Christian Lindmeier

World Health Organization

Spokesperson

Nicole Moreo

LinkedIn

Head of Customer Insights for North America

Farnaz Khadem

Stanford University

Vice President for University Communications

Farnaz Khadem is Vice President for University Communications at Stanford University. As Stanford’s senior communications official, she is responsible for the university’s centrally-managed internal and external communications and public relations activities, including media relations, executive communications, social media, online and print publications, and the Stanford University website.

Prior to joining Stanford, Farnaz served as Chief Communications Officer at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she was responsible for the university’s Office of Strategic Communications, comprising media relations, publications, and internal and digital communications. Previously, Farnaz served as Director of Communications at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Director of Corporate Communications at Life Technologies, a global biotechnology company; and Assistant Director of Media Relations at the University of California, Irvine.

She has extensive international experience, having worked as the head of communications for the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, Canada, and the Vaccine Fund, a Bill & Melinda Gates-funded organization based in Lyon, France. She has also served as a Foreign Service officer in the U.S. Diplomatic Corps, with postings in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Rome, Italy. Farnaz holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. She speaks Farsi, French, and Italian.

Philippe Borremans

Author, "Mastering Crisis Communication with ChatGPT: A Practical Guide,"

International PR Expert

Philippe Borremans, your workshop leader, is an independent consultant with over 25 years of expertise in risk and crisis communication. He has worked with leading multinational corporations such as Volvo Group, Chanel, Mastercard Foundation, FedEx, Mars Group, Procter & Gamble, and Danone, providing practical advice, tailored training, and realistic simulation exercises to enhance their crisis communication capabilities.
In addition to his consultancy work, Philippe has collaborated with international bodies such as the World Health Organization, the European Union, and the West African Union on risk and emergency communication projects in the context of epidemics and natural disasters.
Before establishing his independent consultancy, Philippe spent a decade with IBM, focusing on corporate, crisis, and online communications, and gained early career experience at Porter Novelli International in Brussels.
As an educator, Philippe regularly shares his knowledge as a lecturer at European and North African universities and business schools. He is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, discussing crisis communication and the impact of technology on public relations.
Philippe is the author of "Mastering Crisis Communication with ChatGPT; A Practical Guide," released in February 2023, and publishes the newsletter Wag The Dog, which provides insights into current trends in crisis, risk, and emergency communication.
 

Joëlle Jammal

UN Global Compact Network UAE

Executive Director

With a deep-seated commitment to sustainable development, Joëlle’s tenure at Global Compact Network UAE centers on rallying both private and public sectors to embrace and act upon the UNGC Ten principles in the areas of Human Right, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption, and the 17 SDGs.

Her strategic vision is set on impactful conversations and actions, heralding an era of purposeful and resonant sustainability agendas, and the promotion of corporate sustainability and responsible business practices.

With 33 years of experience in communications and advertising, Joëlle, has left an indelible mark on the industry through her extensive journey across Canada, Cyprus, GCC, and the Levant.

She has honed her skills in strategic planning, brand management, and innovative marketing solutions. Her career journey has been driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence, leading successfully operations spanning over different markets in the region, and building strong, lasting relationships with clients and partners.

Joëlle's leadership extends beyond her role at the Global Compact Network UAE. She serves as a mentor in Concordia University and Dubai's chapter of The Marketing Society, dedicating her time to inspire and guide emerging talents to reach their ambitions and aspirations. She has recently launched Concordia University UAE Alumni Chapter with the aim to turn it into the largest chapter in the country & region.

In addition to her professional engagements, Joëlle actively volunteers across various NGOs and non-profit organizations during her free time, further solidifying her commitment to creating positive change.

Through her long and loyal tenure in communication, Joëlle has not only created compelling brand stories but also played a pivotal role in expanding businesses geographically, generating growth, and inspiring her team members. Her diverse and extensive background positions her as a dynamic leader, ready to contribute significantly to the sustainability and growth objectives of the Global Compact Network UAE.

Samer Constantini

Schneider Electric

Director of Government Affairs

Oualid Bakkas

Qatar Insurance Group

Content & PR Lead

Fahad A. Bahdailah

Head of Corporate Communications and Stores Communications at Amazon Saudi Arabia

Global Communications Leader | Vision 2030 Strategist | Brand Transformation Expert

Fahad A. Bahdailah is a seasoned communications executive with over two decades of leadership experience across government and global brands. He currently serves as Head of Corporate Communications and Stores Communications at Amazon Saudi Arabia, where he oversees strategic communications, brand engagement, and stakeholder alignment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Previously, as Head of Vision 2030 Communications for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Fahad played a pivotal role in crafting and amplifying the global narrative around the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation agenda—an experience that continues to shape and inspire his work.

Over the course of his career, he has held senior roles at Amazon, Mastercard, Shell, and Mars, where he has led integrated campaigns, managed crisis communications, and steered brand evolution across international markets. Renowned for his diplomatic finesse and strategic clarity, Fahad offers a rare blend of public and private sector expertise—uniting people, purpose, and policy through compelling storytelling.

A passionate advocate for Saudi Arabia’s global positioning, Fahad believes that communications have the power to shape not just perception, but progress.

Fida Kibbi

Ericsson Middle East & Africa

Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Sustainability, and Corporate Responsibility

Fida Kibbi is the Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Sustainability, and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson Middle East & Africa. With over 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned executive known for her ability to craft and execute forward-looking marketing, communications, and sustainability strategies that drive business growth and deliver measurable impact.

A visionary leader, Kibbi is deeply passionate about leveraging technology as a force for good. She spearheads transformative Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility (SCR) initiatives that align with Ericsson’s strategic ambitions. Her work underscores the importance of purpose-driven innovation—ensuring business objectives are met while addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges.

As a trusted advisor to senior executives, Kibbi has a proven track record in driving organizational change, enhancing brand equity, and developing integrated marketing and communications frameworks that support sales growth and stakeholder engagement. She is also highly skilled in executive speaker training, preparing leaders to excel in high-stakes situations such as crisis communications, major industry events, and media engagements. Her coaching ensures executives confidently deliver impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences and protect the organization’s reputation in critical moments.

Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, with a strong focus on advancing women in leadership and building pathways toward a more diverse and equitable workplace.

Prior to joining Ericsson, Kibbi led business communication efforts for Marconi Corp. in the Middle East, based in Saudi Arabia. Her collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in complex, fast-paced environments have consistently driven outstanding results.

Kibbi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Lebanese American University. Her expertise and commitment to excellence continue to shape Ericsson’s narrative as a global leader in technology and sustainability—particularly across the dynamic and diverse Middle East and Africa region.

Maria Talakina

CARMA

Insights Director

Maria is a research and consulting expert with over 15 years of global experience. She has developed and executed large-scale exclusive research programmes for the most prominent international brands, rightsholders, and government entities, covering over 30 markets across five continents. She spent the past 7 years in the MENA region, of which 2 years she spent in Doha helping local and international organisations to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At CARMA, Maria is focusing on connecting media analysis with the public’s opinions and perceptions, bringing the most complete way to measure communications from inputs all the way from outtakes to outcomes.