Ian Walker has worked across the MENA region for more than two decades as managing director of London-based Middle East Consultants (MEC).

The company calls on the expertise of some 60 former ambassadors, bankers and businesspeople who have lived in the region for many years. Ian has focused on energy as the director of the Windsor Energy Group chaired by Lord Howell – a former British energy secretary. The group brings together policy-makers and energy practitioners to review global energy developments with an international programme of expert discussions including an annual meeting at Windsor Castle.

He looks at developments in Arab financial markets through the Arab Financial Forum that is chaired by HE Abdullah Bishara, ambassador at large for the Emir of Kuwait.

Currently he is looking at the impact of fintech on jobs in Arab financial institutions. His career started as a political journalist before offering strategic communications advice.