Who We Are

International Advisory Board

Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Malaysia

Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Malaysia

Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar is a distinguished Malaysian politician and diplomat with a career spanning several decades in public service. He held key ministerial positions in the Malaysian government, serving as Minister of Home Affairs (2008-2009), Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999-2008), Minister of Defence (1995-1999), and Minister of Justice (1990-1995). As a Member of Parliament for Kota Tinggi from 1990 to 2013, he played a significant role in shaping Malaysia’s domestic and foreign policy.

Following his retirement from active politics, Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid continues to contribute to global initiatives. He currently serves as Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation and is the inaugural Chancellor of Asia e University (AeU). His contributions to public service have been widely recognised, earning him numerous awards and honours for his dedication to Malaysia and international diplomacy.

Sir Stephen O’Brien

Former Chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust

Sir Stephen O’Brien

Former Chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust

Sir Stephen O’Brien CBE is a distinguished leader with a career spanning numerous key roles in public service, charity, and community development. He currently serves as a Trustee of Foundation For Future London, Barts Charity, and the Music in Secondary Schools Trust, alongside his positions as Vice President of Business in the Community, Convenor of The Second Curve Network, and Chair of The London Communities Commission.

Previously, Sir Stephen held senior leadership roles, including Chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust, NHS Tower Hamlets, Teach First, London First, Unicorn Children’s Theatre, and the Board of Governors at the University of East London. He was also the first Chief Executive of Business in the Community and London First, where he played a crucial role in fostering corporate social responsibility and community development in the UK.

Ismat Jahan

Former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations

Ismat Jahan

Former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations

Ambassador Ismat Jahan is the Permanent Observer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the European Union, based in Brussels. Before taking up this role, she served as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, where she represented her country’s interests in key diplomatic and economic matters.

From 2007 to 2009, Ambassador Jahan was Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where she was concurrently accredited as Ambassador to Peru and Chile. Prior to this, she served as Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2005 to 2007, with additional responsibilities covering Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Poland.

Earlier in her career, Ambassador Jahan held positions as Deputy Head of Mission in Geneva and Deputy Head of Mission in New Delhi. Specialised in multilateral diplomacy, her career has focused heavily on human rights and women’s rights, which led to her service on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) from 2011 to 2018.

Maha Akeel

Former Director of Communications at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Maha Akeel

Former Director of Communications at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Maha Akeel is an expert in communications, social development, and international relations with over 20 years of experience across intergovernmental organisations, media, and public diplomacy. She currently serves as a member of the UN’s Senior Women Talent Pipeline, contributing her expertise to advance social development and international cooperation.

Previously, Maha was the Director of Social and Family Affairs and Director of Communications at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where she played a pivotal role in empowering women, youth, and families and spearheaded the organisation’s strategic communication efforts. During her tenure at the OIC, she led numerous initiatives focused on policy reform and community development through the promotion of social justice and inclusion.

Hussein Kalout

Former Special Secretary for Strategic Affairs of Brazil

Hussein Kalout

Former Special Secretary for Strategic Affairs of Brazil

Hussein Kalout is a renowned Brazilian political scientist and expert in international relations, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern affairs and global geopolitics. He served as the Special Secretary for Strategic Affairs of Brazil, advising the government on foreign policy, national security, and international relations.

In addition to his governmental role, Mr. Kalout has held academic positions, including as a research scholar at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, where he specialised in Middle Eastern geopolitics and Brazilian foreign policy. He is also a regular commentator on international security and diplomatic strategy in the global media.

Arif Hyder Ali

Co-Chair of Dechert LLP’s International Arbitration and Public International Law Group

Arif Hyder Ali

Co-Chair of Dechert LLP’s International Arbitration and Public International Law Group

Arif Hyder Ali is a globally recognised lawyer with over 30 years of experience in international dispute resolution, specialising in investor-State and commercial arbitration, cross-border litigation, and state-to-state disputes. He is currently the Co-Chair of Dechert LLP’s International Arbitration and Public International Law Group, and has served as lead counsel and arbitrator in numerous cases under major arbitral regimes across more than 50 jurisdictions.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Ali has held academic roles at institutions such as Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Dundee. He has also worked in senior positions at the United Nations Compensation Commission and the World Intellectual Property Organization. He is the recipient of multiple accolades, including the Order of Bahrain, for his contributions to international law and arbitration.

Senior Management Team

Muddassar Ahmed

Founding Managing Partner

Muddassar Ahmed

Founding Managing Partner

Muddassar Ahmed is a globally recognised expert in strategic communications, international relations, and public affairs. As the Founding Managing Partner of Unitas Global Advisory, he leads the firm’s efforts in providing high-level strategic counsel to governments, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. His expertise spans media strategy, public diplomacy, and geopolitical analysis, ensuring that clients successfully navigate complex global challenges, policy landscapes, and reputational risks across diverse markets. Under his leadership, Unitas has spearheaded major international initiatives, shaping critical conversations on diplomacy, security, and global economic trends.

Beyond his professional work, Muddassar is a dedicated civic leader and advocate for social impact. He chairs the East End Citizens Advice Bureau, supporting vulnerable communities with essential services. His influence extends globally—he is a Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund and serves on the boards of several leading international organisations spanning the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These include the Concordia Forum, the Atlantic Council, Global Ties U.S., the Case Art Fund, and the John Adams Society.

He has been named among the world’s 500 most influential Muslims, included in London’s 1000 most influential people.

Shiraz Ahmad

Founding Partner

Shiraz Ahmad

Founding Partner

Shiraz Ahmed is a Founding Partner of Unitas Global Advisory and brings a wealth of experience in communications and international relations. Shiraz has been instrumental in leading campaigns for a range of prominent organisations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the NFL. He has also worked extensively with governmental bodies, including the US State Department and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Shiraz’s career includes significant roles in both the public and private sectors. Prior to founding Unitas Global Advisory, he served as the Communications Officer for the British Chambers of Commerce in the Czech Republic and as an analyst for the Prague Society for International Cooperation. He has a strong background in strategic communications and has been involved in various high-level international projects.

He is also a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar and holds an LLB from the University of London and is a graduate of the Oxford University Muslim Leadership Programme.

Youssef Kobo

EU Director

Youssef Kobo

EU Director

Youssef Kobo is the EU Director at Unitas Global Advisory, bringing extensive experience in strategic innovation and public affairs. Over the course of his career, Youssef has advised governments, multinational corporations, and think tanks across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. He has worked extensively on complex policy and communications challenges, with a particular focus on the MENA region.

Before joining Unitas Global Advisory, Youssef played a key role in advising over 300 leading organisations on government affairs, stakeholder management, and policy development. His expertise as a public commentator and analyst has seen him contribute to numerous international media outlets, including CNN, BBC World, and Al Jazeera, where he provides insights on current affairs and innovation.

In addition to his advisory work, Youssef has founded several award-winning non-profits and social impact initiatives in Europe and Africa. His leadership in these ventures has earned him recognition and accolades from a range of international bodies. Youssef continues to be a prominent figure in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and shaping public policy.

Sancha Worthington

Chief of Staff

Sancha Worthington

Chief of Staff

Sancha Worthington is the Chief of Staff to Muddassar Ahmed at Unitas Global Advisory where she plays a pivotal role in managing strategic operations, streamlining communications, and driving key initiatives. She works closely with senior leadership to ensure the seamless execution of high-profile projects and international engagements.

Sancha has a rich background in media production, having worked with companies such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Disney, and FIFA. She has also held roles at General Atlantic and the Welsh Labour Party. She holds a Master’s in International Relations and a first-class Bachelor’s in Politics from Swansea University and is a 2024 Atlantic Council Millennium Fellow.

Team

Mohammed Marikar

Consultant

Mohammed Marikar

Consultant

Mohammed Marikar is a Consultant at Unitas Global Advisory, bringing over twenty years of experience across investment banking, wealth management, and artificial intelligence. He began his career as an FCA-regulated investment adviser at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) before establishing and leading the bank’s Wealth Innovation Lab, driving AI and innovation initiatives across the US, Europe, and Asia.

At RBC, Mohammed also directed academic partnerships in artificial intelligence, sponsoring PhDs at Imperial College London and the University of Southampton, where he now serves as an Adjunct Fellow. He is co-founder of Neem Capital, which integrates investment advisory with AI-native strategy, and an adviser to FLock.io, focused on decentralized AI and enterprise systems.

A London native and Mathematics graduate of Imperial College London, Mohammed also serves on the board of The Brokerage, the UK social mobility charity that first launched his banking career.

Daanish Masood Alavi

Consultant

Daanish Masood Alavi

Consultant

Daanish Masood Alavi is a Consultant at Unitas Global Advisory, specialising in AI alignment, governance, and geopolitical analytics. A former UN official with 17 years of experience, he co-led the UN’s Innovation Cell, overseeing AI-driven early-warning systems and geospatial analytics for conflict resolution.

An advocate for responsible AI, he co-founded CODA, an alignment framework presented to policymakers and tech leaders across the US, UK, and China. He was awarded the 2022 Geospatial Excellence Award for his work on environmental conflict analytics.

Previously an MIT Research Fellow, Daanish holds degrees in Philosophy and Middle East Studies from New York University.

Holly Cave

Senior Media and Communications Officer

Holly Cave

Senior Media and Communications Officer

Holly Cave is the Senior Media and Communications Officer at Unitas Global Advisory, where she develops strategic PR and communications initiatives to foster understanding between cultures and communities on local and international levels.

With an academic foundation in biology and an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, Holly brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative storytelling to her role. She previously served as Contemporary Science Curator at the Science Museum in London, spent over a decade as a freelance science writer, and most recently, led communications, marketing, and PR strategies as Head Creative at the science and innovation impact agency Scientia Scripta.

Holly is also the author of The Memory Chamber, published by Quercus in 2018, and is represented by Sue Armstrong at C+W Agency.

Meriame Yassi

Account Director

Meriame Yassi

Account Director

Meriame is an Account Director at Unitas Global Advisory, where she leads on regional assignments and stakeholder engagement, driving high-impact initiatives, managing client relations, and spearheading key business strategies that deliver measurable results.

A graduate of the University of Manchester with a BA in Politics and International Relations, Meriame has cultivated a distinguished international portfolio spanning over 50 countries. She brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, media relations, and advocacy, having worked with globally renowned organisations such as Amnesty International, the Labour Party, and New York University’s Center on International Cooperation.

Meriame’s expertise includes crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and the management of large-scale international campaigns. Her work has involved consulting for governments, navigating complex political landscapes, and shaping strategies that address global challenges with precision and impact.

Shayna Wilson

Media and Communications Manager

Shayna Wilson

Media and Communications Manager

Shayna Wilson is the Media and Communications Manager at Unitas Global Advisory, where she manages complex media campaigns that bridge the Global North and South. A skilled writer, her work has appeared in high-profile publications such as The Guardian and The Washington Post.

Shayna is also an award-winning journalist in China and for Mongabay, and she has spoken at programmes like Project Belonging, partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She holds an MA in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh.

Sara Yassi

Strategic Engagement Consultant

Sara Yassi

Strategic Engagement Consultant

Sara Yassi is a Strategic Engagement Consultant at Unitas Global Advisory, where she leads the advance planning for high-profile, multi-stakeholder global events and spearheads special projects for the Managing Partner. Her expertise in event formulation, partnership structuring, and strategic communications plays a critical role in the firm’s global operations.

Previously, Sara has held prominent positions in the UK media industry, including roles at Sony Music UK, Universal Pictures, and Marvel Studios, where she was involved in the development and execution of high-profile projects.

Sara is also a writer who holds a BA from the University of Oxford and was a Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writer-in-Residence Fellow at The Africa Institute. She was a 2024 Young Concordia Leadership Fellow, an inaugural fellow of the Common Purpose MENA Diaspora Leadership Programme and is currently a Fellow of the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN) at the German Marshall Fund (GMF), and the Chair of the UK’s official youth delegation to COP30.

Ibrahim Khalil

Stakeholder Manager

Ibrahim Khalil

Stakeholder Manager

Ibrahim is a stakeholder manager at Unitas Global Advisory, where he works across the agency’s client accounts providing strategic and corporate communications counsel.

With 10 years of agency experience working in strategic communications at leading UK PR firms, he has advised household names, including large publicly listed companies in the UK, on their reputations and corporate communications.

Ibrahim has considerable experience working across various sectors including healthcare, financial services, industrials, energy and technology.

Mashal Imran

Head of Research and Policy

Mashal Imran

Head of Research and Policy

Mashal Imran is the Head of Research and Policy at Unitas Global Advisory, where she leads strategic projects and provides expert policy guidance. She has extensive experience in international development, having worked with prominent organisations such as FCDO, UNICEF, and Harvard CID. Mashal has also provided technical assistance to the Government of Pakistan across various sectors, including health, education, and energy.

Before joining Unitas, Mashal held key roles at several leading institutions, driving impactful research initiatives. She holds an MPhil in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College, where she was awarded the Byam Shaw-Brownstone Award for Excellence in Cultural Studies, and she is a Fulbright scholar. Mashal’s work has been recognised internationally, and she continues to contribute to global development through her research and policy expertise.

Ghada Qureshi

Senior Policy Report Writer

Ghada Qureshi

Senior Policy Report Writer

Ghada Qureshi is a Senior Policy Report Writer on the Research and Policy team at Unitas Global Advisory. She brings extensive experience in research development and communications, having worked with the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) on high-impact projects in collaboration with major international organisations such as the World Bank, BMFG, FCDO, and R4D. Ghada specialises in qualitative research, policy analysis, and communications strategy, with a particular focus on migration, education, and diversity.

Before joining Unitas, she also worked with the European Cultural Foundation in Amsterdam and held various roles in research, editing, and writing within Pakistan’s cultural and media sectors. Ghada holds an MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a BSc in Anthropology from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Muhammad Naushad

Senior Graphic Designer

Michał Pawlak

Media & Communications Officer

Michał Pawlak

Media & Communications Officer

Michał Pawlak is a Media & Communications Officer at Unitas Global Advisory, with a strong background in international affairs and corporate governance.

He holds a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Brighton and has contributed to leading global business publications. Michał is committed to staying abreast of political affairs and international strategies.

Maryam Raza

Senior Policy Report Writer

Maryam Raza

Senior Policy Report Writer

Maryam Raza is a Policy Report Writer at Unitas Global Advisory, specialising in producing high-quality policy reports and analytical content. Her work supports the Research & Policy Department, contributing to key projects within the company.

Prior to joining Unitas, Maryam was the Deputy Director at the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) and served on the Scientific & Organising Committee at BZT Academy in Turkey.

Maryam holds an MPhil in International Relations and has published extensively in international journals and media. She has been recognised with numerous awards for her contributions to the field.

Zainab Naseem

Account Executive

Zainab Naseem

Account Executive

Zainab Naseem is a skilled Account Executive with a background in project management, reputation, and crisis management. She has held key roles in the media industry, including as Editorial Head for Pakistani publications and a Lifestyle Journalist for BBC Entertainment. Zainab was also the Project Manager for the Campus Guru educational initiative at Express Tribune.

She holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Karachi, where she graduated with a Gold Medal. Zainab specialises in strategic communication, crisis management, and building resilient reputations.

Azam Butt

Research Associate

Azam Butt

Research Associate

Azam brings over 17 years of diverse experience across journalism, real estate, and supply chain industries to his role as a Research Associate at Unitas Global Advisory. With a degree in Marketing and expertise in tools like WordPress, SEO, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads, he excels in digital marketing and content strategy.

A former magazine editor, Azam has sharpened his storytelling and audience engagement skills. He is also an experienced Wikipedia editor and web developer, with proficiency in platforms like WordPress and Wix, and intermediate skills in Adobe Creative Suite, making him a valuable asset in research and digital media.