and globally:

• Forward Investments – MENA’s Leading Corporate Venture Capital Firm
  As CEO he established the first and largest off-balance sheet venture capital fund of any government-related entity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• Dubai Green Fund – Pioneering Government-Backed Impact Fund
  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 first impact fund of its kind in the region, 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.

► AREAS OF EXPERTISE ◄
Growth Strategy • Venture Capital • Business Development • Change Management • Data Analytics & Insights • Emerging Markets • Partnerships & Alliances • Mergers & Acquisitions • Regulatory Compliance • Thought Leadership

Pinaki Aich 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 degree in Business Administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Following his time at Unilever, he transitioned to become a prominent figure in African agribusiness and investment advisory with a focus on the integration of ESG and Sustainability with business strategy.

 He continues to serve on numerous boards of investment funds and business organizations operating in Africa, MENA and globally.

He continues to shape the landscape of non-profit organizations, currently holding chairmanship positions at MSI, AGRA, and AECF. Additionally, he serves as non-executive Chairman at Baobab+, a Paris-based provider of solar home systems in Africa.  He is alos a non-executive Director and plays integral roles in the Audit Committee and Risk & Sustainability Committee at Tiger Brands Ltd., South Africa.

Frank  holds a degree in Law and an MBA in Finance from the University of Leuven, Belgium, and is an Alumni of the Wharton Executive Program

With over 20 years of experience, Ola is a passionate advocate for sustainability and social responsibility, specializing in creating impact through strategic partnerships and project management.  Her data-driven, strategic approach has produced positive business, social and environmental impact across organizations she has worked with

Her career highlights include aligning business value chains with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advance corporate sustainability across the Middle East. Ola leverages her expertise gained from the business, UN, and non-profit sectors to drive meaningful socio-economic development and humanitarian initiatives.

Ola holds an MSc in Development Studies from the University of Reading, a postgraduate certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge, and an Executive Leadership and Management degree from Oxford University.

William is the co-author of the Titans of Africa series, featuring 75 African stories of success and business excellence published and launched in Dubai. William is an Infrastructure Development professional and Supply Chain and logistics expert with more than 3 decades of experience with deep experience in Logistics Park development, people development, industry standardization; entrusted with Five Billion Dollars in capital investments across six Sub-Sahara Africa countries.

William founded The UAE Africa Networking group (UAEANG) in 2016; since its inception, the group has established itself as the only Dubai based networking business platform that promotes relationship building and collaboration between the UAE and African markets. In addition the UAEANG facilitates B2B and B2C direct sales, SME development/ support and business partnering for all of its global members. The UAEANG connects its members by leveraging its extensive global reach, market intelligence and unique business opportunities.

The UAE Africa Networking group has a global footprint of more than 14,600 members from 65 countries, comprising of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), investors, professional service organisations, multinational companies, local companies, government bodies and young Entrepreneurs.

The UAE Africa Networking group host numerous formal networking events quarterly and annually coupled with informal business breakfast events, in addition to, hosting African government conferences, exhibitions and roadshows. Currently, The UAE Africa Networking Group host periodic networking events and multiple C level programs and initiatives in person and virtually at partner locations in Dubai and across the northern Emirates.

www.uaeang.com//www.titansofafrica.org//www.stenhouse.me

Contact me at: Info@uaeang.com