Geopolitics & Business Conference 2025

Join us for the 2nd annual Geopolitics & Business Conference, as we explore the latest challenges, from navigating tariffs and AI/chips trade to opportunities around defence spending.
 

DRAFT AGENDA

11.30 Registration & Networking

12.10 Opening Remarks  

• Sergei Guriev, Dean, London Business School 

12.20 Keynote Fireside Chat: President of East Timor

• Jose Ramos-Horta, President, East Timor 
• Mandeep Rai, Author, The Values Compass & Journalist, BBC World Service 

1.00 Tech Panel: Assessing the Geopolitical Implications of AI, Chips & Technological Supremacy 

• Nicholas Butts, Director, Global Cybersecurity & AI Policy, Microsoft 
• Nathan Naidoo, Director of Public Policy, Meta 
• Nick Reiners, Senior Analyst, Geotechnology, Eurasia Group 

1.40 Fireside Chat: Why Does Salesforce Care About Geopolitics?

• Colid Reed, Director, Global Strategic Threats, Salesforce

2.10 Coffee Break & Networking

2.40 Survey of 100 Japanese Companies on Economic Security 

• Hitoshi Suzuki, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Geoeconomics - International House of Japan

2.50 Trade Panel: Navigating the Uncertainties of Trump, Tariffs & Trade for Global Business 

• Mandeep Rai, Author, The Values Compass & Journalist, BBC World Service 
• Anil Jhanji, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Steel UK 
• Nazir Yasser Tarraf, VP Macro Research, Patria Investments 
• Stuart R Broadley, CEO, Energy Industries Council 
• Stephanie Baker, Senior Writer, Bloomberg 
• Wilson Chan, CEO/Founder, Permutable.ai

3.40 Fireside Chat: Defence Preparedness in an Era of Geopolitical Tensions & Military Leadership Lessons for Business 

• Colin Weir CB DSO CBE, Military Advisor, BAE Systems & Ex-Chief Operating Officer, UK Field Army, British Army 
• Jacob Parakilas, Research Leader - Defence Strategy, Policy & Capabilities, RAND Europe (moderator)

4.10 Coffee Break & Networking 

4.40 Defence Panel: The Business Implications of European Defence Spending & Procurement 

• Paolo Surico, Professor of Economics, London Business School (moderator) 
• Colin Annette, Managing Director, Technology Solutions, QinetiQ 
• Ian Vaculik, Director, Central & Eastern Europe, Government Solutions, KBR 
• William McManners, Managing Partner, MD One Ventures 
• Michael Martins, Founding Partner, Overton Advisory 
• Lucia Retter, Assistant Director - Defence, Security & Justice, RAND Europe

5.30 Growth Panel: Is the European Economic Model Broken?  

• Thomas Gratowski, Director, Center for Geopolitics, Boston Consulting Group
• Anna Rosenberg, Head of Geopolitics, Amundi Investment Solutions
• Frederico Santi, Senior Analyst, Europe, Eurasia Group 

6.00 Networking Drinks Reception 

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