Marc helps the world’s biggest brands and most successful companies elevate the quality and impact of their talent. He leads transformational projects globally in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to consumer products to technology. As the founder and President of the Talent Strategy Group, he leads the firm’s global consulting, education, executive search and publishing businesses.

Marc co-authored the Harvard Business Review Publishing best-selling book One Page Talent Management, often called the “talent management bible.” Companies worldwide apply its discipline of science-based simplicity, accountability and transparency. His most recent book 8 Steps to High Performance (Harvard Business Review Publishing) is quickly reaching best-seller status with its powerful messages about how everyone can elevate their performance.

Marc co-founded the Talent Management Institute at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. It has become the world’s most popular executive education program on talent management with more than 3,000 graduates.

Prior to forming The Talent Strategy Group, Marc served as VP, Talent Management for Avon Products and led Global Leadership Consulting Practice for Aon Hewitt. He was also SVP, Leadership Development for Bank of America and a Congressional Staff Assistant.

Marc has been published in or heard on Fast Company, Financial Times, BBC, Bloomberg Radio, Inc., Harvard Business Review, New York Post, Knowledge@Wharton radio and some of the world’s most popular podcasts. Marc publishes TalentQ magazine which he founded in 2013 to help executives make smarter decisions about how to manage talent.

Marc earned a M.B.A. from the Yale University School of Management and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington.

Jim Link is the Chief Human Resources Officer for SHRM. With more than 340,000 members around the world, SHRM is the largest HR professional association in the world and the leading voice for matters related to workers and the workplace. Prior to joining SHRM, Link’s career included roles of increasing responsibility across a variety of industries and companies including General Electric, the Pillsbury Company, Porsche Cars, and Randstad. While at Randstad North America, he led a global team of 150 HR professionals who were instrumental in transforming the company into an award-winning, inclusive, and sustainable global leader.

Link consistently demonstrates dynamic and visionary thought leadership with a variety of presentations focusing on the interconnection between effective human capital management and business results. Using a data-driven, story-telling approach with his audiences, Link’s presentations weave together insights gleaned from a variety of sources to address the rapid and necessary changes required for tomorrow’s leaders to succeed. Typical topics Link addresses include the future of HR, global workforce dynamics, workplace evolution, emerging leadership trends, tech readiness, culture, employee and organization wellbeing, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.

Link has graced stages across diverse geographical landscapes, sharing his expertise with audiences in North America, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As a sought-after speaker on the international stage, his insightful presentations delve into critical aspects of the contemporary workplace, including but not limited to inclusion, employee experience and engagement, organizational culture, benefits strategies, and mental health advocacy. His compelling discussions not only showcase his depth of knowledge but also reflect his commitment to driving positive change in society and business through the lens of empathy and civility. His ability to translate complex ideas into manageable outcomes, coupled with his passion for fostering inclusive and thriving workplace environments, positions him as a thought leader who leaves a lasting impact on audiences across the globe.

Mr. Alghamdi has more than 19 years of experience in Human Resources and Business Management in general. He has worked in many industries, including Retail, Aviation, FMCG, Manufacturing, Health Care, Consulting, and Communication.

Currently, he holds the position of Group Chief Human Resources Officer (GCHRO) at stc Group, the leading telecommunication group in the Middle East. Before joining stc, he used to work in Mercer Consulting, leading many projects with the biggest companies in the region.

Ahmad also sits on the Board of Directors at many companies and chairs Remuneration & Nomination committees for some. He is passionate toward the new ways of managing Human Capital such as “Future Workforce,” “Digital Transformation,” & “People Analytics.”

Abdulkarim Alreshaid has gained his bachelor degree in Computer & Information Systems from King Saud University in addition to a number of professional certificates including Executive Leadership Education Programs from IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, Organizational Development from University of Leicester with more than 25 years in the human resources business management for well-known global and national companies and a board member of several committees.

Currently, Executive Vice President, HR & Corporate Services at the Saudi Electricity Company.

During his professional journey, he worked for many well-reputable companies holding several key positions such as:

• Vice president, Human Resources, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group
• Vice President, Business & Distribution Sector, Olayan Group
• Vice president, Human Resources, Olayan Group
• General Director, Human Resources, PepsiCo International Refreshment Company
• Executive Director, Support & Coordination, L’azurde Co.
• Human Resources in Charge, SABB (Alawwal Bank)

Mr. Holmes’ career spans over 30 years and six countries, where he has undertaken organisational consulting projects across a range of geographies and industries including: industrial, consumer and healthcare. 

In his current roles he is responsible for META, overseeing seven offices and the full spectrum of consulting services of Korn Ferry and leading the professional search & interim business across EMEA. Prior to his current position (from 2011) he was the Managing Director for Korn Ferry’s Korean business for 10 years.

Previously, Mr. Holmes was a consultant with Carre, Orban & Partners which merged with Korn Ferry in 1993 where he initially focused on the consumer goods and healthcare sectors. After the merger, he broadened his practice to cover transnational work across a range of industries in Northern Europe. Mr. Holmes has served as a resident consultant in India, Russia, Singapore and South Korea, where he was responsible for growing the Firm’s business.

During his four years as the Managing Director in Russia, Mr. Holmes successfully made Korn Ferry the leading executive search firm in the Russian market, while personally undertaking projects throughout Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, principally in the Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Subsequently, he managed the Firm’s offices in Mumbai and New Delhi for three years as Managing Director of India. After that, he led the ASEAN practice from Singapore before moving to Seoul.

A British citizen, Mr. Holmes holds a bachelor’s degree of science (with honours) in Geology.

At Misk Foundation, leadership and strategy are at the core of Abdulghafoor Abdulhaleem’s mandate to empower the next generation. With a focus on engaging youth and fostering a culture of innovation, his work revolves around creating initiatives that make a lasting positive impact. They have developed comprehensive communication strategies, managed Board of Director relations, and advised on sustainability practices. 

Abdulghafoor Abdulhaleem has expertise in crafting strategies, marketing communications, and skill development has been instrumental in the successful launch of projects within the Foundation. Together with his team, they’ve built a business development strategy and cultivated partnerships that support our mission. His goal is to continue shaping a future where creators are equipped to transform our world. 

Business HR Leader with over 25 years of diverse experiences in diverse business sectors (FMCG, Energy, Healthcare, Real Estate & Retail) and worked for multinational companies (Proctor & Gamble & General Electric) and local reputable companies (Madar, Emaar the Economic City, eXtra, Roshn and Cenomi). Recognized for leading HR transformation, navigating complex business dynamics, and providing strategic counsel to CEOs and boards.

Hanan is an experienced executive with over 15 years of experience in the consulting industry, specializing in strategy, culture transformation, change management, and leadership development. Known for a pragmatic approach, she has successfully led transformative projects that drive measurable results for clients across diverse sectors. Passionate about advancing the Vision 2030 transformation agenda, Hanan fosters innovation and collaboration, empowering teams to navigate change and achieve excellence. A sought-after speaker, she shares insights on effective leadership and strategic implementation, inspiring audiences to embrace practical solutions for complex challenges. Hanan holds a BA in Business, a MA in Organinzational Sciences and currently purpuing her PhD in Organizational Behavior. She is committed to continuous life-long learning and growth.

As a board member and chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Confidential, Abdul leads the HR strategy and transformation for a large and diversified group of companies. He has over eight years of experience in senior HR roles, overseeing HR integration on mergers and acquisitions, joint venture formation, policies and procedures, rewards and performance, organization development, strategic workforce planning, and HR business partnership.

He is a certified board director by GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) a board member, member and chair nomination and remuneration committees. He is also enrolled in 2030 Leader at Misk Leadership, a prestigious program that empowers young Saudi leaders to achieve the national vision and contribute to the global community.

Abdulmalik Al Kohaji holds a bachelor of science in business administration and an executive education certificate in organizational leadership from London Business School.

Roberto Croci is currently the Director of Value Creation & Transformation at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Riyadh-KSA. Prior to this role, he was the Managing Director of Microsoft for Startups in the MEA region with a vision to drive innovation and develop market-defining ideas in the Middle East. He previously served as Regional Head, Google Marketing Platforms – EMEA Emerging Markets (Middle East, Turkey, Israel, Russia, Africa), having started in Google Milan & London (6 months each), then promoted and transferred to Paris & Singapore and then to Dubai. He has been Awarded and Nominated twice by Google for “Best Coaching Manager” and “Best Googler Inspiring Hero” in 2018 and 2016, respectively.

He is also an active conference speaker and panelist, especially around VC Investing and MENA Growth. He regularly speaks at prominent universities and within local school systems. Roberto is passionate about mentoring young people and helping them develop an entrepreneurial mindset to find solutions to problems they see in their community, country, or across the globe.

In his personal world, Roberto enjoys reading hardcover books, hiking, running, and spending time with his family, and he has summited K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. 

Roberto has earned his Industrial Engineering Degree from Politecnico di Milano. He also did his Master in Business and Management from Duke University in 3 locations (US, UK, Singapore). Along with this, he has earned EMBA from Harvard Business School as well focused on leadership, change, and innovation.