NEIL PETCH Founder and chairman, Virtugroup

After launching Virtuzone as the first private company formation business in the region over 10 years ago, Petch has led the company to set up more than 45,000 businesses, making it the largest and fastest-growing setup operator in the Middle East.

As the chairman of the holding company, Virtugroup, Petch also leads VirtuVest, an in-house angel investment vehicle; Virtuzone Mainland, a provider of directorship services, corporate sponsorship and facilitator of Dubai and Abu Dhabi company setups; and Next Generation Equity, a citizenship-by-investment firm.

Petch has also held leadership roles in several companies. He helped establish ITP, which he oversaw growing from two to 600 employees and spearheaded the launch of over 60 digital and print titles. As managing director of ENG Media, he launched the Coast FM radio station and numerous magazines. He has also served as chairman of Dubaibased interbank financial brokerage GMG. Petch has also been appointed a member of the ‘Ease of Banking’ panel organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.