BIOGRAPHY

Gregg Carlstrom is a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, based in Dubai. He has covered the region for more than a decade, with stints in Cairo, Beirut and Tel Aviv. His reporting and analysis on the Middle East has been published in a number of other publications, including Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic and Politico. His first book, “How Long Will Israel Survive: The Threat From Within,” was published in 2017.

BIOGRAPHY

An internationally recognized expert in energy policy, renewable energy and energy efficiency, energy economics and financial modeling, strategy development, oil and gas value chains, carbon management, water-energy-food nexus, climate finance and circular economy.

Ms. Radia brings more than two decades of experience in both private and public sector, in energy, sustainable development and climate change, leadership and development of programs in the field, with track record and proven skills across several areas including negotiation of partnerships, mobilization of resources, international and intergovernmental co-operation and wide network of stakeholders.

Ms. Radia led the Energy Section in the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster of the UN Economic Social Commission of West Asia (ESCWA) from 2016-2021. She also previously served as Head Statistics and Gas Modeling Department at the Intergovernmental Organization of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and held several senior positions in Algeria with “Sonatrach” as Director of Strategy and Corporate, Head Portfolio management and member of the Board of Directors of Sonatrach affiliates in international portfolio in Upstream, Midstream and Trading.

BIOGRAPHY

Gregg Carlstrom is a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, based in Dubai. He has covered the region for more than a decade, with stints in Cairo, Beirut and Tel Aviv. His reporting and analysis on the Middle East has been published in a number of other publications, including Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic and Politico. His first book, “How Long Will Israel Survive: The Threat From Within,” was published in 2017.

BIOGRAPHY

Maher Al Kaabi is a visionary leader and an experienced banker with more than three decades of experience in the Banking, Digital industry, and Family Business sectors. His vast knowledge spans across Board Membership, Islamic Banking, Wholesales & Consumer Banking, Risk Management, Finance, Operation & Technology, Sales & Distribution, and Business Development. Additionally, he possesses a deep understanding of innovation, data sets generation and utilization, as well as new technologies. Mr. Al Kaabi is actively involved in various startup companies, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governance at a Star International School, and is a co-founder of Blink.

He collaborates extensively with different ministries on future technologies, circular economy, and the sustainability of family businesses by educating the NextGen through the Venture Studio Module.

Mr. Al Kaabi is on the Advisory Board of:
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment – Circular Economy Council
Middle East Energy
MENA Power Projects
MIT Sloan CIO Council
Cybersecurity – CYSEC Global

A highly sought-after keynote speaker. Mr. Al Kaabi imparts his knowledge and insights on a wide range of topics at events covering FinTech, Building Digital Economy (AI, metaverse, blockchain, web3, etc.), Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Sustainability of Family Businesses, Banking & Finance, Corporate Governance, and Investments.

He acts as an advisor to the Group Chairman of Al Serkal Group of Companies (165+ year old family), and serves as an Independent Board Member. His expertise is instrumental in developing a more structured governance model, refining the group's structure, and transitioning businesses digitally to enhance flexibility, robustness, and efficiency in responding to future business opportunities.

Alserkal Group, a co-founder of various entities including Etisalat, Emirates NBD, DEWA, SEWA, CBD, Dubai Insurance, Pepsi (DRC), and Blue Biofuel, continues to thrive under Mr. Al Kaabi's guidance.

He commenced his professional journey at New Era Computers, where he served as one of the Co-founders.

Subsequently, he transitioned to Citigroup, where he dedicated 15 years to advancing his career. During his tenure, he held various esteemed positions both domestically and internationally.

Following his time at Citigroup, he assumed the role of Chief Risk Officer at Dubai Bank. In this capacity, he successfully established the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework, which encompassed all facets of risk, including Credit Risk, Market Risk, Operational Risk, and Fraud Risk. Furthermore, he devised and implemented a comprehensive risk strategy that prioritized crucial areas such as Business Continuity, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Governance.

Later, he joined Emirates National Bank of Dubai as the Group Head of Islamic Banking. In this influential role, he spearheaded the growth and development of the Islamic Banking business across ENBD's local, regional, and international branches. He actively participated in the Islamic Banking Committee and collaborated with local regulatory authorities to introduce innovative Shari’ah compliant products and services for clients. Additionally, he also assumed the dual responsibility of Group Head Chief Operating Officer for Wholesale Banking.

Maher possesses a diverse range of expertise stemming from his professional experience in Strategy, Human Capital Development, Digital & Circular Economy, Engineering, among others. These skills are complemented by his soft skills, including being a Leadership, Multiplier, passionate, self-starter, team builder, innovative, and executive coach. In addition, he has been honored with numerous Global Awards.

He is currently pursuing his doctorate in the field of AI driven sustainability.

BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Abdulaziz Al Shidhani has more than 20 years of experience in the energy and water sectors.He is currently leading, as Managing Director, the Hydrogen Oman Company SPC (Hydrom), a company launched in 2022 as the central and independent entity orchestrating national interests in the green hydrogen sector.

Before joining Hydrom, Al Shidhani served the Ministry of Energy and Minerals as Director General for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen. During his tenure at the Ministry, he led the crafting and implementation of Oman's Green Hydrogen Strategy, announced in October 2022, and the Oman Energy Transition Policy and Strategy. He also chaired the Alternative Energy Working Group as part of the Omani - US Strategic Dialogue, the Omani - German Energy Dialogue, and other national and regional committees and taskforces.

From 2016 to 2020 Abdulaziz served as a Board Member of the Oman Power and Water Company, and since 2020 has also served on the Board of the Oman Environmental Services Company (Beah) as Deputy Chairman.

From 2013 to 2022, Al Shidhani worked for the Public Authority for Electricity and Water and for the Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company (OWWSC). He held multiple positions in OWWSC, including Chief Operations Officer for the water sector and Chief Projects Officer. During his time working in the water sector, Abdulaziz was engaged in national and regional assignments including contributing to the formulation of Oman Vision 2040, as part of the Committee for Strategies alignment and national priorities, as well as participating in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) unified water strategy. He additionally contributed to multiple strategic discussions on electricity and water policy making and took part in strategic projects such as the water sector restructuring and the electricity market privatization.

Abdulaziz started his career as an electrical engineer for Mazoon Electricity Company, ascending the career ladder and holding multiple leadership position including Manager of Planning and Regulatory Affairs. During this part of his professional journey, Abdulaziz contributed to the growth of Mazoon Electricity company, formulating sector policies and regulations and leading multiple specialized taskforces.

Al Shidhani graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering in 2003, and obtained an MBA in 2012. He was among the first cohort of the National Leadership and Competitiveness Program organized by the Royal Court of Diwan for government officials. As part of his education, Abdulaziz attended various leadership programs from 2012 to 2015 at IMD in Switzerland.

BIOGRAPHY

Andrei Covatariu is an international energy and climate change expert. His activity focuses on climate and energy policies, concentrating on the energy transition process and its geopolitical, economic, and social challenges. Andrei’s views and policy analyses are constantly published and cited in international media. He holds multiple roles, working at the intersection of theoreticians (think tanks, academia) and practitioners (energy industry, international organizations), while also advising both private and public stakeholders, across wider geographies.

Andrei is currently the Co-Chair of the Task Force on “Digitalization in Energy” at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). At the same time, Andrei is a Non-resident Scholar in the Climate and Water Program, at the Middle East Institute (United States), a Senior Research Associate at Energy Policy Group (Romania), and an Associate Lecturer at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, teaching energy and environmental policies. In 2021, Andrei co-founded ECERA, a network of sustainability practitioners aiming to produce policy-relevant knowledge, helping governments, companies, NGOs, universities, and others navigate the various facets of sustainability.

BIOGRAPHY

Neil Wilmshurst is EPRI's Senior Vice President of Energy System Resources and Chief Nuclear Officer. He has overall management and technical responsibility for the research and development activities conducted by EPRI with its global membership related to all generation sources and storage.

In August 2021, Wilmshurst became Chair of the World Energy Council (WEC) US Member Committee. The US Member Committee is hosted by EPRI, and represents innovators, leaders, and disruptors in the US energy community, bringing their voices to the global community of WEC.

From 2010-2020, when he was EPRI’s Chief Nuclear Officer, the nuclear sector global membership expanded to encompass more than 80% of the world’s commercial nuclear fleet.

Wilmshurst joined EPRI in 2003 as a Senior Project Manager in the Plant Support Engineering program. In 2008, he became Director of the Plant Technology department, and was appointed as Vice President, Nuclear and Chief Nuclear Officer in 2010. In November 2020 he was appointed to his current role.

Before joining EPRI, Wilmshurst worked in a variety of nuclear utility engineering and maintenance roles with AmerGen at Three Mile Island Unit 1 and British Energy at the Sizewell B plant. Prior to joining the civil nuclear program, Wilmshurst served for 13 years in the Royal Navy as a Nuclear Submarine Engineer Officer.

Wilmshurst earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, and control engineering from the Royal Naval Engineering College, Manadon, UK; a post graduate diploma in nuclear reactor technology from the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, UK; and a master’s degree in defense administration from Cranfield Institute of Technology, Shrivenham, UK. While serving in the Royal Navy he was certified as a Naval Nuclear Plant Operator.

BIOGRAPHY

Phillip Cornell is a principal at Economist Impact, where he leads the global energy and sustainability practice of The Economist's consulting business. He is also a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, specialising in energy economics, foreign policy, and global energy markets. He chairs the Clean Energy Ministerial initiative on energy interconnection, and advises the World Bank and other private and public institutions.

Prior to joining The Economist Group, Phillip held senior advisory and management positions at Saudi Aramco, the International Energy Agency, and NATO. He held research positions at the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey), the Royal United Services Institute (London), and the Center for International Security and Cooperation (Stanford). He is the author of various published works on international energy security, transition, economics, and governance.

BIOGRAPHY

Phillip Cornell is a principal at Economist Impact, where he leads the global energy and sustainability practice of The Economist's consulting business. He is also a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, specialising in energy economics, foreign policy, and global energy markets. He chairs the Clean Energy Ministerial initiative on energy interconnection, and advises the World Bank and other private and public institutions.

Prior to joining The Economist Group, Phillip held senior advisory and management positions at Saudi Aramco, the International Energy Agency, and NATO. He held research positions at the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey), the Royal United Services Institute (London), and the Center for International Security and Cooperation (Stanford). He is the author of various published works on international energy security, transition, economics, and governance.

BIOGRAPHY

Olivia Azadegan is an advisor on the energy transition, specifically focused on policy and advocacy. She served as Energy Transition Director for Clean Air Task Force in the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). Her work involved advocating for the technological and policy changes needed to achieve zero-emissions industries including the development of carbon management, methane, nuclear, hydrogen amongst other related climate and energy topics.

Prior to CATF, Olivia spent five years working in finance across London and New York. In her banking career at Barclays Private Bank, she managed relationships and accounts for clients in the Asia region. Olivia has worked in financial news and data roles for S&P Global, Thomson Reuters and The Financial Times’ fDi magazine.

Olivia is a fellow for the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center’s Women Leaders in Energy and Climate as part of the 2022 cohort. Olivia was also named to Forbes’ Europe 30 under 30 list for her work to advance decarbonization in Europe and the MENA region.

Olivia holds a Master of Public Policy from the London School of Economics.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Malek Al-Chalabi is currently the Senior Carbon Pricing Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Shell and the co-chair of the IETA International Working Group. In his role he leads Shell’s global efforts on carbon pricing policy across multiple trade associations, including but not limited to the International Chamber of Commerce and the Business Partnership for Market Impact. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford in energy transitions and his book The Road Not Taken? The Role of Behaviour in the Energy Transition focuses on emerging themes in energy policy.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Neil Quilliam is an energy policy, geopolitics and foreign affairs specialist, with extensive knowledge and experience of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He is an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, where he served as a Senior Research Fellow for a decade. He has 20 years of experience advising government officials and international private companies on pressing international matters.
Among his roles, Neil has advised the U.K. Foreign Secretary, FCO ministers, and the Cabinet Office on policy development and implementation. He is widely published on geopolitical and domestic policy developments in the Middle East and North Africa. Neil has worked for the United Nations, Control Risks, UK Government, and Rapidan Energy Group.

Neil completed his PhD in International Relations at the University of Durham and MA in Middle East Politics at the University of Exeter.

BIOGRAPHY

Myrtle Dawes is Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Technology Centre where she leads the development of technology for a net zero energy industry.

She is a non-executive board member of FirstGroup, a non-executive director on the Aquila European Renewables plc board, an advisory board member for the Association of Black and Minority Engineers and sits on the Technology Leadership Board.

A Chartered Chemical Engineer, Myrtle is an established leader with extensive experience in the energy sector both in the UK and overseas. Respected as a prominent voice on the energy transition, she began her career 30 years ago as an offshore engineer for BP, before delivering on leadership roles in engineering, project management, technology and digital transformation. Myrtle’s passion for innovation and technology galvanises her colleagues, government and industry to take action and push boundaries.

Myrtle holds a Masters in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology from Imperial College. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers, Fellow of the Energy Institute, Fellow of the Forward Institute and Honorary Fellow of the Association of Project Managers.

In 2017, Myrtle received recognition for her contribution to business, having featured in Breaking the Glass Ceiling and being selected as one of 100 Women to Watch in the Cranfield FTSE Board Report 2017. In 2021 she was recognised by TE:100 as one of the Women of the Energy Transition.

Myrtle has two children and in her spare time studies mathematics, is a keen cat lover, and gamer.

BIOGRAPHY

Robert is the Director of the Economist Corporate Network based in Dubai and covering the MENA region. Robert works closely with network members to help inform their business strategies through political, economic and operational insight and to connect them with their senior leadership peers. Robert is a business journalist, editor and publisher with nearly 25 years of experience covering a wide variety of sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, energy and transport, and a particular interest in human capital management. An accomplished event chairman, moderator and speaker, Robert completed an MBA at the University of Leicester School of Business in 2012 and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nottingham.