Dr. Alistair Mokoena is the Country Director for Google South Africa. His academic qualifications include Bcomm, LLB, Management Development Programme (MDP), Executive Development Programme (EDP), MBA and PhD in Business Administration. He is a qualified Chartered Marketer with 25 years corporate experience. He spent the first half of his career in the following roles: Brand Manager at Unilever, Senior Brand Manager at Tiger Brands, Marketing Manager SAB Miller, Marketing Director at Mondelez and Absa bank respectively.

Dr. Mokoena has dedicated the second half of his career to executive roles in the advertising, media and technology industries, as well as academia. He was previously Managing Director of FCB Advertising Agency and Group Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy South Africa where he spearheaded their digital transformation journey and presided over Ogilvy’s record-setting award wins. He has received many industry awards over the years including the Global Brands’ Best Advertising and Marketing Leader in South Africa in 2019.

He joined Google in April 2020 as Country Director for South Africa. His role involves managing Google’s commercial operations in Southern Africa and collaborating with customers and social partners in accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. Bridging the digital divide is an ideal that inspires Dr. Mokoena to ensure that Africa benefits from Google’s technology.

Dr. Mokoena previously served on a number of Marketing and Advertising industry bodies in the following capacities: Deputy Chairman of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), Chairman of the Integrated Advertising Bureau (IAB), member of the Advertising Regulatory Board’s (ARB) Final Appeal Committee, founding member of the Johannesburg Business School’s International Advisory Board, and member of the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for Intelligent Systems’ Advisory Board. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the North West University Business School, and is a board member for the American Society of South Africa.

Dr. Mokoena is an Extraordinary Professor of Practice at the North-West University Business School, an external examiner for Botho University in Botswana, a postgraduate supervisor at Vega School and a Council member at the University of Johannesburg. He has published articles in academic journals, contributed book chapters, reviewed several books and delivered papers at international academic conferences. He recently launched his first book, “Servings of self-mastery” which is in the top 50 fastest selling books across all book genres in South Africa. He coaches young professionals, mentors Small Micro and Medium Enterprises and is a regular guest speaker at international business schools and at industry events. He is passionate about the role that responsible Artificial Intelligence can play in making the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals a reality in our lifetime

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Barry van Zyl is a world-renowned musician with over 30 years experience in thecreative sector, from performance and production to executive education,strategy and business development. Having toured the world for 21 years withSouth Africa’s most famous export, Johnny Clegg, and while working with artistslike Annie Lennox, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel and Die Antwoord, Barrycompleted an MBA at Henley Business School and is now focused on the businessof music, creativity, and culture. Since 2018 Barry has been growing newbusiness for Henley Business School, starting in Nigeria and then in otherareas of west and east Africa, with the aim of ‘building the people, that buildthe businesses that build Africa’. As the Chair of Henley’s pan-African Alumnicommunity, Barry is leveraging Henley’s network of 80,000 alumni to build thebrand in new territories, develop the offer in existing markets, and createinnovative new revenue streams. Barry is partnering with premium organizationslike the Temple Management & Ogidi Studios group, and developing excitingprojects focused on creativity, content production, the future of music andeducation. In addition to this work, Barry embraces his passion for themarriage of the creative sector and executive leadership by designing anddelivering corporate leadership programs in creativity and innovation,entrepreneurship, and the business of rhythm. His clients include major SouthAfrican companies in financial and professional services, energy, travel andeducation. Despite his immense success in the creative industry, Barry’s mostimportant job is being a role model to his teenage daughter.

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Andrew is Chief Executive of AMBA &BGA – the Association of MBAs and the Business Graduates Association.

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Andrew commenced his career with Thomson Holidays (now TUI), then the world’s largest travel tour operator. He progressed to become Marketing and Commercial Director of Thomas Cook and then Sales and Marketing Director of Citibank Diners Club. He subsequently joined the Institute of Directors (IoD) as Chief Operating Officer.

Andrew has a strong interest in global leadership excellence. He has interviewed more than 100 of the world’s most influential leaders, in the fields of business, politics, sport and entertainment, including Bill Gates, Baroness Thatcher, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jack Welch, Sir Richard Branson and Sir David Attenborough. 

John is an integrative entrepreneur working across society, business and education to catalyse the development of global responsibility. During his undergraduate studies John founded two internet companies and went on to complete an MBA degree at the University of Pretoria's Graduate School of Management. He then worked at Discovery Health before joining Accenture's Strategy consulting division where he later set up the Sustainability practice in Dublin, Ireland. His passion to make a difference in his home country brought him back to SA in 2009 where he combines local advisory work with an international role as Executive Director of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI). The GRLI is held in strategic partnership with EFMD, AACSB International, oikos international and was co-founded with endorsement from the UN Global Compact.

Paul Kasimu recently retired after a seven-year stint as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Safaricom PLC, and over three decades as a Human Resource leader across various organisations. He currently serves as a HR Transformation and Change Advisor, where he advises organizations on HR Best Practice.Driven by a purpose to inspire the possibilities in others, Paul has extensive HR experience in public sector, banking, airline, FMCG, and telecoms from C-suite roles at East African Breweries, Kenya Airways and Barclays Bank (Now ABSA) East Africa, Botswana and the UK.He is an accredited executive coach and HR professional with distinct expertise in business partnering in the implementation of HR strategy, leadership and talent development and employer branding.In 2008, Paul became the first HR professional to be feted as the Manager of the Year at the Company of the Year Awards (COYA) in Kenya. Paul has spearheaded a culture transformation at Safaricom that saw the telco recognized as the Best Employer by the Federation of Kenya Employers in 2019. He is also credited with orchestrating the Amazing People Manager Program at East African Breweries and delivering a $12.5 million flight simulator at Kenya Airways.Paul holds a first degree in Economics and Sociology and a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Development. He is a former Chairman of the Institute of Human Resource Management, Kenya and is a Board Member of AMREF, Kenya.

Mario is the Institutional Relations Manager for ETS-GRE in EMEA. ETS stands for Educational Testing Service and is the largest private, not-for-profit educational testing and assessment organization and the creator of the GRE® General Test - the world's most widely used graduate and professional school admissions test. Previously, Mario held similar positions at other international assessment organizations such as Instituto Cervantes (Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Cambridge Assessment English (University of Cambridge).

In his current role, Mario works closely with universities, colleges and business schools in the region to help them attract top talent to their master's and doctoral programs by using GRE® scores as part of their holistic admissions process. Mario also works closely with student organizations to promote ETS's mission of advancing quality and equity in education for all learners worldwide.

Nicola Kleyn is an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Nicola was the dean of GIBS from 2015 to 2020 and the former dean of Post-Experience Education at the Rotterdam School of Management between 2020 and 2023. Nicola now lives in Atlanta (USA) and is an active researcher in the fields of corporate branding and academic leadership. She also regularly travels to South Africa to teach a number of marketing and branding courses at GIBS and is an active supporter of a number of business school organisations including AABS.

Ralph is professor at the UCT Graduate School of Business. He works on business sustainability and social innovation and entrepreneurship and his papers address topics such as environmental strategy of wine firms, corporate responsibility and irresponsibility in mining, and social innovation through cross-sector collaboration. Previously, he was Research Director at the UCT Graduate School of Business, and Research Chair at the African Climate and Development Institute. Among his other roles, he is the co-founder of the South African leg of the Embedding Project and the Southern Africa Food Lab, two award-winning initiatives bridging research and practice. He is an executive editor of Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, and a member of the editorial board of Strategic Organization. Ralph has been a visiting scholar or consultant in different parts of the world, most recently as Pearson Visiting Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship at Brown University.

Aakash Nagpal is currently leading as the Head of Client Services for South Asia, Middle East & Africa at Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™).With a strong focus on admissions, he oversees strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including business schools, strategic partners & industry associations, , to elevate GMAC's market presence and influence across the region. Aakash has expertise in Admission strategies, Campus Hiring, branding and Digital Marketing through his impactful roles at Indian School of Business(ISB, Hyderabad), IMI-New Delhi, Deakin Co., & Great Lakes Institute of Management.

Professor Dr. Andreas Altmann is the Rector and CEO of MCI, The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck, Austria. He holds a doctorate from Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, where he also completed his habilitation, signifying his expertise in business administration and management.

Under his leadership, MCI has become a leading business school focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and internationalization. As a respected academic, Professor Altmann has contributed to various research publications and conferences in the areas of strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

He is dedicated to integrating practical business experience into academic programs, preparing students for the evolving business landscape. His leadership has helped position MCI as a key institution for entrepreneurial education.

Greg is a leader in responsible AI, focusing on leadership, strategy, and opportunities. He is the Co-Founder & CEO of the African Academy of Artificial Intelligence, a firm that trains and consults organizations on integrating AI into their strategy, operations, and products. This integration drives competitive advantage and future- proofs businesses. He is a lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), preparing future leaders with vital expertise in AI, Strategy, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.

Hugues LEVECQ is Deputy Dean of ESSEC Africa. He joined Essec in 2008 as the Associate Dean for the Specialized Masters. He was appointed Dean of the Global BBA in 2013, a program he ran and developed until 2021.

He holds an MBA and a PhD form the Stern School of Business, New York University. His research interests are in the field of market microstructure, and the design of electronic markets.

He was an Assistant Professor at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and held a similar position at Baruch College, CUNY, until returning to France in 2003.

He is dedicated to the development of higher education in Africa, leveraging ESSEC Africa to enhance diversity and build bridges between the continent and the rest of the world, providing African students with international mobility opportunities.

Immaculata Segooa has a  master’s degree in business administration focusing on the Shared Value business model, which encapsulates her firm belief in the need for business to utilise its profit-making operations to address social challenges. She is a business professional, with over 25 years’ experience in Marketing and related fields.

As Head of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) at Discovery, Immaculata is responsible for leading the integration of marketing communication across all brand touch-points through brand design, advertising and media, content management, and operations for the Discovery brand and its product verticals., Immaculata is the Deputy Chairperson of MASA, and serves on the boards of the MRF, the ABC and is also a member of the Vega School of Brand Leadership  Advisory Council. She is the Group Head of Integrated Marketing Communications at Discovery and a Shared Value advocate.

Mills Soko is Professor of International Business and Strategy at Wits Business School (WBS), and also serves as the WBS’s Director of Development and Partnerships.   He is the author of the highly acclaimed book South Africa and the World, and co-author (with Greg Mills and Ray Hartley) of the bestseller The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. He holds a BSoc Science degree from the University of Cape Town, an MA in

International Studies from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as an MA and Doctorate in International Political Economy from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.

Salma El Masri is an architect with a decade of professional experience, fueled by a profound passion for environmental design. She obtained her master's degree in "Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment" at Cambridge University, and during her academic journey, she gained in-depth knowledge of the importance of an integrated collaborative approach across disciplines in order to tackle the global challenges and achieve the "sustainable development goals". Apart from her role at ESLSCA, she’s the CSO of Climate inc. She is dedicated as an Edge Expert and a GRI Certified Professional, to help companies discover sustainable solutions for the often-conflicting needs of the people, environment, and business success.

Introducing Tiekie Barnard, an inspirational leader serving as the Founder and CEO of two exceptional organisations, Shift Impact Africa and the Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI). With an unyielding commitment to the African continent and a profound belief in the transformative power of the Shared Value Business Management concept, Tiekie's path has been defined by her tireless efforts to advocate for and engage the private sector in the deliberate creation of value for all through their core business practices.

At the helm of the Shared Value Africa Initiative, Tiekie champions the adoption of the Shared Value Business Management model across the African private sector. Partnering with luminaries like Prof. Michael Porter and Prof. Mark Kramer from Harvard Business School, SVAI, launched on Africa Day in 2018, has fostered a presence in 12 African countries. Complementing counterparts in India, Hong Kong, Australia, and the USA, these networks collectively strive for a world where every company and entrepreneur on the African soil consciously crafts Shared Value—simultaneously generating economic value and societal benefits.

Beyond her pioneering work in business, Tiekie is an advocate for gender equality and a fervent fighter against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). In June 2020, she spearheaded the GBVF #ITSNOTOK movement under the Shared Value Africa Initiative's banner. This movement has forged impactful collaborations, hosted illuminating webinars, and actively contributed to the GBV National Strategic Plan collaborative, shedding light on the pressing issue of GBV and igniting change through collaboration between the private sector and government.

Tiekie's influence stretches across various spheres, from being a Shared Value Strategist to her Gold Membership in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Her affiliations include the Vega School of Brand Leadership Advisory Committee, the global Shared Value steering committee, Agrilux Marketing Advisory Committee, and she serves as a Board Member for Creatella Impact—an NYC-based impact investment firm. Additionally, her role as a faculty member at Strathmore Business School (Kenya) underscores her expertise in Shared Value Business Management. Notably, Tiekie co-conceptualized and co-delivered the first-ever Shared Value course on the African continent, a collaborative effort between SVAI and Strathmore Business School in September 2020.

Recognition has followed Tiekie's journey, with nominations for the South Africa Businesswomen’s Association Regional Business Achievers Award in the Social Entrepreneurship Category in 2017. The accolades continued in December 2020, as she was honored as one of Africa’s Women Leaders by the World Women Leadership Congress and Awards. Notably, in September 2021, Tiekie's visionary leadership was acknowledged by the Conscious Companies Awards, propelling the Shared Value Africa Initiative into the ranks of South Africa's top 10 Conscious Companies.

Tiekie Barnard's journey radiates a resounding message: the fusion of purpose and profit holds the key to transforming businesses into forces of positive change.

Chris Ogbechie is the Dean of Lagos Business School at Pan-Atlantic University and a Professor of Strategic Management. He also serves as a visiting professor at Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester University, an MBA from Manchester Business School, and a PhD in Business Administration from Brunel Business School, UK.

Appointed as the fourth dean of Lagos Business School on January 1, 2021, Professor Ogbechie is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the School and overseeing its academic and administrative operations. He has extensive experience in marketing, strategy, and corporate governance, having previously served as Head of Marketing/Sales at Nestle Nigeria and consulted for firms in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. At Nestle, he also held international roles in Malaysia, Singapore, and Switzerland.

Professor Ogbechie teaches strategy, sustainability, and corporate governance at Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School. He is the founding Director of Lagos Business School’s Sustainability Centre. His research focuses on strategy in turbulent environments, board effectiveness, and corporate sustainability. He has published multiple works on financial services marketing, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility, including two books and several journal articles on these topics.

Outside of academia, Professor Ogbechie has been involved with several start-ups and has served on various boards, including Diamond Bank Plc, Red Star Express Plc (FedEx), National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc (NASCON), and Health Partners. He also contributes to community service and philanthropy.

As CEO of the Global Business School Network (GBSN), Dan has been stewarding business school efforts to unlock society’s potential for more inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Prior to GBSN, Dan helped transform AACSB from a US accrediting body to a global thought leader and internationally respected quality assurance agency. Before AACSB, Dan was a tenured associate professor and associate dean at The University of Tampa. He earned a PhD from the University of Florida writing on game theory.

Mrs. Seynabou DIALLO has been the General Manager of the African Institute of Management IAM-Bamako in Mali since October 21, 2021. In this capacity, she oversees all activities of the institute.

She joined IAM in 2002 and has held various management positions, including:

• 2004 - 2010: Head of Business Development and International Cooperation.

• 2014 - 2016: Secretary General of the IAM Group.

• 2016 - 2017: Director in charge of Management of Administrative and Legal Affairs.

• 2017 - 2020: Senior Advisor in charge of Administrative and Legal Affairs.

• 2020-2021: Director of Careers and Relations with Companies.

This extensive professional experience stems from major projects she has led within the IAM Group:

• International cooperation,

• Membership in AABS, EFMD, RIDEPES/CAMES, AUF,

• Certification to ISO 9001 standards,

• Recognition of diplomas by CAMES,

• Recognition of IAM as a Center of Excellence of the UEMOA.

She has had previous professional experiences at AG Partners Dakar, Com2Com, and the Autonomous Port of Dakar.

A product of IAM, Seynabou DIALLO holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management (M.G.O.) from the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (2007) obtained in conjunction with a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Strategic Management from IAM (2005).

She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at IAM. Seynabou DIALLO is a mother of three children.

For several years, she has been actively involved in service organizations such as the Lions Club International, which is the largest humanitarian organization with nearly 1.5 million members worldwide. Starting as a basic member, she has risen through the ranks from Club President between 2018-2019 to Zone 114 President in 2020-2021.

Seynabou, naturally curious, enjoys traveling and culinary discoveries.

Dr. Nizar Becheikh is Associate Professor of Strategy and Innovation Management at the American University in Cairo School of Business (AUC, Egypt). He served as Interim Dean of the School in 2017, and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research from 2013 to 2018. He also served as Director of the EMBA, MBA, and CEMS/MIM programs at AUC. Prior to joining AUC, he served as Director of the EMBA program jointly offered by Nile University (Egypt) and IESE Business School (Barcelona, Spain). Dr. Becheikh has also served as board member of the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) from 2017 to 2023, and is currently a member of the AABS accreditation committee.

Dr. Randall Carolissen boasts a diverse career spanning industrial engineering, academia, finance, and taxation. He led transformative initiatives at organizations like SABS and SARS, contributing to fiscal stability and international recognition. Active in social activism, he pioneered community-building programs and educational initiatives. Appointed as NSFAS Administrator, he successfully resolved governance issues, earning praise from President Cyril Ramaphosa. Currently, as Dean of JBS, he drives digital innovation in business education, cementing his legacy as a leader in both academia and societal advancement.