Baroness Kay Swinburne

Baroness Kay Swinburne

Baroness Kay
Swinburne

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Housing and Communities) 

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

Baroness Kay Swinburne is a prominent figure in British politics and finance. Born in 1965, she gained recognition for her notable contributions to the European Union’s financial regulations during her tenure as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Wales from 2009 to 2019. With a background in finance, Baroness Swinburne served as Vice Chairman of the European Parliament’s influential Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, where she played a key role in shaping policies related to banking, capital markets, and financial stability. Her expertise and leadership were instrumental in navigating the complexities of financial legislation, particularly during the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
Before her political career, Baroness Swinburne held various senior positions in investment banking, including roles at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. Her extensive experience in the financial sector provided her with a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies and challenges, which she leveraged to advocate for sound and effective regulatory frameworks. Baroness Swinburne’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in finance has earned her respect both domestically and internationally. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed a Life Peer in the House of Lords in 2019, where she continues to actively engage in debates and policy discussions on financial matters. Outside of her political duties, Baroness Swinburne remains involved in various advisory roles and organizations focused on finance and governance. Her dedication to advancing responsible and inclusive financial practices underscores her reputation as a leading voice in the fields of finance and regulation.

Dr. Jen Jones

Jen Jones

Dr. Jen
Jones

Chief Executive Officer 
Galapagos Conservation Trust

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

Jen is a marine biologist with particular expertise in marine plastic pollution, undertaking some of the first research on microplastics in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. She joined GCT in 2011, and after several roles, including setting up GCT’s very first projects, was appointed Chief Executive in 2023. Jen is passionate about collaborating for conservation impact, from grassroots to government, and has recently contributed to the negotiations on a future UN Global Plastics Treaty. A major advocate for education and fair access to nature, Jen has driven GCT’s work with the local community, working to support the Islands’ future stewards. 

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

Jen is a marine biologist with particular expertise in marine plastic pollution, undertaking some of the first research on microplastics in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. She joined GCT in 2011, and after several roles, including setting up GCT’s very first projects, was appointed Chief Executive in 2023. Jen is passionate about collaborating for conservation impact, from grassroots to government, and has recently contributed to the negotiations on a future UN Global Plastics Treaty. A major advocate for education and fair access to nature, Jen has driven GCT’s work with the local community, working to support the Islands’ future stewards. 

He went on the found Hermes Equity Ownership Service, to provide an engagement service for a consortium of global pension funds. It now has $400 billion under advice, and is the largest stewardship resource of any fund manager in the world. 

Throughout the period, and to date David has been closely involved in efforts to promote responsible investment. He was closely involved in the establishment of the Principles for Responsible Investment, and chaired the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative in the run up to the Paris climate conference. He was on the board of the International Corporate Governance Network.

David-Pitt Watson

David-Pitt Watson

David-Pitt
Watson

Visiting Fellow 
Cambridge Judge Business School

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

David was born and brought up in Scotland. His father was a minister, who went on to be a professor of theology at Aberdeen and Fuller Seminary in California. His mother was a teacher of music and a homemaker. He has two sisters.

Educated at local schools in Bearsden and Aberdeen, he went on to study at the Queen’s College, Oxford and won a scholarship from the North of Scotland Rotary Club to take an MBA at Stanford University.

He is married to Ursula Barnes and has three grown-up children.

David’s interest in Responsible Investment and Corporate Governance dates back to 1990 when he joined the board of PIRC as a non-executive. PIRC was then alone and radical voice in the field. In 1992, PIRC became the chief advocate for the Cadbury Report, now recognized as a milestone in corporate accountability.

By the mid-1990s David was an advisor to Hermes Fund Managers which was pioneering new approaches to shareholder stewardship. In 1999 he joined them as director of their Focus Funds and went on to be CEO of the funds. These were Europe’s first ethical activist funds, explicitly seeking to use shareholder powers to improve company performance. 

David wrote the Hermes Principles, the first statement by any fund manager of the management disciplines they expected from companies, promising to support a company that fulfilled these principles in a hostile takeover.

He went on the found Hermes Equity Ownership Service, to provide an engagement service for a consortium of global pension funds. It now has $400 billion under advice and is the largest stewardship resource of any fund manager in the world.

Throughout the period, and to date David has been closely involved in efforts to promote responsible investment. He was closely involved in the establishment of the Principles for Responsible Investment and chaired the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative in the run-up to the Paris Climate Conference. He was on the board of the International Corporate Governance Network. 

Ruston Smith

Ruston Smith

Ruston
Smith

Chairman, 
Tesco Pension Fund

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

Ruston has 40 years experience in the pension fund and investment industry. He was the former Group Pensions, Insurable Risk and a People Director at Tesco and CEO of Tesco Pension Investment Ltd – FCA approved in house investment manager. Ruston is now the Chair of the Tesco Pension Fund (DB and DC) and FCA approved Tesco Pension Investment Ltd, Independent and Chair of the Funding and Investment Committee for the BAE Pension Fund, Non Exec Chair of JP Morgan Asset Management Ltd (UK and EMEA), Non Exec Chair of Smart Pension Ltd, Non Exec Chair of the Asset Management Exchange ICAV, Non Exec Chair of Guiide, Non Exec Chair of the Pensions Management Institute and Chair of GroceryAid, an industry charity. Ruston was on the DC Patient Capital Steering Committee and the Bank of England, Treasury and FCA’s Steering Group on Investment in Productive Finance and now sits on the Expert Panel for the British Venture Capital Association. He was a former Chair of the PLSA, Co Chair of the DWP’s 2017 Auto Enrolment Review Board, led the Simpler Annual Statement initiative (now a regulatory requirement), chaired the cross regulator and industry ‘Standardised Assumptions Group’, led the Members’ Costs and Charges Initiative and co-leads the Lifetime Savings Initiative. MBA with distinction and a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute, the Chartered Management Institute and the Royal Society of Arts. 

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

Ruston has 40 years of experience in the pension fund and investment industry. He was the former Group Pensions, Insurable Risk and a People Director at Tesco and CEO of Tesco Pension Investment Ltd – FCA-approved in-house investment manager. Ruston is now the Chair of the Tesco Pension Fund (DB and DC) and FCA-approved Tesco Pension Investment Ltd, Independent, and Chair of the Funding and Investment Committee for the BAE Pension Fund, Non-Exec Chair of JP Morgan Asset Management Ltd (UK and EMEA), Non-Exec Chair of Smart Pension Ltd, Non-Exec Chair of the Asset Management Exchange ICAV, Non-Exec Chair of Guiide, Non-Exec Chair of the Pensions Management Institute and Chair of GroceryAid, an industry charity. Ruston was on the DC Patient Capital Steering Committee and the Bank of England, Treasury, and FCA’s Steering Group on Investment in Productive Finance and now sits on the Expert Panel for the British Venture Capital Association. He was a former Chair of the PLSA, Co-Chair of the DWP’s 2017 Auto Enrolment Review Board, led the Simpler Annual Statement initiative (now a regulatory requirement), chaired the cross regulator and industry ‘Standardised Assumptions Group’, led the Members’ Costs and Charges Initiative and co-leads the Lifetime Savings Initiative. MBA with distinction and a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute, the Chartered Management Institute, and the Royal Society of Arts. 

She also serves on the board of GoLogiq, Inc. (OTC: GOLQ), a U.5.-based global provider of fintech and consumer data analytics. Candice is an Advisory Board member of the Family Office Association, a global mem­bership organization exclusive to single family offices and families of significant wealth, as well as a com­mittee member of the 1640 Society that caters to single family offices & ultra high net worth families. Candice was a member of the Board of Directors of I2BF Venture Fund II, a FSA regulated clean tech venture capital firm with offices in Dubai, New York, & London as well as an Advisory Board member of The Luxury Fund. 

She was also advisor to New Frontier Bio, a private investment arm of the Kennedy family, which co-founds, develops, and finances early stage innova­tive healthcare companies that have the potential to achieve validation, by transforming millions of lives and creating highly valuable businesses.

H.E. Dr Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf

H.E. Dr Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf

H.E. Dr Nayef Falah
Al-Hajraf

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (2020-2023)

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

H.E. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf was appointed secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council on February 1, 2020. He previously served as Kuwait’s 19th minister of finance. Al-Hajraf has more than 15 years of experience in public and private sector management, education, and financial consulting. Prior to his appointment, Al-Hajraf served as the country’s chief regulator of marketable securities in his capacity as the chairman of the Board of Commissioners and managing director of the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, the Capital Markets Authority matured into a world-class regulator and oversaw the privatization and development of Boursa Kuwait Securities Company, the operator of the country’s only stock exchange. Al-Hajraf previously served as Kuwait’s minister of finance for a brief period in 2012 and minister of education and minister of higher education from 2012 to 2014. He was also a member of the First Board of Commissioners of the Capital Markets Authority in 2010 and a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council. He holds a PhD in accounting and finance from the University of Hull, United Kingdom.

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

H.E. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf was appointed secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council on February 1, 2020. He previously served as Kuwait’s 19th minister of finance. Al-Hajraf has over` 15 years of experience in public and private sector management, education, and financial consulting. Before his appointment, Al-Hajraf served as the country’s chief regulator of marketable securities in his capacity as the chairman of the Board of Commissioners and managing director of the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, the Capital Markets Authority matured into a world-class regulator and oversaw the privatization and development of Boursa Kuwait Securities Company, the operator of the country’s only stock exchange. Al-Hajraf previously served as Kuwait’s minister of finance for a brief period in 2012 and minister of education and minister of higher education from 2012 to 2014. He was also a member of the First Board of Commissioners of the Capital Markets Authority in 2010 and a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council. He holds a PhD in accounting and finance from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. 

She also serves on the board of GoLogiq, Inc. (OTC: GOLQ), a U.5.-based global provider of fintech and consumer data analytics. Candice is an Advisory Board member of the Family Office Association, a global mem­bership organization exclusive to single family offices and families of significant wealth, as well as a com­mittee member of the 1640 Society that caters to single family offices & ultra high net worth families. Candice was a member of the Board of Directors of I2BF Venture Fund II, a FSA regulated clean tech venture capital firm with offices in Dubai, New York, & London as well as an Advisory Board member of The Luxury Fund. 

She was also advisor to New Frontier Bio, a private investment arm of the Kennedy family, which co-founds, develops, and finances early stage innova­tive healthcare companies that have the potential to achieve validation, by transforming millions of lives and creating highly valuable businesses.

Sandro Salsano

Sandro
Salsano

Global Leader
Educational Leader
Philanthropist

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

“Sandro Salsano’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to global development through entrepreneurship and philanthropy set an inspiring standard for leaders worldwide.”

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

Sandro Salsano has been at the forefront of successful initiatives in investments, philanthropy, and education for more than two decades. Forbes called him the Warren Buffett of Central America on its cover and one of the world’s most iconic visionary and financial titans. The World Economic Forum named him Young Global Leader for his exceptional vision,  courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world. 

In 2014 he formalized his philanthropy by co-founding the Salsano Shahani Foundation to focus on education.  He is a Chairman of Global Dignity, Member of the Judging Academy for the World’s  Best School Prize, Partner of Tent Partnership for Refugees, Member of Academy for  Global Teacher Prize, Steering Committee member of 1640 Society, and pledged his support to TerraCarta.

Sandro is President of Salsano Group, a multi-billion dollar private conglomerate holding company investing in private equity, real estate, and technology globally and he is President of Salsano Family Office.

Sandro serves as a Trustee for the University of San Diego California and is on the Investment Committee for the Endowment of the University. A graduate of Bocconi University Milan with full grades, he also studied at Harvard, Oxford, and Princeton University.

As the President and Chairman of the Salsano Group and Salsano Family Office, Sandro Salsano revolutionizes entrepreneurship and investment, showcasing their role in global development. Through the Salsano Shahani Foundation, his philanthropy enhances education in Central and Latin America, emphasizing the true measure of wealth in transformed lives. His dedication to academia, notably with the University of San Diego California, underscores education’s pivotal role in societal progress. Recognized as a Young Global Leader and member of The Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle, Salsano’s influence transcends businesses, inspiring change globally. His leadership in Global Dignity and the Global Teacher Prize Academy underscores his commitment to human dignity and educational excellence, which is vital for a more equitable future.

Congratulations to Sandro Salsono for this well-deserved recognition!

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim Sanyang

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim
Sanyang of Gambia

Development Economist
Diplomat & Bilateral Trade Negotiator Investor
Environmentalist & Philanthropist

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

“H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim Sanyang’s unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage, driving economic development, and advocating sustainability sets a remarkable standard for global leadership and community empowerment.”

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim is a Development Economist, with specialized expertise including Cross-border Investments, Strategy and Intelligence, Risk, Security, and Settlements; Market and Economic Analysis. He successfully led numerous structuring advisory deals in major international development projects financing, public sector enterprise reforms (divestitures, divestment, and privatization); public policy and management (public services and public administration). He is a mandated development Economist and Sovereign Government Advisor serving numerous African Governments, Multi-laterals, Multinationals, and NGOs.

He is a diplomat and bilateral trade negotiator.

As an Africa-focused investor and markets financier, His Royal Highness Prince Ebrahim also serves as chairman and sits on the boards of several companies across Africa with interests spanning agriculture and agribusiness, aviation, commodities, financial services, retail, sports, infrastructure, media, transport and logistics, oil and gas sector, marine, manufacturing, and real estate

His Royal Highness is a precocious Environmentalist and a keen Philanthropist impacting communities and livelihoods not only in Gambia but across the African Continent.

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim chairs various charitable foundations in Africa. He founded The Prince Ebrahim Future Africa Foundation (PEFAF) an Africa Focused Charitable Foundation whose aim is to uplift and instill in the African people a spirit of self-sufficiency and self-reliance by empowering communities with the tools, knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel and live a dignified make a better and independent living.

 

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim is the Chief Patron of The Royal Koring Council; a Manden (Manding) heritage, cultural, and historic restoration society of the Korings of the Mali and Kaabu Empire. He is the Chairman of the Board of Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation. H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim is the Eminent Chancellor of the Consular and Diplomatic Services University (Ghana); the Patron of the International Youth Diplomacy Conference as well as the Confederation of West African Youths etc.

H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim Sanyang’s commitment to preserving the Soninke Royal Realm’s cultural heritage is remarkable. As a strategic development economist, his counsel shapes Africa’s economic landscape, driving growth across sectors like agriculture and infrastructure. Through the Prince Ebrahim Future Africa Foundation, he empowers communities, emphasizing self-sufficiency and dignity. His advocacy for sustainability underscores the need for balanced development. Engaging in international diplomacy, including his membership at Chatham House, H.R.H. Prince Sanyang fosters global cooperation and understanding. His multifaceted leadership enhances diplomatic relations and enriches global discourse, marking him as a distinguished global thinker and leader.

Congratulations to H.R.H. Prince Ebrahim Sanyang for this well-deserved recognition!

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Ahmed Bin
Sulayem

Visionary Leader
Entrepreneur

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s visionary leadership and transformative initiatives in global commerce set unparalleled benchmarks, inspiring both present and future generations of leaders.

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2022 with over 24,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 80,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2023, DMCC was named ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record ninth consecutive year.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working in 87 towers. H.E. Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project, the Uptown Dubai district.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Ahmed Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016. H.E. Bin Sulayem was reappointed Chair of the Kimberley Process for a historic second time, a position he assumed in late 2023.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s journey from transforming Dubai’s trade landscape to leading global commerce exemplifies visionary leadership. His pivotal role in developing the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has bolstered the UAE’s economic prowess and reshaped global trade dynamics. Under his guidance, DMCC has expanded into a globally influential enterprise, fostering trade and economic growth worldwide. His commitment to progress and sustainable growth underscores the importance of responsible leadership in today’s interconnected world. Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s career sets new benchmarks in trade, inspiring aspiring leaders to pursue visionary goals with integrity.

Congratulations Ahmed Bin Sulayem for this well-deserved recognition.

H.H. Brahmavihari Swami

H.H. Brahmavihari
Swami

Global Leader
Motivational Speaker

GOOD Fellows AWARD Recipient, 2024
GOOD Fellows #2024

“H.H. Brahmavihari Swami’s tireless dedication to global humanitarian causes and fostering interfaith harmony exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and spiritual leadership.”

Lakshmi Narayanan,
Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

H.H. Brahmavihari Swami, also known as Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, is a distinguished sadhu affiliated with the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Initiated by H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he serves as a global leader and motivational speaker, renowned for his involvement in notable projects such as Swaminarayan Akshardham and Neasden Mandir. Despite academic excellence and opportunities to study at esteemed institutions, H.H. Brahmavihari Swami chose a spiritual path, becoming a Hindu sadhu in 1981. His contributions extend to designing BAPS Temples worldwide, creative projects like Water Spectacular Shows, and the Mystic India giant screen film.

Currently overseeing the construction of the first Traditional Hindu Mandir in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, Brahmavihari Swami plays a crucial role in guiding devotional, cultural, and humanitarian activities within BAPS. As the youngest member of the BAPS Core Committee, he actively engages in over 160 global humanitarian activities. His commitment to peace and tolerance is evident in his participation in conferences worldwide, including SWFI FORT Dubai 2024. H.H. Brahmavihari Swami’s extensive social and spiritual work, including disaster relief efforts, has garnered him respect and friendship from international leaders, exemplified by collaborations with figures like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

 

H.H. Brahmavihari Swami’s global humanitarian work with BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha uplifts communities worldwide, transcending borders with compassion and hope. His cultural and spiritual projects like Swaminarayan Akshardham complexes foster peace and harmony, while his interfaith dialogues promote tolerance and understanding. Leading the first Traditional Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi, he champions inclusivity. As an author and advocate for peace, his insights guide spiritual seekers and uplift societies. His disaster relief efforts and speeches inspire moral and social responsibility globally. H.H. Brahmavihari Swami’s legacy of compassion and wisdom unites diverse communities under shared values of empathy and respect, leaving an enduring impact on society.

Congratulations H.H. Brahmavihari Swami for this well-deserved recognition.