Event Details

Lancaster University Management School is delighted to welcome Dr Rakesh Wahi VSM, visionary entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of Lancaster University Ghana, for a special LUMS Lecture exploring leadership, legacy and the power of family-driven enterprise.

Drawing on a career spanning more than three decades across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Dr Wahi will reflect on his remarkable journey — from military service in the Indian Army to building globally recognised businesses across education, media, technology and investment.

Central to the lecture will be the family business mindset: how values, long-term thinking and intergenerational responsibility can shape organisations that endure. Dr Wahi will share insights into founding and growing institutions with global impact, including Lancaster University Ghana, and the role education plays in building sustainable futures.

About the speaker

Dr Rakesh Wahi VSM is Chairman of CMA Investment Holdings, with portfolio companies operating across more than 15 countries. He is co-founder of the ABN Group (including CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa), Transnational Academic Group (owners of Curtin University Dubai and Lancaster University Ghana), and Tech One Global, one of Asia’s most awarded technology solutions integrators.

Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Dr Wahi served for nine years in the Indian Army Corps of Engineers and was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) by the President of India. He was also part of India’s Antarctic scientific expedition, helping establish the country’s second base.

A committed philanthropist, Dr Wahi has founded multiple education trusts across Africa and India, supporting access to education for disadvantaged communities. He is also the author of the memoir Be a Lion, in which he reflects candidly on leadership, resilience and the values that underpin long-term success.

Registration: 5.15pm - 6.00pm

Lecture with Q&A: 6.05pm - 7.30pm