Our Leadership Team
Meet the visionaries driving GVCH's mission to develop capital markets across the MENA region.
Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in capital markets, venture capital, and strategic advisory services. With deep roots in the MENA region and global expertise, they guide our organization in creating sustainable value for investors, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Ahmed Al Mansouri
Chief Executive Officer
Bahraini
"Our mission is to unlock the full potential of the MENA region's capital markets, driving sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for generations to come."
Ahmed Al Mansouri has over 25 years of experience in financial services and capital markets development across the MENA region. Before joining GVCH in 2015, he held senior positions at the Central Bank of Bahrain and served on the boards of several regional financial institutions. Ahmed holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut.
Sarah Abdullah
Chief Investment Officer
Saudi Arabian
"We identify transformative investment opportunities that not only deliver strong returns but also contribute to the region's economic diversification and technological advancement."
Sarah Abdullah brings 20 years of investment expertise to GVCH, specializing in venture capital and private equity across emerging markets. Previously, she was a Partner at a leading Saudi investment firm and held advisory roles at international financial institutions. Sarah earned her Master's in Finance from London Business School and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from King Saud University.
Moataz Mukhaimer
Chief Strategy Officer
Egyptian
"Building robust capital markets requires a comprehensive ecosystem approach, bringing together regulators, investors, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions in a collaborative framework."
Moataz Mukhaimer leads GVCH's strategic initiatives and market development programs. With over 18 years of experience in strategy consulting and capital markets development, he has advised governments and regulatory bodies across the MENA region. Before joining GVCH, Moataz was a Senior Partner at a global consulting firm. He holds a PhD in Economics from Cambridge University and an undergraduate degree from the American University in Cairo.
James Bennett
Chief Operating Officer
British
"Our operational excellence and global network enable us to implement innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of developing capital markets in the MENA region."
James Bennett oversees GVCH's operational excellence and international partnerships. With 22 years in financial services operations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, he brings a global perspective to our regional focus. Prior to GVCH, James held executive positions at major international banks and investment firms. He holds an MSc in International Finance from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's in Business from the University of Manchester.
Board of Directors
Our distinguished Board of Directors provides governance and strategic guidance, ensuring GVCH continues to lead in capital market development across the MENA region.
Reem Hassan
Chairperson
Emirati
Reem Hassan has chaired the GVCH Board since 2021. She brings 30 years of banking and capital markets experience across the GCC. She is a board member at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Omar El Sayed
Independent Director
Egyptian
Omar is a seasoned investor and founder of several MENA-focused private equity funds. He previously served as advisor to Egypt’s Ministry of Investment.
Fatima Al Farsi
Independent Director
Omani
Fatima is an economist specializing in sovereign wealth management. She has held senior roles at Oman Investment Authority and is an advocate for sustainable finance.
Yousef Almansour
Director
Saudi Arabian
Yousef is an accomplished corporate lawyer and board governance advisor, with prior experience at the Saudi Capital Market Authority and multiple regional asset managers.
Advisory Council
Our Advisory Council comprises industry experts, former regulators, and academic leaders who provide specialized insights to inform our strategies and initiatives.
Prof. Hanan Sharif
Academic Advisor
Jordanian
Professor of Finance and Head of Middle East Market Studies at the University of Jordan, specializing in regional capital markets and financial inclusion.
John Tan
Technology and Fintech Advisor
Singaporean
Fintech entrepreneur and venture investor, advising on digital transformation and cross-border financial platforms across Asia and MENA.
Dr. Leila Zarif
Regulatory Advisor
Moroccan
Former Commissioner at Morocco’s Capital Market Authority, expert on market regulation and best international practices.
Dr. Ali Hassan
Market Risk Advisor
Kuwaiti
Senior Market Risk Analyst at Kuwait Finance House, with 15+ years of experience advising MENA financial institutions on regulatory risk.
Elena Popova
ESG Advisor
Russian-Bahraini
Sustainability and ESG reporting specialist for listed MENA companies; author of the region’s first Green Index benchmarking study.
Prof. Tao Yang
Venture & Innovation Advisor
Chinese
Professor of Entrepreneurship at Tsinghua University and MENA innovation hub advisor, with projects linking China and the Gulf.
Amina Abdi
Family Office & Private Wealth Advisor
Tunisian
Private wealth manager and consultant to GCC family offices, specializing in cross-border structuring and philanthropic finance.
Patrick Johnson
Institutional Investor Advisor
Irish-American
Retired CIO of a major US pension fund and former advisor to several sovereign funds investing in MENA and Africa.