Economic Development and Digital Economic Disruption

“I advise on challenges within the economic development and diversification context. I also comment about it externally”

Richie Santosdiaz Professional Showreel 2023:

RICHIE SANTOSDIAZ BIOGRAPHY:

Richie mainly specializes in economic development and diversification within the management consulting realm, specifically around internationalization (international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI)), as well as international business, international education, and capability development.

Having lived in seven countries with over 15 years professional experience, he spent almost 5 years until 2018 with PA Consulting based in London, having a portfolio of high-level government (UK, Canadian, Mayor of London) and multinational corporate clients in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Richie has worked in others industries, such as higher education, manufacturing, transportation, NGOs and retail.

Richie has worked with a wide range of sectors in the context of economic development and internationalization, but, in particular he developed a skill set and sub-passion for the agriculture/food, tech, tourism and creative industries sectors (particularly film & television).

Originally from the USA, Richie speaks Spanish and various levels of fluency with French, Portuguese and Arabic. He has a Masters Degree from SOAS: University of London in Globalization & Multinational Corporations and an Advanced Certification of International Trade from the Institute of Export and International Trade UK.

He now uses mainly Dubai as a hybrid base but operates globally. Richie is a regular commentator and contributor in economic development with a few hundred contributions/interviews/opinion eds/productions in the media (examples include The World Economic Forum, Forbes.com, Entrepreneur, NBC News and various leading niche and national outlets like The National (UAE)). Having had roles such as Head of Strategy for a boutique commercialisation consulting firm, Richie is deployed as Head of Emerging Economies and Economic Development Advisor for The Fintech Times, the world’s oldest newspaper dedicated to fintech. He is also a regular contributor for Fruitnet, the world’s oldest and most prestigious media outlet for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

Richie is a mentor for the Mayor of London’s International Business Programme, specifically for the Middle East region. The initiative helps London-based SMEs in tech, financial services (particularly in fintech), creative industries and life sciences to internationalize and export.

Finally, as a hobby, Richie is the founder of Young American Expat (YAE), the online digital storytelling platform of the expatriate lifestyle.

-Richie Santosdiaz – Economic Development Advisor