Abu Dhabi Speakers
Overview Speakers Venue Apply To Attend
Doing Business in Brazil: New Trajectories for Growth
2 November, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
Richard Lapper
Editor, Brazil Confidential
Financial Times
Richard Lapper was appointed Southern Africa bureau chief for the Financial Times in October 2008, having spent 10 years as Latin America editor, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Prior to joining the FT in 1990, he was a correspondent for a number of publications, living and working in Central America between 1981 and 1983.
Simon N Cooper
Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
HSBC Middle East & North Africa
Simon Cooper assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Middle East and North Africa in May 2009.
Mr Cooper was appointed a Group General Manager of HSBC in May 2008 and is responsible for HSBC Groups business in the MENA region
He is a Board member of:
- HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (Deputy Chairman)
- HSBC Bank Egypt S.A.E. (Deputy Chairman)
- British Arab Commercial Bank plc.
- The Saudi British Bank
Prior to this he was President and CEO of HSBC Korea.
Between 2004 and 2006, Mr Cooper was the Managing Director and Head of Corporate & Investment Banking in Singapore.
Mr Cooper was previously the Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Corporate & Investment Banking in HSBC Thailand from 2001 to 2003. Prior to his role in Thailand, Mr Cooper had 12 years of experience as a Director in corporate finance with the HSBC group in London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
H.E. Salah Salem Bin Omeir Al Shamsi
Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Al Quadra Holding and Board Member
Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development
H.E. Salah Salem Bin Omeir Al Shamsi has played an important and effective role in the development of the present and future of the Economic Sector in the United Arab Emirates and especially in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Today, Eng. Al Shamsi is one of the most renowned economic tycoons of the Abu Dhabi Emirate.
His first post was at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). His time at ADNOC was highlighted by obvious structural developments and reduction of expenditures and constant training and improvement of Human Resources. His contributions played an important role in the development of major projects including the Corniche Buildings, both Habshan and Ruwais projects as well as the industrial projects of Dass Island.
Eng. Al Shamsi chaired the Board of FERTIL (Ruwais Fertiliser Industries) and was a very active board member in corporations such as GASCO and ADGAS and the NPCC (National Petroleum Construction Company). Throughout, he has ensured that the companies keep up with the highest technologies in the field through constant participation in scientific and informative seminars and international conferences and advanced seminars in administration and project management in the USA and Europe.
In 1988, he was chosen in the 'Who's Who Professionals' Encyclopedia'. Moreover, he was chosen as one of the biggest business leaders in the GCC by the FORBES American magazine and one of the most influential Arab personalities for 2007 by the magazine 'Arabian Business'.
H.E. heads one of the largest and most successful groups of companies which are involved in multiple commercial, industrial and service activities: Al Qudra Holding. The holding has a history rich in achievements whereas it has played a major role in the development, modernisation, and the renaissance taking place in the UAE and especially in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Since taking on his position as President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he has been working on radical changes counting on the creation of incentives that encourage employees to submit suggestions and projects and to constantly provide the ideal environment for the finest employees. He expects his vision to provide the Chamber with positive results within a short period of time.
Eng. Al Shamsi has participated in founding multiple successful companies and private corporations such as Al Rayan Group, AL Khazna Insurance and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Tarek Farahat
President
Procter & Gamble, Brazil
Tarek Farahat heads the operations of Procter & Gamble in one of its large subsidiaries, Brazil. Mr Farahat has served the Procter & Gamble company for more than 21 years. He has versatile experience. He served the company in Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, France, Germany, Venezuela and Brazil, in country, regional and global roles. Mr. Farahat is a recognised thought leader and a change agent with a remarkable track record of business and organisational results. Some of his business achievements are documented in a Harvard Business Study, and are being taught in MBA classes. Mr Farahat serves as a Director in United Way Brazil as well as in the Brazilian Arab Chamber of Commerce.
HSBC is sponsoring Festival Brazil, a global celebration of contemporary Brazil in 2010
Web header image: Unidos da Tijuca samba school at the Sambodrome - Brazil - February 14, 2010
