The second edition of the groundbreaking Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADWF) takes place from November 27 to 30, 2023. The region’s premier finance, investment and economic event will bring together a remarkable lineup of influential figures from the worlds of business, finance and innovation. These visionary leaders, known for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields, are set to shed light on various topics across over 30 events, tied by the overall theme, “Investing In The Transition Era.”
Gain insights into what is reshaping today’s financial landscape with these 10 must-see speakers at ADFW 2023.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of economy, UAE
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the United Arab Emirates’ minister of economy since 2020, and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority and the UAE International Investors Council, will deliver a keynote address at ADFW. During his speech, he will share his strategic vision for the UAE’s economic policies. At the same time, he will provide valuable insights into the driving forces behind the nation’s growth.
Prior to this appointment, H.E. Al Marri held key government positions, notably as the Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet since 2017. He has also been the head of the Securities and Commodities Authorit and director general of the Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Apart from these major roles, he has served as the CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, contributing to the launch of initiatives like Dubai 10X, a strategy that aims to position Dubai as a futuristic city.
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi
Chairman, ADGM and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, a seasoned leader, is poised to deliver a special address at the opening ceremony of ADFW 2023. His keynote, which will touch upon the importance of investing in the transition era, will set the stage for a unique theatrical interpretation of this year’s overall theme.
Al Zaabi career began at the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, followed by a senior management role in a prominent real estate firm. He later took on an executive leadership position for the Government of Abu Dhabi, transforming and restructuring state-owned enterprises with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. He subsequently managed the central treasury for the government.
With strong finance and investment skills, he has a demonstrated history of managing critical transactions and overseeing turnarounds in various sectors. As of late 2021, H.E. Ahmed chairs Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), whose flagship event Fintech Abu Dhabi is one of ADFW’s major highlights. Additionally, he serves on multiple ADNOC entity boards and the Khalifa Fund. He’s previously been a board member for financial institutions including Abu Dhabi Exchange (ADX), Union National Bank (UNB), and Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions & Benefits Fund (ADRPBF).
H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud
Founder and chief executive officer (CEO), KBW Ventures
A leading business and technology figure with a passion in clean energy and sustainable practices, H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud hails from the Saudi Arabian royal family. Born in California and mentored by his philanthropist father, he stands at the crossroads of Middle Eastern economies and the Western world.
As a venture capitalist, he champions climate change awareness and invests in green technologies. In particular, he is injecting funds into the alternative protein and cellular agriculture sectors. He is also the vice chairman of Arada, a development company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He also serves as the president of the Saudi Sports for All Federation.
Read: Top 5 must-attend talks at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023
H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Managing director and group CEO, Mubadala
Khaldoon Al Mubarak is an esteemed business leader, serving as Mubadala’s managing director and group CEO. Mubadala is a sovereign investment firm owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Since its inception in 2002, the company has become a $276 billion firm with assets in over 50 countries across six offices worldwide.
In addition, Khaldoon chairs several companies, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Emirates Global Aluminium, among others. Beyond his corporate roles, he is also the chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, advising UAE’s president, and a key envoy to China. His contributions also extend to the academic world, co-founding New York University Abu Dhabi. He also stands as a driving force in the world of sports, being the chairman of Manchester City Football Club and City Football Group.
Ray Dalio
Founder, CIO mentor, and member of the Bridgewater Board, Bridgewater Associates, LP
Gracing this year’s Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Ray Dalio launched Bridgewater Associates from his modest two-bedroom apartment in New York City. He led the company for most of its 47-year journey, making it the world’s largest hedge fund.
Backed with over half a century of experience as a global macro investor, he remains actively engaged as a mentor at Bridgewater, contributing to its ongoing success. Additionally, the legendary investor is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, acclaimed for works like “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order.” Dalio is also an avid philanthropist who strongly focuses on ocean exploration and addressing disparities in education, healthcare, and finance.
Jenny Johnson
President and CEO, Franklin Templeton
With over 30 years at Franklin Templeton, she’s been instrumental in transforming the firm into a global leader in investment management, technology, innovation, diversity and social responsibility. Joining in 1988, she progressed through key roles in investment, distribution, technology and high-net-worth divisions before becoming CEO in February 2020. Under her leadership, the historic acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020 bolstered the combined organization’s management of $1.5 trillion in assets worldwide.
She’s been honored on Barron’s list of the 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance, Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women and more. Apart from this, she serves on various industry and philanthropic boards.
Alan Howard
Founder, Brevan Howard
In 2002, Alan Howard established Brevan Howard, a prominent absolute return firm specializing in global macro strategies. Managing over $33 billion across multiple approaches, the company is one of the most prosperous hedge funds, having generated $28 billion in net profits for its investors since its establishment.
Howard’s distinguished track record extends beyond finance. For instance, he served on the New York Federal Reserve Investor Advisory Committee for eight years, representing the sole non-US member from 2008 to 2016. In 2020, he gained global recognition by being named among the “Bloomberg 50” individuals who left a significant mark on the year. An impressive 100 percent gain further demonstrates his expertise in macro investing.
Ronald P. O’Hanley
Chairman and CEO, State Street
Ronald P. O’Hanley holds the dual role of chairman and CEO at State Street. State Street is a global financial services and bank holding entity and is the second-oldest continuously operating bank in the US.
Previously, he served as president and chief operating officer at State Street and as the president and CEO of State Street Global Advisors. This is the investment management arm of the organization. O’Hanley’s association with State Street dates back to 2015.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Chairman, VaynerX; CEO, VaynerMedia
Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur who sits as the chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia. Known as “GaryVee,” he’s a prominent authority on culture, internet and trends, offering insights into market shifts and consumer behavior. Apart from this, he is a prolific angel investor, providing early backing to now-tech giants like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
With global recognition, VaynerMedia helps Fortune 1000 brands engage audiences. Under VaynerX, he manages a diverse business portfolio. He has also guided successful exits as co-founder of VaynerSports, Resy and Empathy Wines. Boasting over 30 million social media followers, a top podcast, and five New York Times bestsellers, Vaynerchuk is a sought-after public speaker and philanthropist supporting causes like Charity Water.
Sir Christopher Hohn
Founder, managing director and portfolio manager, TCI
Christopher Hohn is the founder, managing director, and portfolio manager at the London-based TCI Fund Management Limited. He boasts over 25 years of experience in the investment industry, specializing in equity portfolio management for over two decades.
His career includes a role as the portfolio manager for the European event-driven investment strategy at Perry Capital. Additionally, he was instrumental in establishing Perry Capital’s London office. Before this, he worked with Apax Partners and Coopers and Lybrand in London.
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