Massimo Falcioni has three decades of international managerial experience in the financial, insurance, industrial, and sustainability sectors, working with both government-owned and private multinational companies and startups.

He is currently serving the Abu Dhabi Government as the Chief Competitiveness Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the central government agency supporting investment in Abu Dhabi, aimed at growing the emirate’s private sector and diversifying its economy through financial and non-financial incentives. In addition to this role, he is also the Chief Business Officer at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department (ADDED), responsible of the Emirate’s Industrial Strategy, Enterprise Development, Logistic and Trade Facilitations and Digital Economy.   

Previously he was appointed CEO by the Board of Directors of the Federal export credit agency Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), chaired by the UAE Minister of Finance. A role he led as the first and sole foreigner appointed for leading a federal company in the history of the country from 2018 to February 2023, showcasing his ability to start up a AA rated export credit insurance company and drive the country’s economic diversification, trade, and project financing, and overall investments aligned with the UAE’s ambitious 2031 agenda. During his five years mandate at ECI, the UAE non-oil exports increased from USD 440 billion up to USD 600 billion in 2022.

He was ranked as one of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East by Forbes in 2022 and 2019 and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to leadership, global trade, and his commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives. His exceptional leadership capabilities have been recognized with several prestigious awards from international bodies, including the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy from the President of the Italian Republic in 2017 due to the support provided during the financial crisis to the Italian economy development, to protect jobs and to enhance bi-lateral ties between Italy and the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to his role at ECI, Massimo joined the UAE in 2011 where he held executive roles at Coface (the French Export Credit Insurer), where he served as the CEO for Middle East Countries, and Allianz Trade (Euler Hermes at the time), where he was the CEO for Gulf Countries. He has also held senior leadership roles at multinational companies such as Volkswagen Financial Services, Philip Morris International, and Exxon Mobil.

He is also a permanent member for the United Arab Emirates at the WTO (World Trade Organization), the Vice President of the Italy – UAE Business Council, Non-Executive Board Member at Conares, UAE High Commissioner for WBAF (World Business Angel Forum – G20), Non-Executive Director at the Global Association of Insurtech Professionals (GAIP), Advisory Board member at Diplomat Business Club. He was elected Secretary-General and Vice President of the Italian Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates from 2017 until 2024. Massimo’s expertise lies in financial services, credit insurance, project and trade finance, commercial and political risk management, Investment attraction and strategy.