{"id":14,"date":"2026-02-25T04:54:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/portfolio\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T22:43:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T22:43:14","slug":"experience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-477d4a2c289cc7bffc91b786c8f3a7a1\" style=\"font-size:42px\">Experience &amp; Directorships<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Career timeline spanning Silicon Valley, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:40px;padding-bottom:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Career Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-565c7e6eb23b3f8429e0654959e74dd6\">Michael brings 40+ years of cross-border entrepreneurial and investment banking experience. From pioneer work in China&#8217;s nascent tech sector to building one of Silicon Valley&#8217;s first venture catalyst firms, to establishing family office operations across three continents, Michael has consistently positioned himself at the intersection of innovation, capital, and global business development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f8f9fa;padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:60px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Current Positions (2025 &#8211; Present)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">Group CEO \u2014 Al Liwan Group Limited<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d4d648aa1a6c4d5b94562cf88282eb2a\">Abu Dhabi-based full-service investment bank operating in the merchant banking tradition, focused on connecting the Middle East with global capital and opportunities. Leads the Group\u2019s strategic vision, growth, and stakeholder relationships across its integrated platform spanning advisory, asset management, and principal investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-193a6f300e78e608f57eac4fe56def9b\">Oversees a multi-entity structure including Al Liwan Capital, Al Khazna Capital, and Al Liwan Family Services, delivering cross-border financial advisory, wealth management, and investment solutions to families, institutions, and sovereign investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d9cc25d98ed02ff1daa99578c75c5551\">Drives the Group\u2019s mission to advance regional economic transformation through strategic partnerships, disciplined capital deployment, and long-term value creation. Emphasizes purpose-led investing, Sharia-conscious structures where relevant, and the development of scalable platforms bridging regional ambition with global markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37ffe941865d1f57abea2b5bb3c75d30\"><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:60px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Previous Executive Positions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">2023 \u2013 2025 \u2014 Group CEO, The Entrepreneurs Group Limited, CEO, First Penny Investments Pty Ltd<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6f070cd6f1b1e4b0cc95959b3fadbf00\">Abu Dhabi \u2022 Australia \u2014 Led advisory and investment platforms serving family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and high-growth companies across the GCC and Australia. Focused on cross-border capital, global asset planning, and strategic business expansion, with expertise in Sharia-compliant structures, family governance, and international market entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">2016-2018 \u2014 CEO, Tharawat Holding S.A. &amp; Tharawat Asset Management A.G.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-443594a3bf6f49612dd9613385e9d9d1\"><em>Abu Dhabi \u2022 Luxembourg \u2022 Zurich<\/em> \u2014 Led family office and asset management operations serving high-net-worth individuals across three jurisdictions. Specialized in Sharia-compliant investment strategies and cross-border wealth management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">2014-2016 \u2014 Business Development Manager, MB Depositors AG<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13f230785a67f6c147ec5039c30700ea\"><em>Zug, Switzerland<\/em> \u2014 Managed international client development and cross-border investment solutions for Swiss financial services firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">2001-2014 \u2014 CEO, Gramercy Group (GPE Holdings, Inc.)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fea2abdc330727f349dddabd5d7083fc\"><em>San Francisco \u2022 New York \u2022 London \u2022 Dubai \u2022 Melbourne<\/em> \u2014 Founded and led one of the first two Venture Catalysts in Silicon Valley. Operated across five global cities working with hundreds of high-growth technology companies on international expansion, strategic partnerships, and capital raising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#D4AF37\">1996-2001 \u2014 CEO, Double Impact, Inc.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc1deffccc0bcede37f40f3fece4bcc4\"><em>San Francisco, CA USA<\/em> \u2014 Founded and led technology consulting and business development firm focused on helping companies scale internationally.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f8f9fa;padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:60px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Corporate Globalization Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6fba87eb6f0707d1a479d98a73497b4\">Integral to the successful international expansion of leading technology companies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Macromedia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0885a0c915002b0fe950d7f7254ca8eb\">Early China market entry \u2014 set up joint venture shortly after June 4th incident, one of first Western software companies to operate in China.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">F5 Networks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5e6a0b100732a91828cf6ffbae10a708\">Global partnerships and cross-border expansion strategies contributing to F5&#8217;s emergence as a leading infrastructure company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Akamai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4895b986154085cbab507bbd8f055d7f\">Strategic guidance on international market penetration and partnership development for the CDN pioneer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1c3ee20e030600c98a131c2ac747f7ab\">Also contributed to the globalization of <strong>HAHT<\/strong> (international market development) and <strong>Apple<\/strong> (international business development).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:40px;padding-bottom:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Startup Ecosystem Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:#D4AF37;border-top-width:3px;padding-top:15px;flex-basis:25%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1B365D;font-size:36px;font-weight:700\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Startups Advised<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:#D4AF37;border-top-width:3px;padding-top:15px;flex-basis:25%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1B365D;font-size:36px;font-weight:700\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Continents<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:#D4AF37;border-top-width:3px;padding-top:15px;flex-basis:25%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1B365D;font-size:36px;font-weight:700\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Years Experience<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:#D4AF37;border-top-width:3px;padding-top:15px;flex-basis:25%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1B365D;font-size:36px;font-weight:700\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Global Cities<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f8f9fa;padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:60px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-1-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Industry Sector Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57ddac33bbff52da55e6b71e51ff77e6\">Technology (Software, Hardware, Internet) \u2022 Financial Services &amp; Asset Management \u2022 Agriculture &amp; Food Tech \u2022 Education &amp; EdTech \u2022 Healthcare &amp; Biotech \u2022 Real Estate \u2022 Aviation \u2022 Art &amp; Collectibles \u2022 Automotive \u2022 FMCG \u2022 Renewable Energy &amp; Cleantech \u2022 Blockchain &amp; Digital Assets<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:60px;padding-bottom:60px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2df30eac1eb35f1a723f06b3731949d6\" style=\"font-size:32px\">Ready to Leverage This Experience?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Whether you need strategic advisory, capital connections, or market entry expertise, Michael&#8217;s 40+ years of global business experience can help accelerate your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/michaelgale\/contact\/\" style=\"color:#1B365D;background-color:#D4AF37\">Get in Touch<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color has-border-color has-white-border-color wp-element-button\" href=\"\/michaelgale\/services\/\" style=\"border-width:2px\">Explore Services<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experience &amp; Directorships Career timeline spanning Silicon Valley, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia Career Overview Michael brings 40+ years of cross-border entrepreneurial and investment banking experience. From pioneer work in China&#8217;s nascent tech sector to building one of Silicon Valley&#8217;s first venture catalyst firms, to establishing family office operations across three continents, Michael&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":317,"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions\/317"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justforhosting.xyz\/michaelgale\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}