Mark Ford is Managing Director of Cross-border Information with responsibility, along with key colleagues, for the strategic direction and development of the company.

In an advisory role he works closely with private and public sector clients analysing commercial and political risks for investors in Africa and the Middle East. He reports regularly to clients on political and commercial developments in the Gulf.

Prior to joining the company Mark worked as a management consultant specialising in business and economic development, providing advice to mainly industrial companies. During this time he worked in several major projects involving businesses breaking into new and wider markets in Africa and the Middle East. Mark also worked with public-sector bodies, NGOs and multi-agency initiatives, generally advising on the role businesses and business development initiatives should play in social and economic development strategies.

Mark learnt entrepreneurship at the relatively early age of 23, establishing a business group involved in retailing, training and international trading. He holds an MBA (Distinction) from Birmingham City University.

Special Interests

UAE: Over the last ten years, Mark has spent a considerable amount of time researching the politics and business dynamics of the UAE and has met with many prominent business and political figures in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Corporate analysis: Mark has been called on to examine the performance and strength of several companies – including government related entities – in the Middle East and Africa and has produced accurate assessments of their audited and management accounts, business models, overall performance, management abilities and organisational cultures.

Nigeria: One of Mark’s current projects is focused on deepening Cross-border Information’s coverage and network of contacts in Nigeria. This work has included meeting with leading business and political figures in Lagos and Abuja.