MAX CEO Panel Series Part 1

Sponsored Venue: We're excited to host this event at the EY Canada Office, a generous contribution from EY, supporting our vision of nurturing senior leadership.

Join us for the launch of event of the MAX CEO Panel Series, the first iteration of a three part series, where we feature distinguished Muslim CEOs who have risen to the top of their careers through dedication, perseverance, and exceptional leadership. This event is more than just a panel; it's an opportunity to delve into the journeys of these remarkable individuals, uncovering the strategies and insights that propelled them to success.

Designed as a source of inspiration, our series aims to serve as a valuable learning resource for others within the community aspiring to similar heights. The first session of the series will highlight four dynamic leaders from a variety of sectors, offering a rich collection of experiences and wisdom to draw from.

Whether you're a seasoned corporate executive, entrepreneur, or simply intrigued by the art of leadership, this panel promises to offer invaluable perspectives on navigating the path to professional excellence. Join us to celebrate the achievements of CEOs from our community and to empower your own journey to the top.

Moderator:

Peter Lindley - President & CEO, OPTrust

Speakers:

1. Walied Soliman - Global Chair, Norton Rose Fullbright | Global Law Firm
2. Sabir Sami - Global Chief Executive Officer, KFC Global
3. Layth Gafoor - Chair, Lucentum Media Group (Leading Sports and Media Law Firm)
4. Farmida Bi - Chair, MENA, Norton Rose Fullbright | Global Law Firm

What to Expect:
Networking Opportunities:
In line with MAX's commitment to nurturing talent and leadership, within our community, across various industries, this event offers an exclusive opportunity to engage with and learn directly from top corporate leaders during our networking sessions. You'll also interact with attendees from a wide array of backgrounds, each bringing unique skill sets and perspectives. This diverse gathering promises to enrich your understanding of Corporate Canada, providing a comprehensive and holistic view that extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Leadership Insights from the Panel:
Beyond networking and diverse perspectives, prepare to be immersed in leadership insights that redefine success in the modern business world. This segment of our event will explore the innovative strategies and visionary thinking that have guided our speakers to the heights of their careers. From leveraging technology and sustainable practices to fostering inclusive work environments, you’ll gain firsthand knowledge on leading with impact. This is your chance to discover how today’s leaders are not just navigating, but also shaping the future of their industries and creating lasting legacies.

Diverse Perspectives:
Our panel will feature esteemed leaders from finance, law, mergers and acquisitions, sports and media, and the fast food industry. Each leader will share their unique perspectives, shedding light on the distinct pathways they navigated to achieve success. Attendees will gain insights into the varied approaches these professionals took in facing challenges and making strategic decisions that propelled them to the forefront of their respective fields.

Muslim Achieving Excellence (MAX) was founded with the aim to recognize, reward, celebrate and motivate high achievement and encourage positive and productive contributions to society by Muslims in Canada. MAX fosters that through creating connections between senior level, mid level and early career professionals.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW SOME OF CANADA'S TOP LEADERS. DINNER WILL BE SERVED.

For any attendees who may have financial needs and require a sponsored complimentary ticket, or for any questions or comments please contact:

Muneeb Hassan | CEO Panel Series | [email protected]

Saaniye Amin | CEO Panel Series | [email protected]

Website: onemax.org | LinkedIn: MAX | Twitter: @max_gala | Instagram: @max.gala

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL

Moderator: Peter Lindley

Peter Lindley is President and CEO of OPTrust, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans with offices in Toronto, London and Sydney.

Since joining OPTrust in 2019, Peter reprioritized the organization's Strategic Plan and increased focus on the Plan's members. He has also emphasized inclusion, diversity and equity as demonstrated by achieving a more gender diverse Executive Team. He established OPTrust's Sustainable Investing and Innovation (SII) department, giving it a mandate to identify new investment opportunities across asset classes at the intersection of sustainability and innovation.

A financial services industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in strategy, investments and leading high-performance teams, Peter is a strong advocate for defined benefit pensions and responsible investing. Prior to joining OPTrust, Peter served as President and Head of Investments at State Street Global Advisors, where he was responsible for the firm's overall Canadian business strategy.

Peter obtained a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Leicester, U.K. and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Peter is a board member of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance and serves on its Member Engagement Committee and Public Policy Committee.

Speaker 1: Sabir Sami

He previously served in a dual role as KFC Division Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of KFC Asia, a role in which he led the global operations team and drove the KFC global operations agenda while overseeing Thailand, India, Asia Central and Greater Asia. Prior to this, Sami was Managing Director for KFC Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets, where he was instrumental in growing the business and establishing KFC as a Relevant, Easy and Distinctive brand in the regions. Sami joined Yum! in 2009 and worked on all three brands during his tenure as the General Manager of Yum! Canada and previously served as General Manager for the KFC Canada and Turkey businesses. Sabir has served on a number of not-for-profit boards including SafeCity Mississauga, the Polycultural Immigrant Community Services and the provincial Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Council. Prior to Yum!, he served in various leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, the Coca-Cola Company and Reckitt Benckiser across multiple markets such as Pakistan, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore & Canada. Sami received his MBA from The University of Karachi in Pakistan. He is married to Sara, a father of two sons and proud grandfather of two little boys. His passions include traveling, reading, staying healthy and running a charity in his home country of Pakistan.

Speaker 2: Layth Gafoor

Layth Gafoor is the managing partner at Lucentem Sports & Entertainment Law, one of Canada’s top entertainment law firms, where he advises on legal and business matters within the sports and entertainment industries. He serves as counsel and agent to a variety of sporting organizations, teams, elite professional athletes, and artists, as well as clients in the music, film, and television industries. Layth is a highly sought-after public speaker and legal commentator, making a global impact. Using his unique perspective and vast skill set, Layth helps today’s organizations and high-profile professionals understand the realities that await them when crisis strikes. He is the president of the Sports Lawyers Association, whose board members consist of some of the highest-ranking executives in professional sports, including the NBA, NFL, and NHL. Layth is currently an Adjunct Professor at Western University’s Faculty of Law and sits on the boards of the CAMH Foundation and Crows Theatre.

Speaker 3: Walied Soliman

Walied Soliman is the Canadian chair of Norton Rose Fulbright and co-chair of the Special Situations team. He is widely regarded as one of Canada's leading lawyers in his field, having been involved in some of the most significant and complex M&A transactions and proxy battles in the country, advising buyers and sellers, boards, hostile bidders and shareholder activists. In addition, his practice focuses on restructurings, corporate finance, governance and structured products. Mr. Soliman was mandated in 2020 by the government of Ontario to chair the Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce. In 2019, Mr. Soliman was chosen by the United Nations Association in Canada to be its Global Citizen Laureate for his professional merit and service to the community. He was the only lawyer featured in The Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine Power 50 list in 2017, was designated as a "Star Lawyer" by Acritas for ranking in the top 28 lawyers globally, and he has been continuously recognized by the most prestigious legal rankings over the years, including Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. Mr. Soliman sits on the boards of the BlackNorth Initiative against anti-Black racism, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Toronto SickKids Hospital Foundation

Speaker 4: Farmida Bi

Farmida Bi has served as the EMEA Chair for Norton Rose Fulbright since May 2018, where she has significantly contributed to the firm's mission of exceptional client service and promoting an inclusive culture across its global presence. Alongside her leadership role, she continues to excel in her practice within debt capital markets and Islamic finance, with a focused interest in leveraging ethical finance to support ESG initiatives aligned with the UN's Social Development Goals. Her profound impact and expertise have been recognized through numerous awards, including her induction into The Legal 500 UK 2022 'Hall of Fame', and recognition by Financial News and the HERoes Top 100 Role Model List, among others. Beyond her legal career, Farmida plays a crucial role in supporting the arts and youth engagement in politics as Chair of Trustees for both the Barbican Centre Trust and the Patchwork Foundation. Awarded the CBE in 2020 for her services to law and charity, Farmida is a testament to the power of leadership driven by integrity and a commitment to making a difference. She holds degrees from Downing College, Cambridge, and is qualified to practice law in both the UK and New York.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

EY, 100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Canada