
Apex Group appoints new Chief AI and Data Science Officer to lead global AI strategy
A seasoned leader and advisor, over the last 20 years, Wang has worked closely with family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors across America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, driving innovation, AI adoption, and digital growth. She also serves as an industry mentor at Harvard University's Wyss Institute, where she supports emerging innovations in responsible AI.
In her new role, Wang will lead Apex Group's global AI and data science strategy, embedding intelligence across operations to deliver smarter, faster, and more secure services to clients. Her appointment marks a pivotal step in Apex Group's strategic evolution toward delivering globally connected, AI-enabled, and human-led financial solutions.
Helen Wang, Chief AI and Data Science Officer at Apex Group, said:
'Apex Group is uniquely positioned to leverage data and AI to enhance its global service delivery. I am ready and committed to contribute and help shape the future of financial services.'
Wang's leadership will play a critical role in delivering short-term, high-impact results, while establishing the foundation for long-term growth and innovation. Her arrival signals Apex Group's commitment to intelligent transformation and its focus on creating lasting value for clients across markets.
Peter Hughes, Founder and CEO of Apex Group, said:
'We are pleased to welcome Helen to Apex Group. Helen brings a wealth of global experience and thought leadership in responsible AI and digital transformation. As we navigate this ever-changing marketplace, her appointment reinforces our commitment to innovation.'
About Apex Group
Apex Group is dedicated to driving positive change in financial services while supporting the growth and ambitions of asset managers, allocators, financial institutions, and family offices. Established in Bermuda in 2003, the Group has continually disrupted the industry through its investment in innovation and talent.
Today, Apex Group sets the pace in fund and asset servicing and stands out for its unique single-source solution and unified cross asset-class platform which supports the entire value chain, harnesses leading innovative technology, and benefits from cross-jurisdictional expertise delivered by a long-standing management team and over 13,000 highly integrated professionals.
Apex Group leads the industry with a broad and unmatched range of services, including capital raising, business and corporate management, fund and investor administration, portfolio and investment administration, ESG, capital markets and transactions support. These services are tailored to each client and are delivered both at the Group level and via specialist subsidiary brands.
The Apex Foundation, a not-for-profit entity, is the Group's passionate commitment to empower sustainable change.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
23 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
How to travel the world on a jet plane this summer
Private jet travel is on the rise and is allowing those who can afford it to explore the most uncharted and magical wonders of the world. According to the journal Nature, between 2019 and 2023, the number of private aircraft rose by 28 per cent, boosted by the pandemic and an increase in competition pushing prices down, with around 69 per cent of the private jets registered in the US. Dubai-based ExecuJet Middle East says that private jet use is also surging in the region, with year-to-date traffic since 2019 up 77 per cent in the Middle East as of February. Valued at $566 million (Dh2 billion), the Middle East's private jet market is expected to grow to $943 million (Dh3.4 billion) by 2029, according to data from advisory firm Creative Zone. The global business jet market has grown from $23.6 billion (Dh86.6 billion) in 2021 and is predicted to reach nearly $37 billion (Dh135.8 billion) by 2028. From billionaire-owned islands to Victorian sea forts, there are no limits for the world's high-end jet-setters this summer. Isola Santa Cristina, Italy Previously a private escape of the Swarovski family, Isola Santa Cristina — one of the Venetian lagoon's biggest islands — is now an eco-minded resort aimed at the rich and famous. It can be reached by taking a private jet to Venice Marco Polo Airport and then covering the rest of the distance by boat. 'Getting there might not be so easy as the island's eight-room Villa Ammiana, which used to be a monastery, is only available for a limited number of bookings per year. It's worth it, though, as each room comes with a gorgeous Art Deco library and its own panoramic terrace,' said Marton Modis, vice-president of Business Development at KlasJet. As the island boasts rich biodiversity, and its owners are working on making it fully self-sustaining, the estate has extensive fig and apricot orchards, eco-friendly fish farms, organic vegetable gardens, olive trees, and a massive vineyard. Illa de Tagomago, Spain Located just off the northeast coast of Ibiza, Tagomago is reputed to be one of the most exclusive islands in the Mediterranean and is a celebrity favourite. There's only one building on Tagomago — a Finca-style luxury villa with five double suites. Guests can enjoy the services of a private cook, kitchen staff, waiter, and housekeeping. There is also a gym, a 136sqm pool, and a variety of wellness treatments. 'In addition to offering some of the most beautiful views of Ibiza, Tagomago is great for water sports of every kind: swimming, yachting, snorkelling, wakeboarding, sports-fishing, stand-up paddle boarding — you name it. And if you feel like raising the roof to great music — Ibiza is just 900m away. But what attracts visitors most is, arguably, the mystique of the island being privately owned and, therefore, exclusive,' said Modis. Tagomago has a private jetty, two boats, and water sports equipment available to all guests. Visitors fly directly to Ibiza Airport, then drive to either the Pou des Lleó or Santa Eulalia Harbour, and take a helicopter or private yacht to their destination. Spitbank Fort, England Formerly a Victorian sea fort — built mostly of granite in 1878 to protect England from the invasions of Napoleon III's ironclad warships — Spitbank is now a luxury hotel with nine lavish bedroom suites. Offering three restaurant areas and bars, a library, wine cellar, open-air terrace, heated pool, sauna, a Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, spa facilities, and even a laser tag battle arena, there is plenty to do on this rural retreat. 'Spitbank Fort is a truly unique destination — part heritage site, part luxury escape. It merges historical significance with high-end amenities in a way few places in Europe can match,' Modis said. Guests fly to Portsmouth International Airport where they are invited to a champagne reception within the Royal Clarence Departure Lounge and then either board a small craft for a short transfer or take a helicopter that lands right on top of the fort. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands Owned by multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, the 30-hectare Necker Island is fringed by coral reefs and stunning white beaches. Since the island doesn't have its own commercial airport, it can only be reached by landing in one of the neighbouring airports on a private jet and taking a short boat or helicopter ride. 'Necker Island is frequented by celebrities and other high-profile guests and can accommodate no more than a few dozen people at a time. You can either book a room or rent the entire island,' said Modis. 'If you choose the former, you'll get luxurious accommodation in a Balinese-style villa with all of your meals, drinks, water sports equipment, transfers, and dedicated staff.' Lanai, Hawaii Often referred to as 'The Pineapple Island', Lanai is one of Hawaii's most exclusive and secluded destinations, far from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the urban rat race. Offering stylish resorts, pristine coastline and dramatic, rugged landscape, it is the ultimate island escape. Only private jets can reach the island's airport, allowing travellers to step straight into paradise. The island is the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island in the area, and the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa For a safari in unparalleled luxury, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve next to the Kruger National Park is best reached by private jet, flying into the nearby Mala Mala Airstrip. This remote destination is unique and home to some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa, where five-star luxury meets some of the world's most amazing natural wonders. Not only is it an escape to nature, but offerings from wellness to gastronomy make the destination a unique wildlife paradise where lions, giraffes and elephants are just some of the species roaming the reserve. Multi-stop itineraries Luxury hotelier Four Seasons is taking passengers on a customised Airbus A321 where cruising takes to the sky. Among the itineraries is a 16-day Asian tour stopping in destinations such as Bhutan, Bali and the Maldives, starting at $159,000 (Dh584,011). The World of Wellness 20-day itinerary across eight destinations includes properties in Maui, Taormina, and Koh Samui, and starts at $188,000 (Dh690,529). For the ultimate around-the-world trip, Timeless Encounters encompasses nine destinations over 22 days, starting at £224,000 (Dh1.1 million). Ancient Explorer is a journey through history from Petra to Easter Island, offering nine destinations over 23 days from $229,000 (Dh 841,123). The itineraries take guests off the beaten track. The remote Galápagos Islands in Ecuador is a regular in the World of Adventures itinerary, while Easter Island in Chile, famous for its iconic Moai statues, is included in the Ancient Explorer plan. Serengeti in Tanzania is also best reached by private charter flights, where guests can stay at the luxurious Four Seasons safari lodge.


Zawya
42 minutes ago
- Zawya
Frigair 2025: An electrifying success with overwhelming attendance and serious engagement
South Africa's premier exhibition for the heating, ventilation,air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry left an indelible mark of high energy, palpable excitement and overwhelmingly positive feedback. Held from June 4-6 at the Gallagher Conference Centre, the show was not merely an event; it was a vibrant confluence of innovation, networking and a stark reminder of the industry's dynamism. More than 4,500 visitors passed through the doors — a marked increase on the previous edition. But the real story wasn't just about numbers — it was about the quality of those who came. The energy on the exhibition floor was undeniable from the outset. One veteran exhibitor, with two decades of experience attending such shows, remarked on the "overwhelming attendance on the first day," a direct testament to the effective marketing strategies deployed, including widespread posters and exhibitor-distributed invites, as well as an extensive digital marketing campaign. The halls buzzed with serious engagement and high-calibre attendees created an environment where genuine connections and meaningful discussions thrived. Many exhibitors used this opportunity to showcase leadership, particularly in the critical transition towards natural refrigerants and sustainable solutions, an area where the show particularly excelled. The show offered exhibitors invaluable face-time with consulting engineers, contractors and OEM manufacturers – the three main value-addition chains in the industry and the very people driving procurement and specification. Navigating the refrigerant transition A central theme echoing through the halls and technical talks was the urgent transition from synthetic to natural refrigerants. For instance, Andre van der Merwe, MD of Evapco, underscored the immediacy of the Kigali Amendment dates for South Africa, which have finally arrived. He noted a market concern regarding the high cost of new HFO refrigerants, pushing the industry towards natural alternatives like CO2. Evapco International's research and development into CO2 systems as a natural refrigerant option reflected broader international trends. Van der Merwe emphasised that the changes necessitated by these global protocols would significantly affect property owners and demand shifts in equipment and operational management. Torsten Steinborn, MD of Bitzer in South Africa, reiterated that solutions are readily available for refrigeration and air conditioning applications utilising various refrigerants, including HFCs, HFOs, CO2 and ammonia. He strongly advised customers to invest in low GWP refrigerants, especially natural ones, for long-term sustainability, highlighting that Bitzer is actively showcasing its capabilities in CO2 and ammonia systems. As an Article 5 country of the Montreal Protocol, South Africa is firmly committed to the phase-out of high GWP refrigerants, making investments in natural solutions a "safe investment" for the next several decades. Supporting the industry and embracing the future For the first time, Frigair 2025 proudly hosted a Skills Development Hub, a pioneering initiative that thoroughly tested six young talents in critical areas: electrical/3-phase motor testing and star/delta wiring, hand tools, refrigeration tubing, Installation pipework/electrical/pressure testing and evacuation, commissioning – charging, pressure switch setting/superheat, and comprehensive theory tests. This dedicated hub underscored Frigair's commitment to addressing the industry's skills gap and nurturing the next generation of HVAC&R professionals. Parallel to the dynamic exhibition floor, Frigair also boasted an exceptional series of 17 free-to-attend workshops. These sessions, widely praised for their "extremely high quality" and "conference quality" content, were exceptionally well-attended. They provided invaluable insights into the latest technological advancements, regulatory changes and future trends, serving as a vital educational component of the show. Frigair 2025 proved to be more than just an exhibition; it was a high-octane demonstration of an industry in transformation, ready to embrace the future. The palpable energy, the quality of engagement, the critical discussions on sustainability, and the proactive investment in skills development underscore that for industry players participation was not just beneficial – it was essential. Those who were absent undoubtedly missed a significant opportunity to be at the forefront of this evolving narrative. The next edition of Frigair Expo takes place from 30 May - 1 June 2028 at the Gallagher Convention Centre. For more information visit


Zawya
42 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudi's NWC launches $400mln water, wastewater projects in Jazan
The state-owned National Water Company (NWC) said on Thursday that is implementing 19 water and wastewater projects in Jazan province at a cost of over 1.5 billion Saudi riyals ($400 million). These include the installation of water and sewage networks that extend more than 1,203 kilometres (km), the company said in a post on the social messaging platform X. The nine water projects involve water networks extending more than 397 km. Additionally, two operational reservoirs with a total capacity of 15,000 cubic metres (m3) will be developed, along with the building of pumping stations with a capacity exceeding 60,000 m3/day. NWC is also working on 10 wastewater projects, which include sewage networks totaling over 806 km, as well as treatment plants with a total capacity of 24,000 m3/day. (Editing by Anoop Menon) (