He is the author of the Visa Africa Integration Index (2012-2020) and the Investec-GIBS Savings Index (2015- 2020), using data and models to develop strategic insights in emerging markets. Hehas worked in many markets, from Botswana, Brazil and Chile to Singapore, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Since 2019, Adrian has also been involved in the development of an impact measurement and monitoring tool for a private equity fund in the ICT sector and since 2017 Adrian has chaired the investment committee of MeTTa Capital’s venture capital fund. He also holds a visiting professorship in Strategic Management at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada.

Over the past twenty-five years, alongside his academic career, Adrian established and grew an investment firm, developing the firm’s models and client markets from the launch of the business to the sale of the firm to a listed entity in 2017. He remained as CEO of the firm, developing and managing in-house investment solutions for the group’s banking, employee benefits and insurance divisions. In 2021 he joined a multi-family investment office, Genera Capital, to establish a multi- asset investment portfolio alongside a special opportunities portfolio. 

Adrian is a member of various industry bodies, including the Academy of International Business, the Strategic Management Society, Investment Analysts Society, Economic Society of South Africa, Economic History Society of Southern Africa and Manual of Ideas (Global).  He is married to Dr Tashmia Ismail, Vice President of Innovation at MaRS Discovery District.

Speaking Topics:

• Building Agile, Resilient And Innovative Companies: How The Growth Outliers Do It
• The Upside Of Opportunity In A Changing World
• Paths To Prosperity: Removing The Myth From Country Miracles