Are you ready for 2026?

Make sure to reserve your spot at the most important future conference of the year in the Winter Garden at the Grand Hôtel as we kick off 2026. 

Why?

We are entering a new world order with far-reaching consequences for security, trade, and politics. New alliances are emerging while the war in Europe remains unresolved. At the same time, the green transition must push ahead, AI starts to have a real impact on jobs, and competition over critical minerals, new materials, and breakthrough technologies—such as gene editinghumanoid robotics, and new space missions—is intensifying.

Demography and the race for talent and skilled experti
se are reshaping competitiveness, as the United States marks its 250th anniversary and co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

In Sweden, national elections add another piece to the global puzzle that affects us all.

At Världen 2026, experts, business leaders, and analysts come together to deliver insights on the greatest challenges—and opportunities—shaping 2026.


Join us in Stockholm on January 15th, when Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead 2026, will share his predictions for the year ahead.

The event will bring together intellectually curious readers of The Economist from business, government and academia, alongside experts and inspiring speakers. Mr Standage and Alasdair Ross, Countries editor, will discuss the key events and trends to watch in 2026. And, being in Sweden’s capital, guests will also be invited to share their own insights, hopes and concerns about the future of Northern Europe.

We will map the most disruptive trends and questions for 2026 within:
➤ Geopolitics
➤ Business & Finance
➤ Science & Technology
➤ Lifestyle & Culture

📍 Vinterträdgården, Grand Hôtel, Stockholm – 15 Jan 2026, 08.30 am to 5 pm

Världen 2026 is the Swedish edition of The World Ahead 2026, produced by InPress under an exclusive license from The Economist, in collaboration with Dagens Industri. Articles from previous years can be found at www.varldenom.com.

Download highlights from Världen 2025.

Who will attend?

More than 250 senior leaders will gather: CEOs, policymakers, investors, founders, media, executive teams, and futurists – people who value a global outlook, strategic foresight, and the trusted journalism of The Economist.

The day will equip you with insights and practical tools to anticipate the major transformations and trends shaping geopolitics, business, finance, science, and technology in the year ahead. Expect the unexpected.

Curious about last year’s event and who attended? Learn more 

Programme

08:15

Registration, coffee & sandwiches. Networking

08:50

INTRODUCTION InPress Världen 2026/Världen Om

InPress och Världen Om välkomnar på stora scen.

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09:00

OPENING KEYNOTE: “Tom’s Top Ten Trends for 2026”

Tom Standage, Editor of The World Ahead 2026 and Deputy Editor, The Economist

Introduction of The World Ahead 2026 Quiz

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Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
09:25

GEOPOLITICS

What will global alliances look like in a multipolar world – after a year of Donald Trump in the White House, Putin’s continued war against Ukraine (and the West), and China’s ambitions to shape a new world order?

Geopolitics and the New Security Order. 
Introduction by Chair Alasdair Ross, moderator & Countries Editor of The World Ahead 2026

  • 09:25 Ukraine in the epicentre of geopolitical relationships
    Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk interviewed on stage
  • 09:40 
    OPEN MIND DISCUSSION:

    Joakim Paasikivi
    (Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling), Anna Wieslander (Atlantic Council), Samantha Job, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden
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        Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor
        Ambassador of Ukraine to Sweden
        Director for Northern Europe & Head of the Stockholm Office Atlantic Council
        Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling
        His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden
        10:00

        Coffee & networking

        10:15

        The U.S. at 250: Is the West at its peak?

        As the United States marks 250 years as a nation and a symbol of Western civilisation, fundamental questions arise. Have we reached the high point of the Western model as we know it – or are we entering a new phase of renewal? What does history teach us about civilisations that flourish over time, and which values are truly worth defending today? A conversation on progress, decline, and the long-term health of civilisation.

        Conversation on stage
        Johan Norberg, Historian, author of Peak Human

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          Historian & Author “Peak Human”
          10:35

          Trade Strategies in a Geopolitically Fragmented World

          The world is more complex than ever – yet Swedish companies continue to face significant opportunities for international growth. How do you advance when geopolitics keep shifting?

          LIGHTNING TALKS: Jan Larsson, CEO Business Sweden

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          CEO, Business Sweden
          10:50

          The Space Economy: Transatlantic Opportunities

          From space defence to the race for sustainable growth, the space economy is emerging as a backbone of industries in the transatlantic co-operations and relationship. What new opportunities – economic as well as environmental – can be unlocked to strengthen competitiveness and advance sustainability through ever-improving Earth observation? And how do we balance expansion with responsible governance?

          Interview on stage
          Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC
          Insights on how Europe and Sweden can position themselves at the forefront of this accelerating sector.

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          CEO of Swedish Space Corporation
          11:05

          BUSINESS & FINANCE

          Has the tariff shock subsided? How will Swedish businesses and trade remain competitive in 2026? Concerns over trade wars, economic stagnation, and fiscal incontinence are mounting. How can startups and innovation continue to thrive despite these challenges? And what if AI made the world’s economic growth explode. There’s plenty to discuss.

          • 11:05 Sweden in a Changing World: How Sweden Can Compete – and Lead – for Free Trade and Democratic Values
            Keynote by
            Ebba Busch,
            Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden
          • 11:20 From adoption to impact – Bridging the AI Value Gap
            Daniel Sack, Managing Director & Partner, BCG X

            Open mind discussion
            Daniel Sack & Tom Standage
          • 11:40 FIRESIDE CHAT
            Competing for Investments, Talent, and a Climate Where Innovation Thrives
            A conversation on how regions and companies in Sweden and Europe are creating the conditions to attract capital, top talent, and foster an environment where innovation can flourish.

            Open mind discussion
            Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for EU Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office
            Sofia Wallström, CEO Läkemedelsindustriföreningen, Lif

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          Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden
          Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
          Managing Director & Partner, BCG
          Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs
          CEO, LiF & member of the Board of EFPIA
          12:00

          Lunch & networking

          13:05

          TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

          Which groundbreaking ideas and technologies will emerge in 2026? AI’s impact on jobs, innovation and growth? Cyber security and defence reshaping European industry. New ideas for energy and agricultural resilience.

          • 13:05 China and the Tech Race: How Beijing Aims to Dominate Chips and EVs in 2026.

            Johan Nylander, DI’s Asia correspondent

          • 13:15 Fireside chat

            Building the Future Without Code: How Lovable became one of the world’s fastest-growing software companies

            Founded in Stockholm in 2023, Lovable has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing software companies in the world, reaching unicorn status in less than two years.

            Lovable’s AI-powered platform enables anyone to build apps and websites using natural language instead of traditional coding. Join Anton Osika, Founder and CEO, as he shares the story behind Lovable’s extraordinary growth – and his vision for how AI is reshaping who gets to build the digital future.

            Anton Osika, founder and CEO, Lovable
            Tom Standage
            , Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026

          TECHNICAL INNOVATION FOR PREPAREDNESS IN A POLYCRISIS WORLD 
          With global risk levels 30 percent above average, resilience investments are more critical than ever. This session explores how innovation and technology can address today’s interconnected risks and journey towards a success­­ful clean transition and more solid resilience strategies.

          DEEP-DIVE-THEMES: Open mind discussion

          • 13:45 Digital Sovereignty: How can we achieve a holistic approach to total defence, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty, given Europe’s heavy reliance on American technology and R&D? And how should Europe balance national security-driven approaches with the need to maintain competitiveness and global innovation?
            Panel: Christina Backlund, CEO Shibuya
            Alexander Norén, Tech- and business reporter, SVT 
          • 14:00 Increased energy demand 2026: How to create resilience, diversification and how can SMRs contribute?

            Panel: Alan Woods, Director Strategy and Business Development for Rolls-Royce’s SMR
            Henric Thorsén, Business Development Director, Siemens Energy

          • 14:15 Food & Agriculture: Recent shocks have exposed how fragile global food supply chains can be. How to build more resilient and competitive food supply chains and what investments are needed.

            Maria Håkansson, CEO Swedfund

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          Asia Correspondent, Di
          Founder & CEO, Lovable
          CEO, Shibuya
          Senior Business & Tech Correspondent, SVT
          Business Development Director, Siemens Energy
          Director Strategy and Business Development Rolls Royce SMR for Rolls-Royce’s SMR business
          CEO, Swedfund
          14:30

          Coffee & Networking

          15:00

          Direct report from Donald Trump’s world

          When the US turns 250 – is there still a shared narrative to celebrate?

          Emanuel Sidea, Di’s US correspondent

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          US Correspondent, Di
          15:10

          LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

          How are ideas around transhumanism and AI reshaping our understanding of creativity and identity 2026? And how are changing lifestyle habits – particularly among Gen Z – transforming business models and expectations of brands? This session explores the cultural undercurrents shaping the year ahead, at the intersection of technology, creativity and commerce.

          • 15:10The Phenomenal woman of The Grand Hôtel

            Ruth Kvarnström-Jones, British-Swedish Author, will bring to life the story of Wilhelmina Skogh, the legendary CEO who transformed the Grand Hôtel. Discover how she broke barriers as a woman on the board, and turned vision into reality – including the very room we’ll be meeting in..

          • 15:25 Private Aviation in Take-Off Mode: What’s Fueling the Boom?

            Private jet travel is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by shifting travel behaviors, rapid technological advances, and new sustainability initiatives. What’s behind this surge – and how will this lifestyle and the industry evolve toward 2026?

            Mats Leander, President Nordics & Eastern Europe, VistaJet

          • 15:35 When Classical Music Meets the Machine: The Robot Cellist Live

            Breaking Boundaries: A Symphony of Human Ingenuity & Robotics.
            Fredrik Gran, Composer, researcher & roboticist. Tom Standage will lead a discussion, followed by a Q&A where we invite your questions.

          Read more
          Author & Historian
          Composer, researcher & roboticist
          President, Europe at VistaJet
          16:00

          Closing remarks

          Alasdair Ross: “Prepared for the World of 2026?” 

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          Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor
          16:10

          The World ahead 2026 Quiz – RESULTS

           ... and the winner is, by Tom Standage

          Read more
          Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026
          16:20

          DRINKS & NETWORKING

          Speakers include:

          Alasdair Ross
          Moderator & The World Ahead Countries Editor

          At The Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, Alasdair Ross has long experience in editorial responsibility for Risk Briefing and a range of publications on themes of global interest. His experience and responsibilities give him a strong insight into global economic and political trends, their implications for multinational corporations, and the strategies those companies use for managing risk. He brings these insights to high-level audiences around the world in an engaging and stimulating manner, bringing complex issues to life in bright and straightforward language.

          Alasdair is a psychology graduate and has a master's degree in economics.

          Tom Standage
          Deputy Editor The Economist & Editor The World Ahead 2026

          Tom Standage, joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was subsequently appointed technology editor, business editor and digital editor. He is the author of seven history books, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013), “The Victorian Internet” (1998) and “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005). He studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Wired, taking a particular interest in technology’s cultural and historical significance.

          Ebba Busch
          Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden

          Ebba Busch is one of Sweden’s most prominent political leaders and serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry. As party leader of the Christian Democrats since 2015, she has been a key figure in shaping Sweden’s energy transition, industrial policy, and competitiveness agenda. Known for her clear communication and pragmatic leadership, Busch plays a central role in advancing collaboration between government and industry to strengthen Sweden’s position in a changing global economy.

          Joakim Paasikivi
          Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Mannheimer Swartling

          Joakim Paasikivi is a Military expert and Senior geopolitical advisor at Mannheimer Swartling. A former lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Armed Forces, he became widely known to the public during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when he frequently appeared in Swedish media to analyze and comment on the war. Paasikivi has served in both Sweden and Finland and held several senior positions in military intelligence and security. He previously taught military strategy at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm and has also lectured at the Baltic Defence College in Estonia.

          Johan Norberg
          Historian & Author “Peak Human”

          Johan Norberg is senior fellow at the Cato Institute, an internationally recognized writer on globalization, progress, and ideas. He is the author and editor of more than 20 books, translated into over 30 languages. His works include In Defense of Global Capitalism, Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future (Economist Book of the Year, 2016) and Open: The Story of Human Progress (Economist Book of the Year, 2020) and Peak Human (2025)

          Ruth Kvarnström-Jones
          Author & Historian

          Ruth Kvarnström-Jones is a British-Swedish author and historian, celebrated for her compelling narratives that illuminate the lives of pioneering women in Swedish history. Drawing from her background as a copywriter, Ruth crafts richly detailed stories that blend historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.

          Her acclaimed works includeDe fenomenala fruntimren på Grand HôtelVäninnorna på Nordiska KompanietHalleholm series.

          Samantha Job
          His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden

          Her Excellency Samantha Job CMG MVO appointed British Ambassador to Sweden in September 2024. Prior to her current role, she was Director of Defence and International Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2019 to 2022.

          Anna Wieslander
          Director for Northern Europe & Head of the Stockholm Office Atlantic Council

          Anna Wieslander chairs the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) and serves as Secretary General of the Swedish Defence Association. Dr. Wieslander is a lifetime member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and the Swedish Society for International Affairs, an Adjunct Professor at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and a member of both the Alphen Group and RUSI’s European Security Advisory Group.

          Jessica Rosencrantz
          Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs

          Jessica Rosencrantz is Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, leading the country’s work on EU and Nordic cooperation. With over a decade in the Swedish Riksdag, she has held senior roles including Chair of the Committee on EU Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Moderate Party Group. She previously served in key committees on social insurance, environment, agriculture and transport. Rosencrantz holds a Master’s degree from the Stockholm School of Economics and brings deep experience in European policymaking.

          Anton Osika
          Founder & CEO, Lovable

          Anton Osika is the co-founder and CEO of Lovable, the Swedish AI startup that enables anyone to build apps and websites simply by chatting with AI. Founded with the mission to democratise software creation and unlock human creativity, Lovable has rapidly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech companies.

          The company reached a $1.8 billion valuation following its $200 million Series A round in July 2025, earning unicorn status.

          Before founding Lovable, Anton worked in particle physics at CERN, was the first engineer at Sana Labs, helping improve learning outcomes for millions worldwide, and later co-founded Depict.ai, which scaled to billions of product recommendations and raised over $20 million from leading investors.

          Alexander Norén
          Senior Business & Tech Correspondent, SVT

          Alexander Norén is a Swedish journalist, television host, and author, and currently serves as Technology Correspondent at SVT. He was part of the team that launched Ekonomibyrån in 2020, which he also hosted. With extensive experience in economic and technology journalism, he has worked across SVT’s major news programmes, including Gomorron Sverige and Morgonstudion.

          He has worked with the Nobel Prize since the mid-2000s, interviewing many of the Nobel Prize laureates in Economic Sciences and hosting at the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet. He studied at the Stockholm School of Economics, where he began his journalism career in student radio. He is the author of several non-fiction books on economics and behavioural science.

          Charlotta Sund
          CEO of Swedish Space Corporation

          Charlotta Sund, vd för Swedish Space Corporation sedan oktober 2023. Innan dess vd för Tekniska verken i Linköping. Haft flera ledande positioner inom Ericsson, bland annat chef för regionen Norra Europa och Centralasien. Charlotta Sund har också flera styrelseuppdrag.

          Johan Nylander
          Asia Correspondent, Di

          Johan Nylander, Asienkorrespondent för Dagens Industri och prisbelönt författare. Hans arbete publiceras av CNN, National Geographic Travel, Forbes och många andra internationella medier.

          Svitlana Zalishchuk
          Ambassador of Ukraine to Sweden

          Svitlana Zalishchuk is the Ambassador of Ukraine to Sweden. She previously served as Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and as a Member of Parliament (2014–2019), where she headed the Subcommittee on European and Euro-Atlantic Relations. Her background also includes senior advisory roles in government and state-owned companies such as Naftogaz and Ukrzaliznytsia. She is an experienced leader in foreign affairs, security, anti-corruption policy, and gender equality, and was among the civic leaders of the EuroMaidan movement.

          Emanuel Sidea
          US Correspondent, Di

          Emanuel Sidea is Dagens Industri’s U.S. correspondent, based in New York. A journalist since 2001, he has previously worked for Veckans Affärer and Fokus. He is also the author of the non-fiction book The Man from Harem (2016), which documents the true story of a jihadi smuggler who transported foreign fighters to ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra during the Syrian war.

          In addition to his reporting, Emanuel serves on the board of Grävfonden, a Swedish foundation supporting investigative journalism. He teaches journalism and international reporting at the University of Gothenburg and has previously taught at Stockholm University.

          Sofia Wallström
          CEO, LiF & member of the Board of EFPIA

          Sofia Wallström is the CEO, Lif – The Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry in Sweden, and a member of the Board of EFPIA. 
          A seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience across Government and the Life Sciences sector. Former Director General of the Dental and Pharmaceutical benefits Agency (TLV) as well as the Health and Social Care Inspectorate. Senior official at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, and as Special Government Investigator on national healthcare and pharmaceutical policy. Brings a deep understanding of market access, pricing and innovation policy within the Nordic and European healthcare and business landscape. Passionate about fostering collaboration between industry, government and healthcare to ensure prosperity and health.

          Daniel Sack
          Managing Director & Partner, BCG

          Daniel Sack leads  BCG X in the Nordics and co-leads BCG’s generative and agentic AI initiatives. He builds digital products with a focus on AI and machine learning, and co-leads Plan AI, applying advanced analytics to planning processes. Daniel holds an MBA from Stanford, a BE in mechanical engineering from Dartmouth, and a summa cum laude BA in mathematics and physics from Colby College, where he won the Marston Morse Prize for top achievement in mathematics.

          Maria Håkansson
          CEO, Swedfund

          Maria Håkansson is the CEO of Swedfund International, Sweden’s development finance institution, driving sustainable investments that create impact and inclusive growth. With a career spanning over two decades at Ericsson, she has led global, multi-cultural teams across finance, M&A, IoT, and strategic business development. A strong business acumen and a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation define her leadership.

          Maria has served on the boards of the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), and the Stockholm Sustainable Finance Centre. She is passionate about transforming strategy into tangible results and fostering partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic progress.

          Christina Backlund
          CEO, Shibuya

          Christina Backlund is the CEO of Shibuya, a Swedish hybrid cloud service provider. Christina has a proven track record of driving growth, sales performance, and organizational excellence by aligning technology with business value. With nearly two decades within tech and IT industries, Christina has held executive roles at Ericsson, Schneider Electric, and IBM. She has led major transformations that accelerated growth, strengthened customer value, and built high-performing global teams.

          Christina holds an MSc in Engineering and Management of Technology from Chalmers University of Technology and has also studied at École Polytechnique in Grenoble. She is passionate about leadership, innovation and the intersection of technology and business.

          Jan Larsson
          CEO, Business Sweden

          Jan Larsson has been CEO of Business Sweden since May 2021. He brings broad experience from business, government, and politics, having held senior positions at McKinsey & Company, Brunswick, YrkesAkademin, Nordea, and Handelsbanken, and served as State Secretary and Chief of Staff to the former Swedish Prime Minister. He holds a degree in Economics and Theoretical Philosophy from Uppsala University and pursued research studies at the University of Ljubljana.

          Alan Woods
          Director Strategy and Business Development Rolls Royce SMR for Rolls-Royce’s SMR business

          Alan Woods is the Director of Strategy and Business Development at Rolls-Royce SMR, where he is responsible for global market development, customer engagement, commercial strategy, programme partnerships, and securing financing for the company’s deployment and growth plans.

          He joined Rolls-Royce in 1998 after earning a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Nottingham. Over more than two decades with the company, he has held senior roles across Marine, Defence, Power Systems, Corporate Strategy, and now Nuclear. He also holds a Master’s degree in Project Management.

          Henric Thorsén
          Business Development Director, Siemens Energy

          Henric Thorsén is Business Development Director at Siemens Energy, leading strategic business development across energy-system transformation, electrification and sustainable power solutions. He has held senior roles within Siemens and Siemens Energy for more than two decades, including Director of Strategic Procurement, Head of Strategic Procurement and Senior Project Manager.

          Henric also served as a Captain in the Swedish Navy Reserve for over 15 years. He holds an Executive MBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education and a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University.

          Fredrik Gran
          Composer, researcher & roboticist

          Fredrik Gran is a Stockholm-born composer whose work explores the musical potential of mechanical processes and new performative strategies. His music spans orchestral, chamber, vocal, electroacoustic, and live electronic forms, often combining acoustic instruments with robotics, electronics, and computer-assisted transcription.

          His work has been performed internationally at major festivals including Warsaw Autumn, ISCM World New Music Days, Nordic Music Days, and ICMC, and in concert venues across Europe, North America, and Asia. He has collaborated with leading ensembles, orchestras, and opera houses worldwide.

          Fredrik studied composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and at McGill University in Montreal, where his doctoral research—conducted in collaboration with the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology—focuses on robotics in music performance, including the development of the “robot cellist.” 

          Mats Leander
          President, Europe at VistaJet

          Mats Leander serves as President, Nordics and Eastern Europe at Vista, a role in which he is responsible for the company’s sales growth in the regions. Mr Leander joined VistaJet in 2010, working closely with the Founder & Chairman and COO to define the company’s global operations strategy. 
          Previously, Mr Leander worked in various positions, including Executive Director for NetJets Europe, from 1997 to 2010. Mr Leander also served as Co-Founder and Chairman of Untied Investment Partners S.A., an international investment fund focused on commercial real-estate in North America. 
          In addition to his role at VistaJet, Mr Leander has served as the Chairman and Founding Partner of Covenant Capital Ltd in North America, and other real estate ventures. He continues as the Co-Founder of Sterling Equity Partners S.A. advising on private equity and real-estate investment across Europe.

          Contact us
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