MESIF LONDON 2026

Ibrahim Almoaiqel is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment and Privatization at the Ministry of Sport in Saudi Arabia, leading efforts to commercialize the sports sector, expand private sector involvement, and oversee the national privatization program—ranging from transforming state-owned sports clubs into private entities to evaluating the privatization of major sports assets including Stadia and Sports cities.

Aphrodite Moschoudi is an accomplished professional with expertise in major sports projects and events. Her career highlights include extensive involvement in bidding, strategic planning and delivery of major events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Arab Games, FIFA World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup, Asian Cup, World Championships in Athletics and IPC Para-Athletics. Aphrodite has recently joined Qatar Tourism as a Director of Planning and Quality.

Dr. Enes Efendiolglu serves as Director General of Youth Services at Türkiye’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, overseeing a national infrastructure of nearly 1,000 facilities, including 580 youth centres, 374 youth offices and 43 youth camps, operating across all 81 provinces. The directorate employs more than 4,000 full-time staff and reaches millions of young people through programmes his team has built and continues to expand, including ÜNİDES, a direct funding mechanism for university student clubs that has supported thousands of projects across Türkiye over the past two years. 

Taylor J. Agisim is a global senior executive with two decades of experience, working in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia & the Middle East.  Mr. Agisim has intertwined experience as a lead principal investor, entrepreneur, coupled with operating experience, working for leading corporate entities & public sector institutions.  He has contributed industry development, through country placemaking, infrastructure development, content creation & community initiatives, earning numerous industry awards.

Eng. Mansour Al Mokbel, the CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Company. He plays a leading role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s global motorsport presence, driving major events like Formula 1 and Dakar, and aligning the industry with Vision 2030. With a strong background in strategic leadership across government and industry, Eng. Mansour is helping position the Kingdom as a hub for innovation, investment, and sporting excellence.

James Bisgrove is an internationally experienced football CEO, currently leading Al-Qadsiah Club, one of Saudi Arabia’s major professional clubs. Previously held executive and board roles with Rangers FC, SPFL, TEAM Marketing, UEFA Champions League & Europa League, as well as Emirates Airline—working with global rights holders including Formula 1, FIFA, and Real Madrid. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, enhancing fan engagement, and developing progressive elite performance environments.

Rawan Albutairi is CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), leading the strategic execution of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This mandate is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, driving efforts to develop a thriving esports ecosystem that fosters innovation, talent development and sustainable growth. Beyond SEF, Rawan holds senior positions for both the GCC and Arab Esports Federations, facilitating cross-border collaboration as MENA continues to emerge as one the fastest growing markets in the esports industry.

Kamel Badawy is a distinguished business leader with over 18 years of extensive experience across various domains, including sports operations management, strategic partnerships, sponsorship, events management, and commercialization. Currently serving as the Chief of Data and Strategic Alliance at Aspire Zone Foundation, Kamel exemplifies dynamic leadership and unparalleled expertise in driving business success. 

Fahad AlSububaie is an accomplished Strategic Management Executive with over two decades of experience leading digital transformation and driving business growth across diverse industries. With expertise in digital marketing, project management, international business development, and information technology, Fahad has a proven track record of navigating complex commercial environments, identifying opportunities, and delivering impactful strategic initiatives.

Basim K. Ibrahim, CLSS, CIPM, is passionate about the opportunities for sport development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned Investment Attraction & Development Manager with 20 years of diverse professional experience in Investment, IT, Training, Project Management, and Research.

Ali Russell is a sports industry executive with over 25 years of experience spanning motorsport, football, and rugby. He serves as the Managing Director of Extreme H (and previously Extreme E), helping lead the sustainable off-road racing series. Ali joined as part of the founding team in January 2019 as Chief Marketing Officer before being promoted to Managing Director in May 2023, overseeing commercial operations, race logistics, and stakeholder management.

Hassan El Kamah is a sport marketeer with over 15 years of experience in the sport industry. Currently he is the Commercial Director at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overseeing TV rights, Sponsorships, and Marketing based in Cairo, Egypt. Hassan’s educational background is in Economics, and is an alumni of the FIFA Master program, also holds a Sport Management Master’s Degree from University of San Francisco, USA.

Shaima Saleh AlHusseini is the Managing Director of the Saudi Sports for All Federation. Shaima advocates for a healthy lifestyle by inspiring all members of society to be physically active. This commitment reflects her desire to highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower girls and women to play a role in the development of a vibrant society and healthy, active communities.

Dr. Zied Abbes is an international sports executive, consultant, and aquatics expert with extensive experience spanning major sports events and management across the GCC and internationally. Zied specialises in Olympic projects, elite camp and competition planning, federation strategy, and sports development.

Munir Khoja is the Managing Director of Jameel Motorsport and a prominent leader within the automotive and marketing sectors. Munir was appointed as Managing Director, where he oversees the division focused on bridging physical motorsports and the digital gaming world, youth development, and supporting initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Fjolla Holzleithner is an entrepreneur and the founder of Dayholi. She founded Dayholi as a global virtual reality (VR) based experience and technology platform designed to connect people with places and presence through immersive tech, spanning fields such as tourism, wellbeing, education, and accessibility. She is also known as the founder and CEO of Brand Embassy, a prominent promotions and staffing agency, and is well-connected within the luxury travel retail and marketing sectors.

Mark Geday is a corporate partner at the law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, based in London. He has over 20 years of experience advising clients across the private equity, asset management, and corporate sectors. Mark's work covers private and public company law, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), disposals, restructurings, joint ventures, fundraisings, and strategic stakes. He is also a member of the firm's SPAC Task Force.

Ryan Norys is a sports business executive currently serving as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Ryan has extensive experience in sports management, commercial partnerships, and revenue generation across major global sports organizations. 

Scott Tainsky is a Full Professor and the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations in the David B. Falk College of Sport at Syracuse University. Prior to joining Syracuse University, he served as a Professor of Management and Director of Sport & Entertainment Management at Wayne State University, and previously held faculty and administrative roles at the University of Illinois.

Ahmed Abas is a business and real estate advisory professional who serves as the Regional Head of Sports and Entertainment at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle). Leading the Sports and Entertainment sector practice for JLL in the region, guiding strategic advisory, investments, and developments tied to major sports, leisure, and entertainment infrastructure.

Eniola "Eni" Aluko MBE is a British-Nigerian football executive, broadcaster, former professional player, and qualified lawyer. She is also an investor for Mercury 13.  As a prolific forward, Eniola earned over 100 caps for the England national team, competed in multiple World Cups and Euros, and represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics. She has since transitioned into football administration, serving as the sporting director for Aston Villa Women and the inaugural sporting director for Angel City FC in Los Angeles.

Abdulla Ali Al-Mawlawi is Executive Director of Communications & Guest Relations for the Local Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the biggest event in world basketball, bringing 32 national teams and 92 games to four arenas across Qatar in August and September 2027. He leads the tournament's communications, media engagement and guest experience, from the eFIBA World Finals staged in Doha to the unveiling of venues including the newly reconfigured Al Janoub Arena. As Qatar builds on its FIFA World Cup legacy with basketball's global showpiece, Abdulla sits at the centre of how the tournament — and the nation — tells its story to the world.

Chris Limpach serves as the Director for the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and General Manager at Musco Lighting Europe Ltd.

He has a prominent role in overseeing Musco Lighting's operations, business development, and major sports infrastructure projects across the EMEA region. Under his leadership and management, the company continues to supply cutting-edge LED floodlighting systems and total lighting solutions for high-profile sports venues, stadiums, and large area facilities—including major Premier League football grounds like Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Rhys Courtney is a Senior Principal and key leader of projects and business development for the global architectural firm Populous. He has been with Populous since 2009, establishing deep expertise in the architecture of sports and entertainment venues—particularly specializing in football stadiums, rugby grounds, multipurpose arenas, esports facilities, and sports masterplanning across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Americas regions.

Musa Jibat is the General Manager for the Middle East at Musco Lighting. 

Musa has been with the company for many years, previously serving as a Project Engineer, Head of the Projects Department, and Territory Development Manager for the Middle East before stepping into the General Manager role.

He has overseen major regional lighting installations, including high-profile sports infrastructure projects such as the lighting for the Jeddah Corniche Formula 1 Circuit.

Dr. Rodney Paul is a Professor in the Department of Sport Management and is the Director of the Sport Analytics Program at Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport. He is also a sports economist and academic administrator.

Rodney has an extensive background consulting for professional sports leagues and teams, and frequently serves as an expert media source on sports business for outlets like Forbes, NPR, and CFO Magazine.

Mickey Stewart MBE is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AEI Saudi (Arabian Enterprise Incubators), a company that assists international businesses with market entry, company formation, and operational support in the Kingdom.

Before joining AEI in 2021, Mickey served for over 20 years in the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). Following his military career, he transitioned into the private sector, working with UK FTSE 100 companies as well as SMEs in operational and leadership roles.

As Deputy CEO, he leads strategic business development and oversees the integration process between new clients and AEI's service delivery teams. 

Miguel Viana is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Unlock Brands, the branding studio behind the visual identity of some of world sport's biggest properties. Over a 25-year career he has developed comprehensive branding programmes for FIFA, UEFA, FIBA, European Aquatics, Expo Doha and the Lusail International Circuit — and before founding Unlock Brands, led the team that designed the official emblem of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. As Gulf sport invests billions in properties the world will watch, Miguel's expertise answers a deceptively simple question: how a sporting event becomes a brand the world remembers.

Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed is the founder and host of the TWENTY30 Podcast. She is a researcher, policy advisor, and entrepreneur specializing in education, youth development, and social impact. Raised between Saudi Arabia and the United States, her work and academic background span teaching, research, policy, and global partnerships.

Her podcast (alongside Lucien Zeigler), is a prominent bi-weekly English-language program and media platform that explores Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic, social, and cultural transformations through expert insights, exclusive interviews, and deep dives into regional developments.

Chris Lencheski is a globally recognised sports, media and entertainment executive with more than 30 years of experience across sports marketing, investment, commercial partnerships and live entertainment. He is Chairman of Phoenicia Sport and Entertainment and Co-Founder of SKI Partners, advising businesses and investors across the sports and entertainment ecosystem. Chris has worked across major global properties including Formula 1, the Olympics, World Cup and major U.S. sports, and is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University.

Iris Córdoba Mondéjar is Managing Director of the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft (GSIC), the world's leading ecosystem connecting sports organisations with the technology transforming them. From its Madrid headquarters she has built sport-tech networks spanning Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, guiding federations, leagues and clubs through digital transformation. Recognised among Spain's most influential women leaders, Iris sits at the global intersection of sport, technology and investment — bringing to MESIF a unique view of which innovations are genuinely reshaping the industry, and how the Gulf can lead rather than follow.

Honorary Member of Al-Nassr FC

Andrew Day is the Head of Sports Strategy at HUMAIN Sport.

He has over 30 years of experience managing data and AI-led transformations for major global companies across media, telecommunications, financial services, and retail sectors.

Andrew's career includes executive leadership and strategy roles with prominent organizations such as Telefónica, News UK, and Sainsbury's.

At HUMAIN Sport, his work focuses on how artificial intelligence and data-driven insights are reshaping competitive sports, talent development, and strategy.

Joe Rafferty is the Event & Business Development Director at Oman Sail, an organization operating under the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) tasked with reviving Oman's maritime heritage, promoting the country internationally through sport, and creating developmental opportunities for youth.

Joe has a diverse sports industry background spanning marketing, commercial management, and event operations.

He leads the private sector revenue generation, strategic development, and event initiatives as Event & Business Development Director.

He has held prominent positions with major international brands and sporting entities, including operations and marketing roles at IRONMAN, IMG (as Business Development Director, Head of Special Projects, and Marketing & Sponsorship Manager), Modern Green, Sunderland AFC, adidas, and Nike.

Ahmed Hossam Awad serves as a Member of the Board of Directors, helping oversee the club's professional football operations, commercial ventures, and strategic investments.

He previously held the position of Head of the Youth Committee for Al Ahly Club, focusing on talent development and the club's youth academy infrastructure. Ahmed has past experience serving as a board member for the national governing body and holds a diploma in sports management/marketing from the prestigious Johan Cruyff Institute in Spain.

Ibrahim Akhtar is an Investment Vice President at APEX Capital, an investment platform and venture capital firm based in London that bridges professional sports and high-growth investment strategies.

Ibrahim focuses on venture capital, growth, and private equity investments within the sports, technology, and entertainment sectors.

He has built a strong background in corporate finance and strategy, holding roles including Investment Banking Associate and Corporate Development & Strategy Associate at Deutsche Bank, as well as experience at Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management).

William Troost-Ekong is a professional footballer who plays for Al-Ahli SC in the Qatar Stars League, as a centre-back. He joined the club in January 2026 after a stint with Al Kholood. 

Known for his strong leadership and defensive qualities, he has enjoyed a well-traveled club career across Europe and the Middle East, alongside a stellar international career with the Nigeria national team.

Over his career, he has represented several notable clubs, including PAOK (Greece), Watford (England), Udinese (Italy), Bursaspor (Turkey), and Salernitana (Italy).

Trevor brings more than 25 years at the heart of the business of sport. As Global Head of Sport and Entertainment at Pinsent Masons, he leads a team of over 135 professionals advising across every corner of the industry. He led the 1997 rescue of AFC Bournemouth as Chairman, overseeing the club's strategy and the development of its current stadium, and served as a director of the English Football League, leading negotiations with the European Commission on post-Bosman transfer reform. His recent deal work includes the sale of Everton FC, the acquisition of Burnley FC and the sale of West Bromwich Albion, with extensive experience across the Middle East through the firm's four regional offices.

His Excellency Issa Hilal Al-Hazami is a dynamic leader in the UAE sports community, currently serving as the Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council since July 2020. With a passion for advancing sports and community well-being, he has driven significant initiatives that have shaped the sports landscape in Sharjah. Prior to this, he served as the Secretary General of the Council from 2018 to 2020, and played a key role in national disaster management efforts at the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) from 2011 to 2020.

Melissa Lawton is Chief Content Officer at SailGP and heads the league’s global production strategy to create a breakthrough grand prix racing product in SailGP. From broadcast production to social media content creation and non-live content creation including SailGP’s docu-series Racing on the Edge, Lawton has played an integral role in bringing the world’s most exciting race on water closer to fans than ever before.Prior to SailGP, Lawton was the Head of Production at Meta for just over four years. She was also previously Head of Live Content for Red Bull TV for five years. Her career has included long-term production roles at events such as the Beijing and Sydney Olympics, FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, and the Commonwealth Games in India.

Ahmad Abu Gheith is CEO of Black Orange, the Saudi-headquartered live events agency delivering brand experiences, ceremonies and international major events across Jeddah, Riyadh and Dubai, growing to over 300 people in peak season. His career spans some of the region's most high-profile productions, previously as Chief Operating Officer of HQ Worldwide Shows and in senior roles at Blink Experience. A judge for the Middle East Event Awards and a returning MESIF partner, Ahmad has helped build the creative delivery industry the Kingdom's events boom runs on — and knows exactly where its next opportunities lie.

Lizzie Fluke is a performance director and sports environment specialist whose work focuses on designing integrated performance structures, sports governance, and athlete development frameworks.

Lizzie specializes in building coordinated high-performance environments—connecting sports science, medicine, coaching, and administrative structures across elite football, Olympic disciplines, and multi-sport programs.

Her professional footprint spans the UK, Europe, and the MENA region, where she has worked with clubs, national governing bodies, and strategic transformation initiatives.

Olivier Brémont is the Co-Founder at Game Changers, a UK-based sports technology and data-driven company focused on sports innovation, fan engagement, and commercial growth.

Olivier has over 20 years of global experience working across strategic commercial leadership, partnership sales, and business development within the sports and entertainment industries. His extensive career includes holding leadership and commercial roles with high-profile organizations such as Red Bull, adidas, Formula E, the Volvo Ocean Race, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and UEFA.

Juan Cruz Gotta is the Founder and CEO of LIBRODEPASES, an AI-powered sportstech platform and digital scouting network designed to connect football players, agents, and clubs worldwide.

Norman Simon is the Founder, CEO, and Managing Director of onGRID (onGRID Sports Technology GmbH), a Berlin-based digital platform tailored for the motorsports industry.

Before founding onGRID, Norman Simon had an extensive career in professional motorsports as a racing driver. His background includes competing in various national and international racing series—such as Formula 3000, the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), FIA GT, Japanese GT racing, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Drawing on his deep firsthand experience within the motorsport ecosystem, he established onGRID to create an all-digital platform connecting drivers, teams, and event organizers to streamline event registration, management, and communication.

Karim Fawaz is a software engineer, multi-award-winning sports-tech entrepreneur, and the Founder and CEO of PLAYBACK SPORTS AI.

He studied Computer Science at Queen Mary University of London and has also worked as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon, where he contributed to supply chain automation tools.

Often described as building the "Operating System for Sports", PLAYBACK focuses on video and footage-based solutions for grassroots sports, helping to capture, share, and manage performance data for players and academies.

Charlotte Melchert is CEO & Founder of World’s Sports Group, a global sports business focused on endurance and mass participation. With extensive experience across the international sports industry, Charlotte specialises in connecting events, athletes, brands and destinations to unlock growth and commercial opportunities. She is a leading voice on the evolution of mass participation sport, sports tourism and participation-driven investment, with particular expertise in running, cycling and triathlon. Charlotte is passionate about the role sport can play in driving economic growth, wellbeing and international connectivity.

Michelle Banks is a business leader and entrepreneur based in the United Kingdom. She serves as the director and founder of Connect Experiences Limited, a UK-registered private company established in June 2024.

In addition to her role at Connect Experiences, she has been involved in organizational and community leadership, including serving as a regional ambassador for networks like Women in Tech. Her professional background spans corporate direction, digital and experiential engagement initiatives, and leadership development.