14th May 2026 - Global CFO Network Briefing

Iran, the US, Russia and the future of Europe in a changed world
Admiral Sir Keith Blount, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO
Brian Coulton, Chief Economist, Fitch Ratings

Europe faces more challenges than ever before, including war in the Middle East that is impacting air travel, shipping and energy, and ongoing conflict in Ukraine that appears further from resolution. When NATO member Türkiye and EU member Cyprus are targeted by Iran, what does that mean for peace and stability in Europe? What is the future of Europe, and what role to commercial leaders play in ensuring it’s one in which wealth is generated and prosperity is shared? We’ll be joined in this debate two panelists who will share their thoughts on what the future holds. Admiral Sir Keith Blount is a retired senior Royal Navy officer who until March this year was based in Belgium at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as deputy leader of NATO’s military command structure. A qualified helicopter pilot, his prior roles include as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, and as Head of the Fleet Air Arm. Brian Coulton leads Fitch Rating’s global economics team, having previously been Emerging Markets Strategist at Legal and General Investment Management. Prior to that, Brian worked for Fitch in Hong Kong as Head of Asia Pacific Sovereigns, and in London as Head of EMEA Sovereigns and Global Economics. He was formerly an Economic Adviser at HM Treasury.

To be followed by a facilitated member discussion.

This session will commence with drinks, and will include light food.