GIFT’s Global Advisory Council is a select group of business and academic leaders from around the world committed to supporting GIFT with its mission of advancing a deeper understanding of global issues through its unique approach to executive learning and development.
By advising GIFT’s management team and by engaging in its leadership programmes as keynote speakers and mentors, Council members enhance GIFT’s profile, resources, and effectiveness to support the organisation with its next stage of strategic development.

DAVID ELDON | FORMER CHAIRMAN, HSBC ASIA PACIFIC NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, HSBC BANK MIDDLE EAST LIMITED
David Eldon retired as Chairman of HSBC Asia Pacific and as a main board Director of HSBC Holdings in 2005 after 37 years with the HSBC Group in the Middle and Far East. He returned to HSBC in 2011 and is non-executive Chairman of HSBC Middle East as well as subsidiary Boards in Egypt and Turkey. He is Chairman of Octopus Cards Ltd in Hong Kong a member of the Dubai International Financial Centre Higher Board, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB). David was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the Government of Hong Kong SAR (2004) and an Honorary Citizen of Seoul in recognition of his work for the city.

PROF. HIDEAKI 'HIDEH' TAKAHASHI | PROFESSOR, KEIO UNIVERSITY
Hideaki Takahashi has been teaching Internet Business Design and Global Business Management at Keio University Graduate School since 2006. Prior to his teaching career, he served in multiple executive positions at Fuji Xerox, FX Palo Alto Laboratory, AT&T and NCR Corporation. He currently serves on the boards of ORIX Corporation and Fukuoka Financial Group in Japan. Prof. Takahashi also serves in multiple non-executive, non-profit capacities including the National Science Museum of Japan and the Tangible Earth Society.
His interest is in supporting and coaching young people starting IT ventures and social businesses. Prof. Takahashi is a senior mentor on the GIFT programme, joining over 20 programmes since 2011.