London, UK – The Global Reputation Forum 2024 (GRF) successfully concluded its two-day event held from December 5-6, 2024, at the UK Houses of Parliament’s Portcullis House and the Financial Times headquarters. Under the theme “Leadership, Policy, and Governance in a Digital World,” the forum brought together high-profile leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts to explore strategies for building and safeguarding reputations in a digitally interconnected world.
Day 1 Highlights – December 5, 2024
The event was officially opened by Bell Ribeiro-Addy, UK Member of Parliament, who delivered a compelling Welcome Address, emphasizing the forum’s commitment to promoting thought leadership, diversity, and digital governance.
The agenda featured notable panels, fireside chats, and key discussions, including:
Fireside Chat: General Electric Company (GEC) Space Programme
Moderated by Bobbi Trehan-Young (Microsoft Subject Matter Expert & GEC Ambassador), the session featured experts such as Joel Singh (Director, GEC Space Programme), Sharmeli Ramchander (GEC Board Member), Mark Wheatley (DWC Space), and Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli MBE (CEO, AB5 Consulting), discussing space technology and global leadership in aerospace innovation.
Panel Discussion: Leadership, Policy & Governance in a Digital World
Chair Panel : Nuur Mohamud Sheekh
Former Spokesperson for the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) & Previously UN.
Industry leaders such as Hon. Robert Muchintha Chabinga (Zambia Parliament), Alice Bromage (CEO, Empowering Success), and Daniel N. Obah FCA (Office of the Accountant General, Nigeria) shared expert perspectives on digital policy, good governance, and the future of digital transformation.
Women, Business & Leadership
This session, chaired by Alice Bromage, highlighted the achievements of leading female executives, including Dr. Jane Kimemia (CEO, Optiva Capital Partners), Rachel Foko (Consultant), and Heather Lydia Mudhari (CEO, ZIMSCOT), focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.
Entertainment & Media in the Age of AI
Industry disruptors Edna Frenchwood, Oshoma Zekeri (CEO, Co-Founder), and Mary Martin explored how artificial intelligence is transforming media and entertainment.
Day 2 Highlights – December 6, 2024
Keynote Addresses:
•Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius (Virtual)
•Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Chairperson, United Africa Group
The second day featured dynamic discussions on critical global issues:
Fireside Chat: Breaking Barriers – Women Shaping the Future of Arts and Culture
Moderated by Edna Frenchwood, with insights from Dr. Shade Olukoya, this conversation explored women’s transformative roles in arts and culture.
Strategising for Expansion in a Protectionist Global Market
Leaders such as Bolaji Sofoluwe (Managing Director, EKT Group UK), Busie Matsiko-Andan (President, NY Africa Chamber of Commerce), and Pumela Salela (CEO, Invest Global) shared strategies for overcoming global trade barriers.
Fireside Chat: Financial Services & Africa’s Economic Future
With a focus on finance and sustainability, this chat explored how financial services can shape Africa’s economy through leadership and investment.
Diversity & Inclusion Panel: Driving Creative Solutions
Moderated by Cynthia Davis CBE (Founder/CEO, Diversity Group), the panel featured leaders like Lisa Sutton, Sharold Palmer, and Deborah Womack, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and sustainable innovation.
Leadership in Times of Uncertainty
Discussions led by Festus Akinbusoye (Bedfordshire Police Commissioner) and Muyiwa Oki (President, RIBA) examined leadership strategies during crises.
Award Presentations:
Outstanding leaders were recognized for their contributions in Leadership, Sustainability, Finance, Technology, and Diversity.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Moderated by Dr. Achese Inimgba (Founder, Medlenna Health Technology), this session featured medical technology experts such as Vadym Karpenko (CEO, Gera-IT), Mr. Ryan Kerstein FRCS (Consultant Plastic Surgeon), and Dr. Mena Wisdom, highlighting AI-driven healthcare innovations.
Closing Remarks
The Global Reputation Forum 2024 concluded with a call to action for leaders across sectors to adopt innovative, inclusive, and transparent practices to build resilient reputations in an evolving digital economy.
Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Event Chair, commended the speakers and participants for their impactful contributions, noting that the discussions will shape the future of global leadership and policy.
