Philippe Amarante is the Managing Partner at Henley & Partners Middle East. Philippe has been advising private and institutional clients across industries, countries, and cultures for over 15 years as a successful business, relationship, and brand builder. Before his current role, he served as the Global Head of Brand and Group Marketing Strategy at Credit Suisse Group. Philippe is a strategic thinker who enjoys a hands-on approach, delivering results across board and governmental levels in complex and international environments. His interests include nascent technologies and emerging business models and related trends. Philippe also has experience in non-profit organizations and luxury, retail, and finance industries.
In her capacity as Chief Representative of Business Development Segments, Khadija Ali plays a key role in cultivating and promoting the business development strategies of Dubai International Financial Centre, whilst also shaping the strategic positioning of the DIFC brand regionally and globally.
Khadija is responsible for driving the business development of regulated sectors including banks, asset management and insurance, in addition to the growth of non-regulated sectors including family offices, holding companies, foundations, Prescribed Companies and professional service providers.
Commencing her career with DIFC Authority in 2005 within the Authority’s project management office, Khadija then joined the listing Department of NasdaqDubai (formerly known as DIFX) and DIFC Investment Limited before joining DIFC Authority’s Business Development team in 2011.
During her 19-year career with DIFC Authority, Khadija has garnered a wealth of experience focused on sustainable business development and financial sector growth. Khadija has extensive expertise in business development and implementing growth strategies, alongside a strong academic pedigree.
Khadija holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Coventry University, United Kingdom and an LL.M. International Business Law from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information System from Sharjah University, UAE.
Steven Sanghera is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inventus Group Limited, a UK-based technology company specializing in providing fully provisioned mobile devices and digital solutions for the life sciences and clinical research sectors. He has been a pivotal figure in the company’s development since its incorporation on May 6, 2020.
Under Steve’s leadership, Inventus Group has focused on delivering end-to-end device lifecycle management tailored for clinical trials. The company’s services include provisioning customized mobile devices, implementing electronic Clinical Outcomes Assessment (eCOA) and electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO) solutions, ensuring secure data collection compliant with EU GDPR and international standards, and promoting sustainable device recycling and redeployment strategies.
Steve’s strategic vision emphasizes innovation, compliance with international standards, and sustainable practices in device lifecycle management, positioning Inventus Group as a key player in the intersection of technology and clinical research.
Under his guidance, Inventus Group has expanded its global footprint, establishing offices and logistics centers in the United Kingdom, Austria, the United States, Hong Kong, China and the Middle East. This international presence supports the company’s mission to streamline clinical trials through technology-driven solutions.
Dr Rebecca Ghosh is a Real-World Evidence Specialist in the Scientific, Data and Insight group at the MHRA where she is leading the MHRA the Real-World Evidence Scientific Dialogue Programme and Real-World Data Guidance series. She has over 15 years experience working as an epidemiologist specialising in public health research using real-world data for a range of observational studies, spatial epidemiology and interventional research. Rebecca holds an MSc in Public Health from the LSHTM and a PhD in epidemiology from Imperial college.
Colin Nelson is the Chief Innovation Consultant at HYPE Innovation, the global leader in innovation management. Colin’s a thought leader on collective intelligence, online innovation, and open innovation, helping to connect people, ideas, and data.
He helps both companies and communities to engage diverse thinking in support of innovation programmes, harnessing both the workforce and an organisations entire eco-system.
Colin has supported MBA teaching programmes at Exeter and Durham Business Schools.
His clients have included: Airbus, BASF, Harley-Davidson, Linklaters, NASA, the NBA, PWC, the United Nations, and Unilever.
Lesley Hornung is the Chief Marketing Officer at HLB International, where she leads the network’s global marketing and brand strategy. With over a decade of marketing experience across professional services and a career spanning three countries, Lesley brings a deep understanding of cultural nuances in international business. Her expertise lies in crafting impactful brand strategies through innovative thought leadership and market insights.
Lesley spearheads HLB’s flagship global Survey of Business Leaders and is a frequent speaker at international and regional conferences, where she champions data-driven marketing approaches and fosters global collaboration. She holds an MSc in International Marketing from King’s College London, a BA in Communications, and a Propaedeutic Diploma in Journalism. Lesley is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
With over two decades of experience across luxury and lifestyle hospitality, Amy Lu leads The Standard, Singapore with a steady hand and an irrepressible sense of style. A seasoned hotelier with stints in both global chains and boutique properties, Amy combines operational precision with a deep understanding of culture, creativity, and people. She believes a hotel should move beyond service to spark connection — a belief she brings to life through team empowerment and guest-centric experiences that feel both polished and playful. Under her leadership, The Standard’s first Southeast Asian outpost has quickly found its rhythm, blending the brand’s irreverent DNA with Singapore’s cosmopolitan energy. Calm, grounded, and quietly bold, Amy embodies the new face of leadership — one that balances business acumen with heart.
