Events

On February 20th, we hosted Dr Seth Alexander Thevoz who lifted the veil of myths that shroud private London Clubs. Dr. Thevoz told us how clubs evolved from exclusive gatherings of elites to more diverse institutions with varied purposes. Private clubs started playing a significant role in shaping social networks and cultural norms, providing spaces for networking, socializing, and intellectual exchange among members. The clubs used to serve as a place to secretly discuss and shape the foreign policy of the UK but nowadays you may rarely overhear a mere discussion of a foreign policy. Dr Thévoz also unveiled that women were allowed to be guests at the events at the private clubs as well as to form their own clubs. Women's private clubs differed from men's but were equally successful. Despite challenges and modernization private clubs continue to serve as important hubs for social interaction, professional networking, and community engagement, evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of their members.

CEO Club London held a meeting with Timothy Ash, associate fellow in the Eurasia programme at Chatham House and a senior sovereign strategist at RBC Bluebay Asset Management.

Timothy Ash is one of the most professional experts on Ukrainian issues with a particular focus on finance, economics and geopolitcs. We all had a very meaningful and fruitful discussion on topics that concern most of Ukrainians now. Among other things, this is the probability of negotiations, the involvement of russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the role of private capital.

Mr. Ash was honest with his thoughts and opinions and immersed us in the reality in which we find ourselves. We must admit that this reality is not very pleasant and not very easy for us to accept.
We are grateful to Timothy for sharing his thorough vision, thoughts on the future of Ukrainian reconstruction and the processes that we can start now so that Ukrainians want to return home.

The CEO Club London proudly assumed the role of sponsor and organiser for the Fundraising Reception for Ukrainian Students at the University of Oxford. This significant event transpired at the distinguished Oxford & Cambridge Club in London.

In alignment with our esteemed partner, The University of Oxford, CEO Club London took the initiative to propel the fundraising campaign, culminating in the successful fundraise of funds for Ukrainian students. The evening's gravity was further accentuated by the benevolent contributions of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Oleksandr Usyk, who graciously presented valuable items for the charity auction, thereby infusing the occasion with additional significance.

A sincere acknowledgment is extended to Professor Lionel Tarassenko CBE, Founder of the Ukrainian Scholarship Scheme, and President of Reuben College, Oxford. With an unwavering commitment to securing financial backing for the education of Ukrainian students at Oxford over the past two years, Professor Tarassenko exemplifies a steadfast dedication to advancing educational opportunities.

The event attracted notable figures, including Brooks Newmark, former Minister for Civil Society of the UK, Baroness Emma Nicholson, Alex Sobel (MP), and Jack Lopresti (MP), underscoring the communal support for educational initiatives that benefit Ukrainian students.

In summary, сontinuing to build bridges of opportunity, CEO Club London remains steadfast in its commitment to fortifying ties between Kyiv and London, forging strategic alliances within the UK, and cultivating relationships with pivotal institutions, notably the esteemed University of Oxford.




 

In London, a recent charity concert organized by CEO Club London brought together the musical heritage of the United Kingdom and Ukraine. Within the event, performers showcased works by Ukrainian composers such as Mykola Skorik, Valentin Silvestrov, Mykola Leontovych, and unveiled parallels between both cultures, illustrating how they depict events and stories in their compositions.

The main emphasis of the concert was not only on the music but also on its charitable aspect. All proceeds collected during the event went towards supporting the Stanislav Music School in the Kherson region of Ukraine. This school endured Russian occupation and lost its musical equipment when the occupiers retreated. The funds raised will help restore the school and continue the musical education of local children.

The concert featured remarkable performances by prominent Ukrainian artists like Bogdana Pivenko, Marina Bodnar, and Sasha Hrynyuk, leaving unforgettable impressions on the audience.

This event served as not just a celebration of the arts but also as a testament to the power of community and profound support. It marks the beginning of a systematic cultural project, with CEO Club London planning to hold such events on a regular basis.

Key points: 

— Conservatives prepare for an extremely difficult battle in the light of upcoming elections in the UK;

— Labour have reasonable chances of winning the election unless serious mistakes are going to be committed;

— If one wants to interact with the Government, it is important to do at all levels. Indeed, senior officials are ultimate decision makers but the questions are framed at the middle and junior levels; 

— The support of Ukraine will remain unaffected regardless of the outcome of the elections in the UK. Moreover, the fact that the Republicans are likely to win in the US, will not change the direction of the British Government;

— It is expected that the UK will support Ukraine in joining the EU and will provide support in all respective matters.

CEO Club London continues to strengthen Ukrainian-British relations and engage influential leaders from the British business community for this purpose. Recently, the club hosted a meeting with George Weston, who holds the seventh position in the Times Rich List 2023.

CEO of Club London is co-organized the Ukraine Recovery Business Day, a business event that was held at the end of the URC's week for the first time in the Conference's history and was aimed at establishing connections and cooperation between the private sector and investors from the UK, Europe, and Ukraine.

CEO Club London organized the Private Equity Morning Session in London, a side event for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023. The discussion covered the role of Private Equity in attracting private capital for Ukraine's rebuilding. Among the invited speakers were representatives of Dragon Capital, Horizon Capital, EBRD, DIF Capital Partners, and Aequo, who told about their experiences and noted that they continued to invest in Ukraine even during the war.