Malini N. Menon is the Founder and Managing Director of IEDEA, the UAE-based strategic advisory firm recognised for its leadership in sovereign partnerships and investor engagement across the emerging economies of Asia and the Middle East. With over 35 years of experience at the intersection of capital, outreach and purpose, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s economic diplomacy and leadership agenda.

In 2005, alongside two visionary global leaders, Malini co-founded the Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF), a platform conceived to reflect the scale and ambition of Asia: future facing, inclusive and aligned with innovation. 

Under her stewardship, the ABLF has evolved into one of Asia’s most respected leadership ecosystems, operating in formal partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and in collaboration with sovereign entities and industry leaders across 33 Asian nations. The Forum convenes Heads of State, ministers, sovereign wealth institutions and Fortune 500 CEOs, representing a combined economic footprint of over USD 1.9 trillion.

As of 2025, through IEDEA and the ABLF, Malini continues to facilitate strategic alliances that link government, enterprise and global capital. Her work is focused on building platforms and initiatives that move beyond convening toward actionable systems that shape policy, mobilise investment and translate vision into enduring impact.