In his capacity as Chief Business Development Officer, Salmaan Jaffery is responsible for growing, deepening, and enriching the Center’s client base as well as identifying new markets, segments and partnership opportunities aligned with the DIFC’s 2030 growth ambitions. The business development team, under Mr. Jaffery’s direction, acquires new clients and works closely with existing clients to facilitate their growth and success within the DIFC community.

Mr. Jaffery has nearly 25 years of extensive operating and advisory experience, working with global financial services and consulting firms across North America, Asia and Middle East & North Africa. During this time, he has established a track record for solving complex problems, driving growth, executing partnerships and managing senior stakeholder relationships. Mr. Jaffery is an accomplished thought leader and speaker.

Before joining the DIFC Authority, Mr. Jaffery held leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young Middle East. Prior to that, he held senior operating and finance roles at Citibank and American Express in New York. Mr. Jaffery has also led client teams at Oliver Wyman focused on customer driven growth strategies and new venture analyses.

Mr. Jaffery holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in International Relations (Phi Beta Kappa) from Colgate University in the United States. He is the President of the Cornell Club Middle East, and serves on the Boards of several non-profit organisations.