Eleanor plays a lead role in the development of CbI’s special research and due diligence capabilities and in the editorial direction of Gulf States Newsletter (GSN).

She has been instrumental in the expansion of CbI’s coverage and understanding of the Gulf and its ruling and merchant family elites and has undertaken research into Gulf businesses investing in Africa’s energy industries.

Eleanor grew up in West Africa and Qatar, and has led CbI’s analysis of political risks in a wide range of countries across Africa and the Middle East, co-ordinating with on the ground sources and liaising with clients.

She has a Masters degree in Middle East Politics from University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and read International Relations at Leeds University. She has studied both Arabic and Farsi.

Specialist interests:

Saudi Arabia: Eleanor is lead author of Politics, succession and risk in Saudi Arabia, published in 2010 and launched at London’s Chatham House. The report has a focus on succession and the relations within the Al-Saud family.

Qatar and Oman: Eleanor travels regularly to the Gulf, where she has a particular interest in the domestic political scene and ruling families of Qatar and Oman.

GCC: Eleanor’s wider regional research interests include the increasing pressures on resources caused by booming populations, and the complex mechanics of inter-GCC relations – particularly border disputes. She also has a special interest in the business and political relationships that typify Gulf ruling and merchant families..