Moderators & Facilitators

Confirmed moderators, in alphabetical order:

Ann Berry

CEO

Threadneedle, USA

Ann Berry is a business commentator on global TV networks including the BBC, Bloomberg & CNBC. She also hosts market shows and CEO interviews for Public.com, broadcasting to 3 million retail subscribers. Ann is the founder of advisory firm Threadneedle and General Partner of its technology-focused Opportunity Fund, backed by Alexis Ohanian. She was Chief Investment Officer of Wheelhouse multimedia and from 2017 to 2021, and Partner & Investment Committee member at global private equity firm Cornell Capital. Ann spent 11 years at Goldman Sachs in London & New York and across her career has deployed $10+ billion acquiring companies in the consumer and other sectors. In 2019 through 2020, Ann was CEO of hospitality services company PureStar. Ann is a director of Allure Beauty Concepts and has served on the boards of multiple public and private corporations including SLAM Corp.

Simon Susman

Honorary President

Woolworths, South Africa

Simon Susman is a highly accomplished business executive with a remarkable career in the retail industry. He played a pivotal role in the success of Woolworths, where his tenure at Woolworths spanned several decades, during which he held various executive positions, including Chief Executive and later Non-Executive Chairman. Simon's Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth. His commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident through his initiation of the "Good business journey" program at Woolworths, which emphasized sustainable practices. Beyond Woolworths, he has extended his expertise to other esteemed organizations. He currently serves as the Chairman of the London-based Virgin Active fitness business and chairs the Dubai-based Al Tayer Retail Board. Simon's academic background includes a matriculation from St. Andrews College in Grahamstown and in 1969 the University of Cape Town.