BIOGRAPHY

Laura Curtis | Founder, WiMENA

 

For nearly 30 years, Laura Curtis has built her career around one core principle: that strong relationships, deep understanding, and quality delivery are what truly drive meaningful business.

Her work has taken her across industries, markets, and cultures, with a particular focus on the Middle East, long before it became the global focal point it is today.

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Her journey has always been about connecting people, opportunities, and ideas in a way that creates lasting impact.

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Where it Started

Laura began her career in Financial PR in the City of London, working with clients ranging from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies across multiple sectors. 

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It was here that she developed the foundations of her approach to business:

building genuine relationships, understanding what clients really need, and delivering work to the highest possible standard.

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These principles have stayed with her throughout her career.

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Building an International Perspective

In 1998, Laura joined Newsweek, working within the business development team of the globally recognised publication. 

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This role saw her travel extensively, particularly to the Middle East, where she began to build long standing relationships with senior figures across government and multinational organisations.

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It also gave her something more important: a real understanding of cross-cultural business and how to operate effectively across different regions and industries.

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Creating Platforms for Trade and Opportunity

In 2003, Laura became Business Development Director for a publishing company specialising in trade and investment guides. 

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Over the following years, she worked closely with UK government departments, international ministries, embassies, chambers of commerce, and global trade organisations to produce guides for more than 50 countries.

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These were not just publications. They were tools designed to open markets, inform investment, and connect businesses internationally.

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Alongside this, Laura played an active role in shaping UK Middle East relations, serving as Chairman of the Middle East Association Under 40s Group and later contributing at board level. 

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Positive Long-Term Impact

In 2008, Laura co-founded Allurentis, a publishing business focused on highlighting global trade and investment opportunities. 

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Through Allurentis, she has produced over 60 publications, including a significant body of work focused on Saudi Arabia and the evolution of Vision 2030.

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18 years on, the business continues to thrive, reflecting both the strength of the model and the relevance of the work.

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Why WiMENA, Why Now

In 2023, Laura co-founded Wimena alongside Tara Thomas. 

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The foundations for Wimena were laid many years earlier, through initiatives that brought international business women to London to engage in dialogue and opportunity.

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Today, Wimena builds on that legacy.

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It reflects a new moment. One where the Middle East is undergoing rapid transformation, and where women are increasingly central to that story across business, sport, and society.

Wimena is designed not just to support participation, but to ensure women are visible, connected, and positioned to lead.

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The Vision

Laura’s approach has remained consistent throughout her career:

To create platforms that connect people and opportunity to build relationships that last and to ensure that women are not just included, but influential across every sector.

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Because when the right connections are made, progress does not just happen. It’s transformative.

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Tel: +44 (0)7990 595 838

Email: laura.curtis@wimena.com​​