Jonathan is a strategist, creative entrepreneur, and operator on a mission to advance food security and build sustainable ecosystems in the Middle East and beyond.
He is Co-Founder & Global Chief Operating & Strategy Officer at The Farms™️ (an integrated agritech and food security venture based in Abu Dhabi) and a Founding Partner & Managing Director at Copper Mane Holdings LLC (an investment and advisory firm developing ecosystems in food security, real estate, and cultural innovation). Jonathan also sits on advisory boards supporting ventures in agritech, real estate, and sustainability across the GCC.
With nearly 20 years of international experience spanning Canada, South America, and the UAE, Jonathan brings together entrepreneurship, government service, and private investment leadership. As Managing Director of a regional family office, he oversaw a substantial real estate portfolio and directed a large-scale workforce, cultivating teams and mentoring professionals who continue to draw on his guidance today.
Previously, Jonathan contributed to the planning and execution of landmark real estate master developments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, strengthening his expertise in strategy, operations, and governance. His career has since expanded across agriculture and investment, giving him a rare perspective on both legacy industries and emerging technologies.
Jonathan is a Certified Property Manager (IREM CPM®️) and serves on the board of the UAE Chapter. He holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and a Certificate in Sustainable Food Security from Wageningen University.
Beyond his executive roles, Jonathan is an artist and creative force who transforms ideas into fully realized brands and experiences. He has conceived and designed multiple brand identities, developed architectural concepts, and shaped powerful narratives that merge strategy with storytelling. His creative work spans visual and audio branding, film production, writing, and the orchestration of symphonies and jingles. Acting as a conductor, he brings together musicians, producers, illustrators, and graphic designers to build cohesive artistic visions. At the same time, he is a farmer at heart, getting his hands in the soil in Liwa Desert to design and test sustainable farming models and approaches . This fusion of artistry, strategy, and hands-on practice defines his leadership style: building ecosystems where business, culture, and creativity converge to address the urgent challenge of global food security.
