2025 Global Wellness Summit Speakers

Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai | November 18-21, 2025

Ebtissam (Besma) Al-Madi

President, Kadoon, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Professor Al-Madi is a visionary leader pioneering wellness transformation in Saudi Arabia. As founding president of the Saudi Arabian Wellness Association, she spearheads initiatives to elevate wellness standards and quality of life across the Kingdom in alignment with Vision 2030. Her academic background includes several degrees from distinguished universities around the world, like King Saud University and Cardiff University. She made history by becoming Saudi Arabia’s first female dental school dean and has over 25 years of leadership in healthcare and education. Currently professor at King Saud University’s College of Dentistry, she has over 60 research publications and serves on multiple editorial boards. 

Dave Asprey

Founder, The Asprey Group, United States

Dave Asprey is best known as the founder of Bulletproof Coffee and the entire biohacking movement. As a four-time New York Times bestselling author, CEO of Upgrade Labs, and host of a Webby award-winning, top 100 podcast, The Human Upgrade (formerly Bulletproof Radio), Dave is a maverick in the entrepreneurial health science space. He is known as the “father of biohacking.”

Elke Benedetto-Reisch

Medical Director, Lanserhof Tegernsee, Germany

Elke Benedetto-Reisch, MD, is the Medical Director of Lanserhof Tegernsee and a leading authority in preventive, integrative, and longevity medicine. Born in Kitzbühel, she is internationally recognized for her expertise in modern Mayr medicine and her holistic focus on gut health, regeneration and sustainable wellbeing. With a background in general practice and naturopathy, Dr. Benedetto-Reisch has led Lanserhof Tegernsee’s medical department since 2013, uniting advanced science with complementary healing.

Isaac Bentwich, MD

Founder & CEO, CoreX, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Isaac Bentwich is the founder & CEO of CoreX. He is also the founder and CEO of Quris-AI, a company revolutionizing drug development through AI and patient-on-chip biology. A physician and serial entrepreneur, he has founded and led three bio-AI technology companies driving breakthroughs in medicine, genomics, agriculture, and conservation. Previously, at Rosetta Genomics (NASDAQ: ROSG), his team discovered hundreds of novel genes and created pioneering cancer diagnostics, with its subsidiary acquired by Monsanto for $35M. Today at Quris, Dr. Bentwich leads interdisciplinary teams using bio-AI to transform longevity, drug safety, and healthcare.

Anna Bjurstam

Wellness Pioneer, Six Senses, Sweden

Anna Bjurstam has been a leader in the wellness industry for the last 25 years. Being a shaman with a biogeometry diploma, having a master´s degree in finance, and with a passion for quantum physics and science, Anna’s experience spans over a variety of wellness fields. She successfully sold Raison d’Etre in 2013 and is currently the wellness pioneer and strategic advisor for Six Senses and Raison d’Etre, as well as an independent consultant, investor and serial entrepreneur.

Jessi Brandt

Director of Programs and Operations, Global Wellness Summit, Global Wellness Institute, United States

Jessi Brandt is the Director of Programs and Operations for the Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute, bringing more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, health, and wellness across Europe and the U.S. In addition to ensuring that operations for both organizations run seamlessly, she oversees the Shark Tank of Wellness student competition, the Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness, and the Global Wellness Institute’s 35+ global initiatives, connecting thought leaders and innovators who are advancing wellness worldwide. Based in Sonoma County, California, she also serves on the Board of Directors for Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, supporting its mission of holistic healing and regenerative community practices.

Bija Bennett

CEO, BijaB, United States

Bija Bennett is a writer, speaker and strategic advisor whose work bridges science, wellness and culture. The author of five books on personal transformation and growth, Bija champions a new wellness paradigm that connects health, nature and the human experience. Founder of the Bennett Family Award for Collaboration in the Science of Wellness, she honors global researchers committed to advancing human health and wellbeing around the world. Bija now leads a multidimensional practice that spans consulting, program development, speaking and media.

Shawn Buchheit

President & COO, Fountain Life, United States

Shawn Buchheit is a visionary business strategist and global health innovator with over 20 years at the forefront of longevity, preventative medicine and fitness. As President of Fountain Life, he leads transformative initiatives in business development, marketing and member experience—creating an ecosystem of premium services that help people live longer, healthier lives. A recognized thought leader, he has shaped industry standards and accelerated the evolution of preventative health worldwide.

Karen Campbell

Business Development Director, Chiva-Som, Thailand

Richard Carmona, MD

Chief of Health Innovations, Canyon Ranch, United States

Dr. Richard H. Carmona was the 17th surgeon general of the US. He is also a decorated US Army Special Forces Veteran and a distinguished professor with a wide range of training and experience in health care management, clinical care and research. Currently, he is chief of health innovations of Canyon Ranch, and serves as director on several publicly-traded corporate boards and private companies.

Diego Carrete

Chief Wellness Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank, United Arab Emirates

Diego Carrete is the Chief Wellness Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, one of the first roles of its kind in global finance. A serial entrepreneur, he has launched and led multiple wellness ventures while serving as a trusted advisor to some of the region’s most influential families and leaders. His work centers on embedding science-backed wellness into corporate culture, linking health with sustainable performance and organizational value. A published author and global speaker, Diego has shared his expertise on leading stages worldwide. Beyond his executive leadership, he brings the perspective of lived practice as a six-time Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness cover athlete, combining innovation with real-world discipline.

Anjan Chatterjee, MD

Professor of Neurology, Psychology & Architecture, Founding Director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, United States

Anjan Chatterjee, MD, is the founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. He wrote The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art and co-edited Neuroethics in Practice: Mind, Medicine, and Society and The Roots of Cognitive Neuroscience: Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology. He has received the Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology and the Rudolph Arnheim Prize for contributions to Psychology and the Arts.

Meng-Mei “Maggie” Chen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Marketing, Author, Hospitality Vibes, EHL, Switzerland

Meng-Mei “Maggie” Chen, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School (HES-SO, Switzerland), teaching hotel distribution strategy, consumer behavior, and digital marketing. With professional experience spanning hotels, casinos, travel agencies, and consulting across Taiwan, the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Switzerland, she brings rich cross-cultural insight to her work. Her research explores hotel channel management, distribution strategy, and consumer decision-making, including a Swiss government project optimizing SME hotel distribution. She is also the author of Hospitality Vibes, a vision for a more positive and sustainable hospitality future.

Nancy Davis

CCO & Executive Director, Global Wellness Summit, United States

Nancy Davis has decades of experience in strategic communications for Fortune 100 companies. Since joining the GWS in 2013, Nancy has helped expand the organization’s global footprint through events and activities that promote the mission of both the GWS and the nonprofit GWI. She infuses her work with passion and creativity.

Joe DeSena

Founder & CEO, Spartan Race, United States

Joe De Sena is the Founder and CEO of Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand. A born entrepreneur, he built a multimillion-dollar pool and construction business while in college before founding a Wall Street trading firm. Driven by a mission to transform 100 million lives, Joe created the Spartan lifestyle—helping millions push past limits through over 200 annual events across 40+ countries.After leaving Wall Street, Joe moved to Vermont, where his passion for endurance racing ignited the Spartan movement. A New York Times bestselling author of Spartan Up, Spartan Fit, The Spartan Way, and 10 Rules for Resilience. A lifelong competitor, Joe has completed more than 50 ultra-events and 14 Ironman races in a single year, embodying the grit and determination that define the Spartan ethos.

Jiri Dvorak, MD, PhD

Professor of Neurology, Schulthess Clinic Zurich & BDMS Wellness Clinic; Former Chief Medical Officer, FIFA; Switzerland

Professor emeritus of neurology at the University of Zurich, Jiri Dvorak is a senior consultant in neurology and research at the Schulthess Klinik, Spine Center in Zurich. He also serves as a senior advisor for the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and as an editor of Brain and Spine. He has published 462 articles and several textbooks. As a former chairman of F-MARC (FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre) and chief medical officer of FIFA, he oversaw the medical organization for six FIFA World Cups and five FIFA Women’s World Cups. His contribution to spine research focuses on clinical biomechanics and sports injury prevention. 

Susie Ellis

Founder, Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Summit & Global Wellness Institute, United States

Susie Ellis is the co-founder, chair and CEO of the GWS. She is also chair and CEO of the nonprofit GWI, known for its pioneering research, wide-ranging initiatives, international roundtables, wellnessevidence.com and The Wellness Moonshot: A World Free of Preventable Disease. She is the former president of Spafinder, where she pioneered the first global wellness trends forecast. She sits on numerous academic and industry boards, and holds an MBA from UCLA.

Ramy Elnagar

Co-Founder, White Mirror, United Kingdom

As co-founder of White Mirror, a wellness innovation studio at the intersection of science, design, and technology, Ramy believes the environments we design shape us, influencing how we think, feel, and connect. Guided by this philosophy, he applies evidence-based approaches to create spaces, experiences, and interventions that improve quality of life across the hospitality, real estate, automotive, and wellness sectors. He works toward building the future we want to live in, exploring how wellness can become part of our spaces and systems. Ramy’s holistic approach to human health addresses our emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical wellbeing through what he calls “experience as medicine.” 

Jonathan Emery

CEO, Aldar Development, United Arab Emirates

Jonathan Emery is CEO of Aldar Development, leading projects across the UAE, Egypt and the UK. With over 30 years in global real estate, he’s held senior roles at Lendlease, Hammerson Plc and Majid Al Futtaim. Known for driving digital innovation and wellness-focused design, he advises proptech startups and sits on boards of companies like London Square and Sodic. A graduate of Nottingham Trent, with executive training from Harvard, INSEAD and Henley, he’s also been a visiting professor at Yale. Emery is a strong advocate for sustainable, community-driven cities and brings future-focused leadership to every stage of development. 

Charlie Engle

Global Ultra-endurance Athlete; Founder, 5.8 Global Adventure Series, United States

Charlie Engle is a global ultra-endurance athlete and founder of the 5.8 Global Adventure Series, an unprecedented quest from the lowest to highest points on all seven continents. One of the world’s most accomplished ultramarathoners, he ran across the Sahara Desert—profiled in the Matt Damon film Running the Sahara—sparking the creation of Water.org. A bestselling author (Running Man), dynamic speaker, and 30+ years sober, Charlie blends resilience, recovery, and adventure to inspire audiences worldwide.

Sam Evans

General Partner, EOS Ventures, United Kingdom

Sam is a partner at Eos Ventures, a global venture capital fund focused on insurance, health and longevity. Prior to establishing Eos, Sam was a partner at KPMG where he led the Global Deal Advisory business for insurance. During his career, Sam has worked on over $75bn of insurance related transactions and has worked in many of the large mature and high growth insurance markets around the globe having lived in Australia, Hong Kong, Switzerland and the UK.

Debbie Flynn

Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader, FINN Partners, United Kingdom

Debbie Flynn is the Managing Partner and Global Travel Practice Leader of New York based global communications agency Finn Partners. Based in London, Debbie leads a team of over 200 travel marketing and PR professionals across Europe, Asia and the USA and is cited by PR Week as one of the top travel influencers in the UK for the 10th year in a row. A key player in the global travel industry Debbie sits on a number of advisory boards including, Global Tourism Resilience Council, WTACH ( World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage), World Experience Organisation and Travel Media Awards and is a trustee of global water charity Just a Drop and the Chair of the Anglo Jordanian Society. Debbie has led the strategy for a number of wellness travel destinations and hotel brands and set up the Global Recovery Network during the pandemic which utilized the additional Finn Partners specialist practices dedicated to health, sustainability, technology and research.

Joanna Frank

CEO, Fitwel, United States

Joanna Frank is a real estate entrepreneur who oversees the global expansion of Fitwel, the leading people-centric healthy building certification platform. She is the founding president and CEO of Active Design Advisors, Inc. (Adai), and nonprofit research organization, Center for Active Design (CfAD), the operators of Fitwel. Prior to launching CfAD, Ms. Frank spearheaded data-driven, health-based real estate initiatives under the Bloomberg administration, including New York City’s FRESH Program and the Active Design Initiative. She serves on the editorial board of Propmodo and is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Affordable/Workforce Housing Council and Fannie Mae’s Multifamily Housing Taskforce. 

George Gaitanos, MSc, PhD

Chief Operating and Scientific Officer, Chenot, Switzerland

Dr. Gaitanos is the chief operating and scientific officer of Chenot Group. He received his MSc and PhD from Loughborough University (UK) and completed postdoctoral research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. His research work has been published in numerous medical journals. Dr. Gaitanos has contributed to elite sports performance—including two Olympic Games and the NBA—and has over 30 years’ experience in health promotion and lifestyle medicine. Through his award-winning programs at Chenot Health Wellness Retreats worldwide, he helps people achieve and maintain optimal health for active, fulfilling lives at any age.  

Michelle Gamble

SVP, Global Business Development, Global Wellness Summit, United States

Michelle Gamble is VP of global business development for the GWS. Michelle has 28 years’ experience in spa and travel publishing, partnerships and events. Previously, she served as publisher of Spa magazine for 11 years and VP of ISLANDS magazine in Santa Barbara, California. Her work fuels her passion for wellness and wandering the world.

 

Heidi García Adragna

Director of Marketing and Communications, Palmaïa – The House of AïA, Mexico

With 25+ years in luxury branding, Heidi García Adragna blends marketing expertise with a passion for conscious living. Now Director of Marketing and Communications at Palmaïa – The House of AïA, she integrates her background in wellness and holistic therapies into the resort’s Architects of Life program. A holistic therapist and meditation guide, Heidi’s mission is to ignite hearts, expand awareness, and share the sanctuary’s magic to inspire transformation and awaken consciousness.

Simone Gibertoni

CEO, Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland

Simone Gibertoni is the CEO of Clinique La Prairie (CLP), an exclusive clinic that is one of the most iconic Swiss brands. For more than 80 years CLP has been at the forefront of better-aging research and treatments in rejuvenation, health and beauty. Simone drives the international development of CLP and its diversification strategy, with the mission of creating a global player able to help people living a longer, healthier and better life.

Lucy Goff

Founder, LYMA, United Kingdom

Lucy Goff is the founder of LYMA, a wellness brand transforming beauty and health through science-backed innovation. After a life-threatening battle with septicemia, she partnered with Dr. Paul Clayton to develop the LYMA Supplement. This success led to the launch of the first FDA-cleared, at-home clinical grade LYMA Laser, followed by a triple strength version of the device, LYMA Laser PRO, as well as a skincare line. Recognized by Forbes, Wired Magazine and everywoman Entrepreneur Awards, Lucy is a visionary leader in the industry. She regularly speaks at global conferences and continues to drive innovation while balancing life as a single mother in London. 

Asha Gupta

COO, Amway, Singapore

As Amway’s chief operating officer, Asha Gupta is responsible for integrating innovation, end-to-end product development and go-to-market strategies to drive Amway Business Owners’ success.  She serves on Amway’s Global Leadership Team, Amway’s decision-making body focused on developing global strategy and delivering meaningful Amway Business Owner (ABO) and customer experiences. Born and raised in India, she received a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Madras and an MBA in marketing from the University of Mumbai. She attended leadership and general management programs at Yale CEO College, IMD Lausanne and the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. 

Robert Hanea

Founder & CEO, Therme Group, Germany

Robert Hanea is the Founder and CEO of Therme Group, the global leader in large-scale wellbeing environments within cities. The Group is advancing an international portfolio of 10 Therme projects across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, set to serve more than 20 million guests annually within the next decade. The Therme Group projects are a vital part of the future of cities, the next-generation wellbeing-social infrastructure combining water-based experiences, art, culture, and wellness programs in inclusive environments designed for all. Guided by the vision of wellbeing for all, Therme is establishing the world’s largest wellbeing infrastructure, making preventative health and restorative experiences accessible at an unprecedented scale.

Kristen Holmes, PhD

Global Head of Performance & Principal Scientist, WHOOP, United States 

Kristen Holmes, PhD, is the Global Head of Human Performance at WHOOP, where she drives thought leadership with top researchers and partners to advance biometric insights and product innovation. A former US National Field Hockey Team member and NCAA All-American athlete in field hockey and basketball at the University of Iowa, she holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Queensland. Dr. Holmes also hosts the Science & Soul podcast, exploring how individuals can reach their full physical and emotional potential through intentional performance.

Leroy Hood, MD, PhD

Author, The Age of Scientific Wellness, Co-Founder, Institute for Systems Biology, United States

Dr. Hood is a world-renowned scientist and recipient of the National Medal of Science. He co-founded the Institute for Systems Biology and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine, one of only 20 people worldwide elected to all three. As a faculty member and chair of biology at Caltech, he contributed to develop instruments that paved the way for the Human Genome Project. Dr. Hood has co-founded 20 biotech companies, received many national and international awards, co-authored two books, five textbooks and published more than 1,000 peer-reviewed papers. 

Olivia Houghton

Insights & Engagement Director, LS:N Global, The Future Laboratory, United Kingdom

Olivia Houghton is Insights and Engagement Director at The Future Laboratory, where she leads research across beauty, health, and wellness, connecting foresight analysis with strategic client engagement. With over eight years experience, Olivia has a deep understanding of evolving market dynamics and shifting consumer behaviours, making her a trusted industry voice.  She regularly contributes to leading publications, including Vogue and the Financial Times, and speaks at major industry events such as the Global Wellness Summit – where she is a key contributor to the annual Trend Report – MakeUp In, and Cosmetics Business Live.

Ömer K. Isvan

President, Servotel, United Kingdom

Ömer K. Isvan, president of Servotel Corporation (headquartered in Turkey), leads what is widely recognized as one of the top advising companies in the global investment and development of hotels, resorts and integrated mixed-use destinations. His experience spans 43+ countries and numerous projects, and he has advised investors in every step of development, from greenfield stage to asset management. He’s a frequent keynote speaker on hospitality development, a GWS Advisory Board Member, and co-chair of the 2022 Summit.

Neil Jacobs

Founder, Wild Origins, United States

Neil Jacobs is the founder of Wild Origins, a consultancy providing strategic, brand, and sustainability guidance across hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. Formerly CEO of Six Senses for over 13 years, he now advises global clients including Cain International and Capella Hotel Group. Jacobs is known for shaping purpose-driven, luxury hospitality experiences and brings deep expertise in concept development, brand growth, and operational strategy.

Jeremy Jauncey

Founder and CEO, Beautiful Destinations, United Arab Emirates

Jeremy Jauncey, a British-born serial entrepreneur, travel writer and social media influencer with millions of followers on Instagram, is a prominent figure in the travel industry. The Financial Times has called him the “world’s most influential traveler” and Fast Company magazine voted Beautiful Destinations one of the most innovative companies in the world, with over 50 million followers on social media. Jauncey also appeared on the cover of Condé Nast Middle East as part of the cover feature: “19 People Changing How We Travel.” 

Katherine Johnston

Senior Research Fellow, Global Wellness Institute, United States

Katherine Johnston has extensive experience conducting economic and industry competitiveness studies worldwide, including 17 years as a Senior Economist with SRI International. Since 2008, she has partnered with the Global Wellness Institute to pioneer groundbreaking research on the global wellness industry, focusing on defining and measuring opportunities within the wellness economy and conducting deep-dive analyses into key wellness sectors. She holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University.

Phillip J. Jones

Chief Tourism Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Phillip J. Jones is Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), leading strategy, infrastructure, and global marketing to position AlUla as a world-class tourism destination aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He oversees tourism, culture, heritage, arts, film, nature, and hospitality—including initiatives like the Arabian Leopard conservation, AlUla Moments, and global brand campaigns. Prior to RCU, Jones held top roles in US tourism, including CEO of Visit Dallas and Secretary of Tourism for Louisiana.

Jane Kitchen

Media & Trends Analyst, Global Wellness Summit, United Kingdom

Jane Kitchen has a 20-year career in journalism, specializing in the spa and wellness industry. She is Editor-at-Large at Spa Business magazine and has traveled the world in the name of wellness—writing first-person features on the latest spa openings, interviewing some of the most influential people in the industry, and examining trends shaping the marketplace. She is also the Editor of the annual Spa Business Handbook, a key resource for wellness professionals, co-author of its annual Spa Foresight report, and a regular contributor to the Global Wellness Summit’s annual trend report.

Mary Leary

President and CEO, Mather, United States

Mary Leary is CEO and president of Mather, a forward-thinking organization dedicated to creating new ways to age well. Mary brings 30+ years’ leadership experience in senior living, hospitality, and health care to guide Mather in expanding its leadership presence in senior living, community-based programs, and applied research. In 2023, she was named one of the Top five Wellness CEOs in senior living in North America for the second consecutive year. Mary graduated from Harvard University and Cornell University.

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau

Senior Director Wellness Strategy, Red Sea Global, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Lindsay is the senior director of wellness strategy at Red Sea Global (RSG), a Saudi Arabian developer leading two major projects initiated in 2018 as part of Vision 2030. These projects aim to diversify the country’s economy and highlight wellness. RSG develops regenerative tourism destinations that will set new standards in sustainable development, supported by top global health and wellness brands from around the globe. Lindsay steers RSG’s wellness strategy, supporting the development team to turn industry insights into actionable plans that achieve RSG’s wellness goals.

Amy McDonald

CEO and Founder, Under a Tree Consulting, Wellness Counseling, United States

Amy is the founder of Under a Tree Consulting, where for over 20 years she has led innovative wellness projects for hospitality and real estate developers worldwide. She focuses on business strategy, feasibility, and design development, with a strong emphasis on ROI and regenerative health. A 2024 Women of Wellness award recipient, Amy is a sought-after speaker and active leader within the Global Wellness Institute, driving impactful change in the global wellness industry.

Beth McGroarty

VP, Research & Forecasting, Global Wellness Summit, United States

Beth McGroarty is Vice President of Research and Forecasting for the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and the Global Wellness Summit (GWS). She has directed the GWS’s annual Wellness Trends Report for over a decade and authors The Trendium, a monthly analysis of emerging developments across the global wellness market. Beth also serves as Editor of the GWI’s research-focused Global Wellness Brief and oversees WellnessEvidence.com, the first online resource dedicated to the medical evidence supporting dozens of wellness approaches. She is frequently quoted in major global media outlets on wellness industry insights and trends.

Freddie Moross

Founder & CEO, Myndstream, United Kingdom

Freddie Moross is the founder and CEO of music-for-wellbeing company, Myndstream. Freddie is an Advisory Board Member of the Global Wellness Institute and has received the Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness at the 2022 Global Wellness Summit. Recognized as a disruptive thought leader, his mission is to unlock the full potential of audio environments and ensure a rigorous quality control process when music is utilized in clinical and therapeutic settings.

Dawn Mussallem

Consultant in Hematology Oncology, Assistant Professor of Medicine & Medical Director of Humanities in Medicine, Mayo Clinic, United States

Dawn M. Mussallem, DO, is a consultant in Hematology Oncology at Mayo Clinic, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Medical Director of Humanities in Medicine at Mayo Clinic Florida. She founded the Integrative Medicine and Breast Health Program, helping breast cancer patients optimize lifestyle alongside treatment. Board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine, she also directs the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum and co-directs the International Breast Training Program. She serves on the Blue Zones Steering Committee and is a recognized leader in integrative oncology.

Anita Mendiratta

Founder and President, Anita Mendiratta & Associates, United Kingdom

Anita Mendiratta is a globally recognised strategic advisor, author, diplomat and on-air personality in tourism, aviation, leadership and development. With a career spanning IBM, Unilever and Coca-Cola, she now leads a London-based consultancy advising governments, businesses and international organisations in over 100 countries. Special advisor to the Secretary General of UN Tourism, Anita is trusted for shaping policies that link tourism to economic and social transformation. Her acclaimed book The Call to Leadership explores unlocking leadership in times of crisis. She also founded the Anita Mendiratta Foundation, supporting early childhood education in tourism-dependent nations.

Sam Nazarian

Founder & CEO, sbe Entertainment, United States

Visionary entrepreneur, global hospitality leader, culinary disruptor, and architect of modern luxury and longevity experiences. Sam Nazarian founded sbe in 2002 and continues to serve as CEO, where he has redefined luxury, hospitality, residential, longevity and culinary experiences, creating an unparalleled global ecosystem of brands that shape the way people live, dine, travel and thrive. In 2024, he launched Project HQ Hotels & Residences with Wyndham, and The Estate, a revolutionary luxury longevity brand with Tony Robbins, Marc Anthony and Richard Attias, in partnership with Fountain Life. He has also accrued impressive accolades, including Fortune 40 under 40, Man of the Year from the Diabetes Foundation, and two-time Hotelier of the Year.

Phil Newman

Founder and CEO, Longevity.Technology, United States

Phil Newman is the founder and CEO of Longevity.Technology, the leading media, research, and consumer brand supporting the longevity megatrend. He has held CEO and C-level positions, applying his marketing and business development expertise to breakthrough technologies for emerging markets. Longevity.Technology has rapidly become the #1 destination for professionals, innovators, and investors seeking to connect science, technology, and business in the longevity sector. The platform bridges the gap between scientific advancements and commercial opportunities, fostering collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and clinical practitioners. The company’s data is quoted in leading financial publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Business Insider. 

Steve Nygren

Founder, Serenbe, United States

Steve Nygren is founder & CEO of Serenbe, a wellness community modeling sustainable development with green space, agriculture, retail and housing as the future of healthy living. A partner at Nygren Placemaking consulting and author of Start in Your Own Backyard (2025), Steve also co-led the land use plan preserving 70% of 40,000 acres near Atlanta. His honors include GWI’s Leader in Innovation Award and the 2025 MLK Jr. Beloved Community Environmental Justice Award. He serves on boards including The Ray C. Anderson Foundation and The Biophilic Institute.

Frank Pitsikalis

SVP, Product Strategy, Hotels Agilysys, Canada

Kenneth R. Pelletier, MD, PhD

Author, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, United States

Ken Pelletier, MD, PhD, is a prolific author with 15 major books to his name, who has been featured in numerous national television programs, including several appearances on ABC World News, Good Morning America, Today and CNN. His international bestseller, Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer, paved the way for his latest work, Change Your Genes, Change Your Life, exploring the transformative potential of epigenetics in achieving optimal health and longevity. Dr. Pelletier is a leading figure transforming the landscape of healthcare through his pioneering work in integrative medicine, epigenetics and personalized health care.

Michael Roizen, MD

Chief Visionary, Great Age Reboot; First Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic, United States

Dr. Roizen is a prominent figure in the fields of wellness, medicine, and health communication. He is known for his work in developing the RealAge concept, which aims to motivate behavior change by assessing a person’s biological age versus their chronological age. He served as Cleveland Clinic’s first chief wellness officer from 2007 to 2019 and was the founding chair of its Wellness Institute. The clinic’s wellness programs helped reduce spend by more than $1B for its 101,000 employees and dependents over 11 years compared with national averages. The programs also helped more than 43% of participants achieve a score of 6+2 normals® for health. 

Louie Schwartzberg

Filmmaker & CEO, Moving Art, United States

Louie Schwartzberg is a renowned filmmaker and director known for creating breathtaking imagery using time-lapse, high-speed, and macrocinematography techniques. He is the director of the award-winning documentary Fantastic Fungi featured on Netflix and the film Gratitude Revealed, a cinematic experience of how to live a more meaningful life full of gratitude. His streaming channel, The Louie Channel, is dedicated to inspiring mindfulness and features all his work.

Manvendra Singh Shekhawat

Managing Director, Suryagarh Collection; Founder, Dhun; Founder, The I Love Foundation, India

Manvendra is a quintessential explorer and a creator at heart focused on experiential tourism, cultural preservation, and ecological restoration. He’s behind standout hotels like Suryagarh, Narendra Bhawan, and Mary Budden Estate, which have helped redefine luxury travel in India. Through his I Love Foundation, he’s led over 60 community projects, from cleanliness drives to India’s first citizen-airline partnership. His current focus is Dhun, a regenerative habitat project for 8,500 people, built on 500 acres of once-barren land— a blueprint for the future of living that enhances our environmental, social, and physical wellbeing.

Nicole Sirotin, MD DipABLM FACP

CEO, Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Nicole Sirotin, MD, DipABLM, FACP, is an award-winning physician and global leader in precision lifestyle and longevity medicine. As CEO, Dr. Sirotin drives initiatives uniting technology, diagnostics, and preventive care, building global standards in healthy longevity medicine. Formerly chair at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, she developed pioneering preventive programs. A frequent speaker and advisor, her expertise shapes the future of personalized healthspan worldwide.

Claire Small

Head of Creative, BBC Storybooks, United Kingdom

Claire Small is Head of Creative for Programme Partnerships, at BBC Studios. With over 20 years’ experience in the international media industry, Claire has a portfolio of award-winning content. Her current role is overseeing the creative and editorial aspects of far-reaching global projects, leading a large international production team of producers, directors, and crews. A storyteller at heart, she develops interesting and emotive narratives that dive deep into issues shaping society. Often working with organizations leading change. Much of the thought-provoking content has been played at global events such as Davos, World Health Assembly, CES and COP.

Susanna Søberg

Founder, Søberg Institute; Founder, Thermalist®, Denmark

Susanna Søberg, PhD, is a leading global voice in contrast therapy and metabolic health. Her mission: help 1% of the world—over 80 million people—reduce stress and cortisol by 20–25% through science-based contrast therapy. Founder of Søberg Institute and Thermalist®, she has spent over a decade researching cold/heat exposure, stress resilience, and breathwork. Her Søberg Principle® protocols have reached millions via bestselling books, top podcasts, global media, and elite clients like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Deepak Srivastava, MD

President and Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institutes, United States

Deepak Srivastava, MD is president of Gladstone Institutes, director of the Roddenberry Stem Cell Center, and a pediatric cardiologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. He leads a world-class institute advancing research on heart, brain, viral, and immune diseases, using cutting-edge technologies and data science. Dr. Srivastava has uncovered genetic causes of heart disease, pioneered heart regeneration strategies, and co-founded biotech companies to move discoveries into clinical trials.

Lisa Starr

Principal, Wynne Business, United States

Lisa Starr has over 35 years of experience in the beauty, spa and wellness industry, guiding businesses in performance optimization. Lisa is also the task force Chair for the GWI Consulting Initiative, a contributing editor at Spa Business Magazine, the educator for We Work Well, a writer for multiple global trade publications and a highly rated speaker. She offers spa and wellness management training courses online and worldwide.

Alex Zagrebelny

Founder and CEO, R.Evolution, United Arab Emirates

Alex Zagrebelny is the CEO and sole owner of R.Evolution, a visionary real estate development company known for its award-winning luxury properties. Ranked #11 on Arabian Business’s Dubai 100 Most Influential People, Alex leads projects in Dubai and Barcelona that merge cutting-edge sustainability, biophilic design, and ancient human knowledge. With over 20 landmark developments across Europe, his mission is to create environments that elevate wellbeing, foster longevity and reflect the deep connection between people and place.

Philippe Zuber

CEO, Kerzner International, United Arab Emirates

Philippe Zuber is chief executive officer for Kerzner International, a leading developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels, branded residences, and innovative entertainment experiences. He joined the company in 2015 as president and CEO of One&Only Resorts, with over 20 years of experience in hospitality. Mr. Zuber spearheads Kerzner International’s strategic expansion plans and leads the successful operation of globally renowned resorts and residences, driving its leading culinary position in the hospitality industry and trailblazing vision for wellness. He fosters continuous innovation to fulfil the company’s core vision of creating amazing experiences and everlasting memories for each guest. 

Speaker applications are now closed. To be considered for future summits apply here.

Join Us for the 19th Annual Global Wellness Summit

Dubai | November 18 -21, 2025

This year’s Global Wellness Summit will bring together top minds and bold ideas to shape the future of wellness—spotlighting breakthrough innovations, disruptive startups, and new opportunities for collaboration and investment. With the theme “Longevity Through a Wellness Lens,” the November conference in Dubai will zero in on the wellness industry’s most powerful shift: the race to extend healthspan. Global leaders will explore the science, the debates, and what’s next. The 2025 co-chairs are Michael Roizen, MD, Cleveland Clinic’s chief wellness officer; Jeremy Jauncey, founder of Beautiful Destinations; Ömer K. Isvan, president of Servotel; and Anna Bjurstam, wellness pioneer with Six Senses.

REGISTER