Ikram is seasoned advisor with 17 years of experience in financial communication and business management. Having split her career between Saudi and UAE she advises local and international corporations on strategic planning, investor relation, corporate governance, and financial communications on merger & acquisition deals and IPO. Her experience span on a broad range of sectors, with focus on Energy and Resources, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, and Financial Institutions.

Prior to joining Brunswick, Ikram worked as Managing Editor and led the business team of Al Arabiya News Channel. Ikram has previously worked closely with Saudi Aramco’s Sr. VP office planning and development for Exploration & Producing on various projects. She was also a visiting associate professor at Dubai School of Government in cooperation with Harvard Kennedy School of Government. 

Al-Yacoub holds an MBA from Cass Business School, City University, London. Prior to her MBA degree, Ikram has earned a master’s degree of International Political Economy of Resources from Colorado School of Mines, USA, where she focused on energy sustainability and economic valuation of natural resources. She also hold an executive diploma from University of Cambridge, Judge Business School and is a certified director by Mudaraa institute and IFC World Bank.  She has published extensive business reportage and written many columns on the Middle East’s business environment.