WLEIF is a unique opportunity to gain insights into Latvia’s opportunities, potential and investment trends, create strategic partnerships, and expand your network across industry sectors.
The Forum will include high-level government and corporate speakers with a wealth of experience from Latvia and the world. Participation will provide an exclusive opportunity to learn about the development plans and not-to-miss opportunities offered by the growth story of Latvia.
Krišjānis Kariņš is the current Prime Minister of Latvia since January 2019. He has a Ph.D. in linguistics and a background in mathematics, philosophy, and literature. Kariņš served as a Member of the European Parliament and held various positions, including Coordinator for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Back in 2004-2006 he was also the Minister for Economics of Latvia and played a significant role in the New Era Party. Kariņš has business experience in automobile and office supplies trade and frozen goods manufacturing and distribution.
Edgars Rinkēvičs has been serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia since 2011. Prior to becoming a Minister he has taken various high level positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Chancellery and Office of the President of Latvia. In 2002-2005 he participated in negotiations on Latvia joining NATO as the Deputy Head of the Latvian delegation.
Rinkēvičs has received his education in University of Latvia (Masters degree in Political Science) and in the U.S. National Defence University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy).
Nils Melngailis, regarded by many as one of Latvia’s most experienced business executives, is the Chairman of the Supervisory Council of Luminor Bank and also serves as Independent Director of the Board of the Printful, first privately owned Latvian company to achieve a valuation of above $1 billion.
Nils has served as a high-level executive in many organizations, including Lattelecom, Coopers & Lybrand and PWC. During the financial crisis, he took on one of the hottest seats in the country as he oversaw the restructuring of the collapsed Parex bank to establish Citadele bank.
Zlata Elksnina-Zascirinska has been with PwC Latvia since 1994 and leading the Firm since 2013. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of the local market she has gained extensive international experience by taking part in various tax consulting engagements, including tax risk assessments, tax structuring advice on mergers and acquisitions. Zlata is a member of the Latvian Association of Certified Auditors, the Latvian Association of Tax Consultants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), as well as a Chairperson of the Board of the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia. As Country Managing Partner, Zlata is responsible for the management of PwC Latvia focusing on the needs of the clients and the business community.
Martins Gauss has been the executive director and chairman of the board of airBaltic since November 2011. Under his leadership, airBaltic has successfully implemented a stable plan for change and achieved a strong growth path. With an early decision to order up to 80 Airbus A220 aircraft, Martin Gauss has laid the foundation for the airline’s global success story. Martin Gauss is an experienced CEO with more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry in various countries.
He still holds an Airbus A220 captain’s license.
John has been working in IT in Latvia since the mid-1990s and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of MikroTik, a network equipment manufacturer. He is also the founder of the Genomics Data Network and the Latvian Pediatric Cancer Initiative that provides free genetic testing for all pediatric cancer patients in Latvia.
Apart from raising millions of euros in support of education, science, and medicine, John has brought together a team of stakeholders to create the Genomics Data Network – a new high-capacity data network for scientists. This project accelerates the work of experts battling COVID-19 as well as conducting research projects on cancer and other severe diseases.
Alesja Kircenko has more than 15 years of experience in finance in the Baltic and Nordic markets, with the main focus on operational excellence, process optimization and change management. Since 2017, Alesja is co-leading SEB Global Services centre in Riga, which has grown from 600 to more than 1200 professionals during this time. She is also one of the founding members and current chairwoman of the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL Latvia), which unites the largest global business services companies in Latvia and maintains the dialogue between the GBS industry, government institutions and other partners.
National Library of Latvia
Mūkusalas iela 3
Rīga, LV-1423
Latvia
