The Owners Forum
Abu Dhabi 2012
United Arab Emirates
13 – 15 October 2012
The Annual Family Business Meeting in the Middle East
The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi 2012
13 – 15 October 2012 | Park Hyatt Hotel
Under the Patronage of
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan
Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research
Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology
Message of Greeting
Dear Sir or Madam,
Since its inception in 2008, The Owners Forum has
evolved into the premier platform for owners of family businesses from German-speaking Europe to connect with their counterparts from the Middle East. This
year, The Owners Forum is celebrating its fifth annual
gathering and we are delighted to cordially invite you
to Abu Dhabi !
We are extremely pleased to see the ever-increasing interest within our network of family business
owners to establish stronger cultural and economic ties
with one another. Moreover, we are humbled to act as
the principal catalyst for this important cross-cultural
exchange, which focuses on the development of family
businesses under a shared sense of values regarding
ownership and responsibility. By extending participa-
4
tion to selected single family offices and other long-term
investors on the » Responsible Investors Day«, The
Owners Forum continues to develop ways in which to
promote avenues of business collaboration amongst its
interesting and diverse network.
We are proud to present to you some of the world’s
most distinguished academics, who will share with us
their latest findings and cutting-edge knowledge on
family business research. We encourage you to participate in intensive and inspiring discussions with
leading experts and renowned family business owners on regional and global economic outlooks as well
as inbound and outbound investment opportunities between Europe and the Middle East. As always,
The Owners Forum will provide a private, personal
atmosphere for networking and the exploration of new
business opportunities.
Abu Dhabi is a vibrant business city and has a reputation throughout the world as being one of the most
impressive economies in the Gulf. It has both a past
and future plans of growth with a focus on prudence
and sustainability, and as the capital of the United
Arab Emirates, a rich history of family business and
community. We are certain that these qualities will
open new perspectives for closer economic cooperation in addition to acting as the perfect venue for our
fifth annual gathering.
With that, we wish you a fulfilling experience rich
with opportunity and exchange and welcome you to
The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi 2012.
Co-Chairs of The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi 2012:
H.E. Nasser Ahmed Khalifa Alsowaidi | Department of Economic Development
H.E. Mohammed Thani Murshid Al Romaithi | Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Professor h.c. Senator h.c. mult. Engineer Klaus Fischer | fischer Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Kelin Gersick, Ph.D. | Yale University
Founders and Partners of The Owners Forum:
Paul Dietze | The Owners Forum
Stefan Heidbreder | Stiftung Familienunternehmen
Dr. Tom A. Rüsen | Witten Institute for Family Business
Timm Tiller | The Owners Forum
With kindest regards,
5
Co-Chairs
H.E. Nasser A. K. Alsowaidi
Department of Economic Development
H.E. Nasser Ahmed Khalifa Alsowaidi is currently
chairman of the Department of Economic Development (DED) which is a key governmental department
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He is a member of the
Executive Council at the apex of the Abu Dhabi government as well as chairman of the National Bank of
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX),
Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones,
Etihad Rail, and a board member of Mubadala Development Company (MDC) and International Petroleum Investment Co. (IPIC). Over the past 20 years,
H.E. Alsowaidi has held various leading positions for
Abu Dhabi governmental organisations, including the
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Abu
Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He holds an
economics degree from the California State Polytechnic University in the USA.
6
H.E. Mohammed T. M. Al Romaithi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
H.E. Mohammed Thani Murshid Al Romaithi serves
as chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
and Industry which works to support the private
sector in its role and contribution to achieving the
Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. In addition, he is
president of the Federation of United Arab Emirates
Chambers of Commerce & Industry. H.E. Al Romaithi
is chairman of Thani Murshid Unilever LLC and vice
president of the US-UAE Business Council. He also
serves on the board of the Emirates Competitiveness
Council, the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED), and the Agthia Group and is a member of the British Business Group UAE. H.E. Al Romaithi has been active in both the private and public
business spheres of Abu Dhabi for many years.
Professor h.c. Senator h.c. mult.
Engineer Klaus Fischer
fischer Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Professor Klaus Fischer earned an engineering degree
in 1975 from the Technical University of Konstanz in
Germany. He is honorary professor and senator of several universities and has received many business accolades in Germany as well as internationally. Since taking the helm of his family’s business over 35 years ago,
he has helped to transform fischerwerke into a global
group of companies active in four distinct business
divisions: automotive systems, consulting, fixing systems, and fischertechnik. Today, he is CEO and chairman of the advisory board of the fischer group of
companies, based in Waldachtal in Germany, and has
nurtured the company philosophy of innovation and
internationalisation for decades. The fischer group
of companies has 43 subsidiaries in 32 countries and
holds more than 2,000 different patents.
Kelin Gersick, Ph.D.
Yale University
Kelin E. Gersick holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He
is a management fellow at the Yale School of Organization and Management, and professor emeritus
of organizational psychology at the California School
of Professional Psychology. He is the lead author of
»Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business«, »The Succession Workbook: Continuity
Planning in Family Foundations«, and »Generations of
Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations« as well as many articles, cases, columns, and
other publications that have represented some of the
key findings in family business research and management practice. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Gersick has
advised family businesses and family foundations,
and offered seminars and lectures in more than 30
countries.
7
The Owners Forum Muscat 2011
» How can we as business leaders
contribute to a society that is worth living
in for our children? As long as I can
remember, these questions have been
core questions for family businesses and
their owners. And they cannot be answered
without international exchange .«
Dr. Arend Oetker | Dr. Arend Oetker Holding | Founding Member of The Owners Forum
The Programme
Friday, 12 October 2012 | The Members Day
Saturday, 13 October 2012 | The Owners Day
The Members Day is organised exclusively for Members
of The Owners Forum. Members are offered various
benefits alongside the main Forum programme. For more
information on the Membership, kindly refer to page 25.
The Owners Day is organised exclusively for family members,
non-family executives of family businesses, and single family
offices. For more information on the programme of The Owners
Day, kindly refer to page 12.
19:30 hrs
Dinner Reception
09:00 hrs
Welcome and Registration
20:00 hrs
Gala Dinner | Inauguration of the
Membership with Founding Members
10:00 hrs
Opening Ceremony
10:30 hrs
Keynote
11:00 hrs
Session A | Interactive Workshops & Panels
12:00 hrs
Networking Break
12:30 hrs
Session B | Interactive Workshops & Panels
13:30 hrs
Buffet Lunch | Face-to-Face Business Talks
15:00 hrs
One-on-One Session & Keynote
16:00 hrs
Tea Time | Face-to-Face Business Talks
16:30 hrs
Plenary Session
17:30 hrs
Evening Break | Individual Business Meetings
19:30 hrs
Dinner Reception
20:00 hrs
Gala Dinner | Declaration of the Members 2012
General Dresscode | Smart Casual
10
General Dresscode | Smart Casual
Gala Dinner Dresscode | Formal
Sunday, 14 October 2012 | The Responsible Investors Day
Monday, 15 October 2012 | The Cultural Day
The Responsible Investors Day brings family businesses,
family offices, and long-term institutional and private
investors together. For more information on the programme
of The Responsible Investors Day, kindly refer to page 14.
The Cultural Day offers participants and speakers the chance
to unwind and conclude The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi
2012 with an unforgettable experience. For more information
about The Cultural Day, kindly refer to page 20.
09:00 hrs
Welcome and Registration
09:00 hrs
Departure from Hotel
09:30 hrs
Opening Keynotes
09:30 hrs
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
10:30 hrs
Session C | Interactive Workshops & Panels
11:30 hrs
Tours in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
11:30 hrs
Networking Break
13:30 hrs
Lunch
12:00 hrs
Session D | Asset Class Sessions
14:30 hrs
Tours in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
13:00 hrs
Buffet Lunch | Face-to-Face Business Talks
18:00 hrs
Return to Hotel
14:00 hrs
Plenary Session
20:00 hrs
Dinner
15:00 hrs
Session E | Presentation Sessions
17:30 hrs
Evening Break | Individual Business Meetings
Special Members Morning Agenda
19:30 hrs
Dinner Reception
09:00 hrs
Departure from Hotel
20:00 hrs
Dinner | Keynote
10:00 hrs
Special Members Event in Cooperation
with Family Businesses from Abu Dhabi
13:30 hrs
Lunch
General Dresscode | Smart Casual
General Dresscode | Leisure Attire
11
The Owners Day | Exclusively for Family Businesses and Single Family Offices
Saturday, 13 October 2012
09:00 hrs
Welcome and Registration
10:00 hrs
Opening Ceremony
10:30 hrs Keynote
The State of the World in 2050
11:00 hrs
A04 Closed Door Session | Single Family Office Roundtable
This two-part closed door session is designed exclusively
for single family offices as an opportunity to exchange best
practice knowledge and investment expertise on different
regions and asset classes in an intimate setting.
12:00 hrs
Networking Break | Face-To-Face Business Talks
12:30 hrs
Interactive Workshops & Closed Door Session
Interactive Workshops & Closed Door Session
A01 From Generation to Generation
How can family businesses accomplish continuity across
generations? What can each generation contribute? How can
a family establish credibility for a new leader and what enables
the senior generation to let go?
A02 Separation of Ownership and Management
Is it advisable to separate management from ownership
in Middle Eastern family businesses? What are the most
important steps, the roles of the family, and how do external
management and the family interact best?
A03 How to Avoid and Survive Big Mistakes
What are the most common mistakes in managing our
companies? Which external variables are most likely to harm
our businesses unexpectetly, and if we end up in difficult
situations how do we minimise losses and prevail?
B01 Best Practice in Family Business Governance
How can we tailor family business governance principles to underlying family values? What are the keys to effective board dynamics and what would we change in our governance structures if we could start again from the beginning?
B02 The Next Generation of the Middle East
The next generation of many Middle Eastern family businesses
has spent a significant amount of their adolescent and young
adult years abroad. How will these future leaders shape the
economy of the Gulf and how will their global education and
lifestyle help them take their businesses global?
B03 Conflict Management in Family Businesses
Family companies are emotional systems that are likely to
experience conflicts. Are there specific patterns for conflicts in
The Owners Day
the family business and business family, and what are the most
widely used tools and effective ways of managing such conflicts?
B04 Closed Door Session | Single Family Office Roundtable
This two-part closed door session is designed exclusively
for single family offices as an opportunity to exchange best
practice knowledge and investment expertise on different
regions and asset classes in an intimate setting.
13:30 hrs Buffet Lunch | Face-To-Face Business Talks
15:00 hrs
One-on-One Session
Going Global from the Middle East
15:30 hrs
Keynote
Family Businesses in a Global Knowledge Era
16:00 hrs
Tea Time | Face-To-Face Business Talks
16:30 hrs
Plenary Session
Economic Status Quo in the Middle East
17:30 hrs Evening Break | Individual Business Meetings
19:30 hrs
Gala Dinner Reception
20:00 hrs
Gala Dinner | Declaration of the Members 2012
The Owners Day
The Owners Day addresses issues of direct relevance to family businesses
and single family offices and focuses on the future of ownership in an
increasingly interconnected world. Stimulating workshops and panel
discussions will foster a high degree of interaction between family business
leaders, their management, and academia from leading universities.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a cross-cultural dialogue
and cultivate a personal exchange of information and experience that will
help them successfully meet the challenges of tomorrow.
This is a preliminary programme and directory of speakers for The Owners
Forum Abu Dhabi 2012. For the lastest version of the programme, kindly visit
our website at: www.ownersforum.de.
The Responsible Investors Day | Family Businesses, Family Offices & Long-Term Investors
Sunday, 14 October 2012
09:00 hrs
Welcome and Registration
09:30 hrs Opening Keynote
Investing in Future Generations
10:00 hrs
Keynote
The Seven Virtues of Entrepreneurship
10:30 hrs Interactive Workshops & Closed Door Session
C01 The Role of Emotions in Negotiations
What is the impact of emotions in negotiations? Are there
techniques and best practices that improve our ability to
negotiate? How do we build trust, preserve long-term
relationships, and develop value-focused conversations?
C02 Private Equity & Family Businesses Are private equity firms and family businesses too different
to be partners? Can short-term investments create long-term
value? What are the most common fears regarding conflicting
goals and loss of control and how can an external investor
encourage new thinking and help companies grow?
C03 Investing in Africa
What are the most interesting growth regions and industries
in Africa? Which asset classes present the most compelling
investment opportunities and what do foreign investors have
to take into consideration in Africa?
C04 Closed Door Session | Businesswomen Roundtable
This closed door session is designed exclusively for
businesswomen to exchange experiences and discuss common
challenges in an intimate setting.
11:30 hrs
Networking Break | Face-To-Face Business Talks
12:00 hrs
Asset Class Sessions & Closed Door Session
Asset Class Sessions
During these sessions, renowned experts from different regions
will present the latest trends, challenges, and investment
opportunities for a selection of relevant asset classes.
D01 Asset Class Session | Private Equity
D02 Asset Class Session | Stocks & Bonds
D03 Asset Class Session | Real Estate
D04 Closed Door Session | Next Generation Roundtable
This closed door session is designed exclusively for next
generation members to exchange experiences and discuss
common challenges in an intimate setting.
13:00 hrs
Buffet Lunch | Face-To-Face Business Talks
The Responsible Investors Day
14:00 hrs
15:00 hrs Plenary Session
The State of the World – A Global Economic Outlook
Presentation Sessions & Individual Business Meetings
Presentation Sessions
During these sessions, family business owners and investors
from a range of growth industries will personally share their
latest projects, investment opportunities, and technological
innovations.
The Responsible Investors Day
The Responsible Investors Day places family businesses and single family
offices in a broader macro-economic context by bringing them together
with long-term investors and emphasising issues pertaining to sustainable
and responsible investment behaviour. Family businesses, family offices,
and other institutional and private long-term investors will engage in
a dialogue on responsible investments in and from the Middle East.
During numerous Presentation Sessions, family businesses and investors
from a wide range of growth industries will share their latest projects,
investment opportunities, and technological innovations.
E01 New Technology Presentations
E02 Investment Opportunity Presentations
E03 Joint Venture Presentations
17:30 hrs Evening Break | Individual Business Meetings
19:30 hrs
Dinner Reception
20:00 hrs
Dinner | Keynote
This is a preliminary programme and directory of speakers for The Owners
Forum Abu Dhabi 2012. For the lastest version of the programme, kindly visit
our website at: www.ownersforum.de.
Directory of Speakers
Under the Patronage of:
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan
Mabarak Al Nahayan
Ministry of Higher Education &
Scientific Research
United Arab Emirates
16
Co-Chair:
H.E. Nasser Alsowaidi
Department of
Economic Development
United Arab Emirates
Co-Chair:
H.E. Mohammed Al Romaithi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
United Arab Emirates
H.E. Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property
Jordan
May Al Dabbagh, Ph.D.
Harvard University
United States of America
Khalifa Al Masaood
Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons
United Arab Emirates
Dr. Patrick Adenauer
Bauwens GmbH & Co. KG
Germany
Mohammed A. J. Al Fahim
Al Fahim Group
United Arab Emirates
Mohammed Alshaya
M. H. Alshaya Co.
Kuwait
Khalid Rashid Al Zayani
Al Zayani Investments Group
Bahrain
Jaques de Saussure
Pictet & Cie
Switzerland
Suhas Gopinath
Globals Inc.
India
Mamoun Askari
Hasma Capital
United Kingdom
Connie Gersick, Ph.D.
Yale University
United States of America
Dr. Zakaria Hejres
Gulf Investment Corporation
Kuwait
Dr. Cornelius Boersch
Mountain Partners Group
Switzerland
Kelin Gersick, Ph.D.
Yale University
United States of America
Prof. Dr. Martin Hilb
University of St. Gallen
Switzerland
17
Directory of Speakers
18
Bernd Kolb
Club of Marrakesh
Germany
Tamer N. Makary
Arqaam Capital
United Arab Emirates
Philipp Missfelder
Member of German Bundestag
Germany
Prof. Dr. Hermut Kormann
Zeppelin University
Germany
Rocky Malhotra
SuperMax Corporation
India
Ghassan Nuqul
Nuqul Group
Jordan
Nizar Maarouf
Vivantes International
Germany
R. K. Mehta
Dhabi Group
United Arab Emirates
Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz
Josef Radermacher
Club of Rome
Germany
Dr. Jörg Ritter
Egon Zehnder International
Germany
Samih O. Sawiris
Orascom Development Holding
Egypt
Khaled S. Suliman Olayan
The Olayan Group
Saudi Arabia
Daniel L. Shapiro, Ph.D.
Harvard University
United States of America
Claudio S. Siniscalco
HarbourVest Partners
United Kingdom
Konstantin von Unger
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Germany
Constantin Salameh
Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons
United Arab Emirates
Dr. Frank
Stangenberg-Haverkamp
E. Merck KG
Germany
Roman Zeller
AlixPartners
Germany
19
The Cultural Day
& Side Programme for Accompanying Persons
Cultural Day | We believe that cultural understanding
is a central component of successful cross-cultural business
relationships. Therefore, after two Forum days, we will
offer a cultural day for all participants in which we
will visit some of the most inspiring destinations in the
United Arab Emirates and finish our excursion with a
dinner in the evening.
Side Programme | For accompanying persons who
do not wish to participate in the Forum programme, we
offer a unique side programme. This two-day programme
includes visits to special sights in the region and brings
our guests even closer to the Arab culture and history
of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque is likely the most prominent religious and
architectural landmark in Abu Dhabi. Visitors are
first impressed by its massive white marble domes of
Moroccan design. The effect continues inside the mosque,
where the walls are decorated with pearls and mosaics.
Saadiyat Island Project | Just off the coast of Abu
Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is poised to become a truly special
and diverse destination. The master plan envisages six
highly individual districts with hotels, three marinas,
20
museums such as the Louvre and the Guggenheim as
well as civic and leisure facilities.
Yas Marina Circuit | Yas Marina Circuit is the venue
for the annual F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit is
situated on Yas Island, the new emerging entertainment
destination. Yas Marina is the second Formula One
track in the Middle East and offers the opportunity to
experience thrilling rides and different showcases.
Masdar City | Masdar complements the vision of the
late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who pioneered
environmental conservation in the region. The city will
rely almost entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon,
zero-waste ecology. Masdar City will host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA) and is designed as a hub for cleantech companies.
Falcon Hospital | The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has
become the largest falcon hospital in the UAE having
treated more than 42,000 patients since its opening.
This unique tour is will provide you with a deep insight
into the world of these majestic birds, the history of
falconry as well as the lives of falcons in modern times.
Dubai Museum | Located inside Al Fahidi Fort, one of
the most important historical monuments in Dubai, the
museum’s diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of
Dubai showing life in the emirate before the advent of oil.
Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk | Dubai Spice Souk
is a traditional market located in Deira, eastern Dubai.
The market place sells exotic goods such as fresh herbs
and spices for Arab and South Asian cuisines. Other offerings include special perfumed oil. Adjacent to the
Dubai Spice Souk is Dubai Gold Souk, where extensive
collections of gold are sold.
Burj Khalifa | At 829.84 metres in height, Burj Khalifa
skyscraper is the tallest building in the world. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010, and is the new
flagship development of Downtown Dubai, Dubai‘s new
urban masterpiece. Burj Khalifa is surrounded by an
11-hectare park, inspired by the core design concepts of
Burj Khalifa itself which is based on the symmetries of
the desert flower, Hymenocallis.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hotel, Travel Information & Registration
Hotel Information | This year’s Forum will take place
at the Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas in Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates. The hotel is an exclusive sanctuary of
contemporary luxury located on a nine-kilometre
stretch of environmentally protected, natural sand
beach on Saadiyat Island. The resort is adjacent to
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, minutes from the city’s prime
business district and the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
We have reserved an exclusive block of rooms at special
rates for participants of The Owners Forum. In order
to obtain these rates, we will provide you with a hotel
booking form during the registration process. Kindly
note that a shuttle service from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) or Dubai International Airport
(DXB) to the venue hotel can also be reserved through
the hotel booking form.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Owners Forum
Team for assistance concerning hotel accommodations.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
Tel:
+ 971 2 407 1234
Fax:
+ 971 2 407 1235
Email: reservations.abuph@hyatt.com
Website: www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com
22
Flights | Etihad Airways (Frankfurt, Munich), Lufthansa
(Frankfurt, Munich), British Airways (London), Air
Berlin (Berlin, Düsseldorf), and other international
carriers offer non-stop flights each day to Abu Dhabi
International Airport (AUH) in the United Arab Emirates.
The airport is located approximately 20 minutes by
vehicle from the venue.
Registration | In order to register for The Owners
Forum Abu Dhabi 2012, please complete the registration form at the end of this brochure and submit to
us via fax or e-mail. Please register only Forum participants with the form included in this brochure.
Non-participating accompanying persons will be registered separately during the online registration process.
Visa Information | Tourist visas are valid for one month
and can be obtained free-of-charge at the Abu Dhabi
International Airport for citizens of most countries in
the European Union (including Germany, Austria, and
Switzerland) as well as the USA and Canada. Please note
that passports must be valid for at least six months
from the date of arrival in the United Arab Emirates.
For participants of other countries, please check the
visa requirements for your country. Please do not
hesitate to contact The Owners Forum Team if you need
any assistance requesting your visa.
After reviewing your registration information, we will
establish your personal Online Network Account with
which you can complete the online registration. During
the online registration process, you will be asked to provide information about yourself and your accompanying
person(s) as well as a short profile of your company.
Airport Shuttle | The Forum venue can be reached easily by hotel shuttle or airport taxi. Taxis are clean, calculate fares by meter, and are always available outside the
arrival terminal. You may also choose to book a hotel
shuttle which can be done on the hotel booking form.
Please keep in mind that the number of participants is
limited. You may register up to four individuals from
your family as well as non-family executives.
The Owners Forum Muscat 2011
The Owners Forum
Since its inception in 2008, The Owners Forum has
evolved into the premier platform for owners of family enterprises from German-speaking Europe to connect with their counterparts from the Middle East. The
culmination of these connections is The Owners Forum:
a high-level, invite-only business summit that occurs
annually in the Middle East.
As The Owners Forum‘s diverse network continues
to grow, we have undertaken a gradual expansion plan
that will connect family business owners from Germanspeaking Europe to the world‘s most important growth
regions. At the front end of The Owners Forum‘s
growth is India, a region that we are fascinated with
both from a cultural and family business perspective.
Beginning in 2013, The Owners Forum will hold two
annual gatherings: In India in spring and in the Middle
East in fall.
24
Vision | We promote trusted partnerships and responsible ownership among the world’s family enterprises by
creating the premier hub for business owners from
German-speaking Europe, the Middle East, India, and
other growth regions of the world to engage in personal
exchange and joint economic activities.
Such exchange will enable owners to forge new business relationships, thereby advancing the state of
development of their enterprises while contributing to
economic growth. This development will ultimately
lead to prosperity of both current and future generations.
Mission | We set to achieve these goals by continuing
to strengthen our global network of family business
owners, long-term investors, and members of academia,
by organising exclusive gatherings tailored to this
network, and by helping to facilitate high-level,
cross-border transactions within this network.
The Owners Forum has traditionally represented the
largest owner-level delegation of German businesses to
the Middle East each year via our events in Egypt | 2008,
Bahrain | 2009, Jordan | 2010, and Oman | 2011.
Values | We are guided by a core set of values which
stands for the idea that promoting cultural exchange
acts as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration
among family business owners from different regions.
The Owners Forum attracts the foremost family enterprises, single family offices, sovereign wealth funds,
and academics from universities such as Harvard, Yale
and the London School of economics to discuss mutual
management issues, present research findings, and explore joint business opportunities.
The Membership
The strong support of The Owners Forum by its global
network has affirmed our vision of creating an international community of family businesses that seek an
elevated level of exchange and involvement. This year,
we are delighted to officially announce the Membership of The Owners Forum.
As of 2012, a handpicked group of founding families
from German-speaking Europe, the Middle East, and India will position themselves as part of a circle of trusted
Members with a long-term focus on strategic cooperation, next generation development, and open dialogue.
Throughout the year as well as during the course of
our annual Forums in the world‘s growth regions,
Members will enjoy an array of personalised services
tailored specifically to the Member-family‘s objectives.
A dedicated support team will ensure that desired business talks and introductions are pre-arranged, in addition to organising an exclusive agenda that occurs parallel to the main Owners Forum programme.
Members enjoy the following benefits as of the
inaugural Membership year of 2012:
Tailored Business Matchmaking Service
Member Rate for Participation at The Owners Forums
The Membership unites some of the world‘s leading
family businesses under a shared sense of ownership
and responsibility, serving as a catalyst for sustainable
diversification and long-term growth.
The Membership of The Owners Forum is an invite-only network. For more information about The Membership, kindly contact our office directly.
Industry & Technology Think Tanks
Cross-Cultural Mentorship Programme
Future Leader Internship Exchange
Future Leader Summer Business School
Business Trip Concierge
25
Imprint
The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi 2012
The Owners Forum GmbH
Friedrichstrasse 58
10117 Berlin | Germany
Phone: + 49 30 609 89 55 50
Fax:
+ 49 30 609 89 55 59
Email: info @ ownersforum.de
Website: www.ownersforum.de
Design: www.msvk.de
Partners of The Owners Forum Abu Dhabi
Strategic Partners:
www.pictet.com
www.arqaamcapital.com
www.alixpartners.com
www.pwc.com
www.mountain-partners.com
www.wifu.de
www.hct.ac.ae
www.vivantes-international.com
Forum Partners:
Egon
Zehnder
International
www.egonzehnder.com
In cooperation with:
www.familienunternehmen.de
www.adcci.gov.ae
The Owners Forum
Friedrichstrasse 58
10117 Berlin | Germany
Phone: + 49 30 609 89 55 50
Fax:
+ 49 30 609 89 55 59
Email: info @ ownersforum.de
Website: www.ownersforum.de