Mary Nazzal-Batayneh

An accessible leader in the field of social justice and business.

In her capacity as a Partner in 17 Asset Management, Mary is dynamically and inclusively pushing forward a vision of a fairer world through responsible investment that enhance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mary has been chosen as one of Forbes' Most Powerful Arab Women for several years and was featured as a Forbes cover story entitled "Hospitality Meets Humanity."

A believer in her community, Mary rejected the orientalist premise that sees Western as superior and transformed her family hotel business into a local business with a clear commitment to building local capacity. She positioned Landmark Hotels Company as an SDG-aligned company and as an operation in a league of its own.

A lifelong advocate for Palestinian rights, Mary became qualified as a British barrister and subsequently became the Chairperson of the Palestine Legal Aid Fund which espoused the sole purpose of holding Israel accountable for crimes committed against the Palestinian people. The Fund continues to support legal action in numerous jurisdictions.

Mary is a Young Global Leader (Alumni) with the World Economic Forum (WEF); a member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO); a member of the International Women's Forum (IWF); a Board Member of the Royal Film Commission; a Board Member of Al-Shabaka, the Palestine Policy Network; a Board Member of Greenfield Cities; a Partner and Brand Ambassador for SEP (the Social Enterprise Project) in the Gaza/Jerash refugee camp.

Mary has a BA from Columbia University (Magna Cum Laude), an MA from SOAS University of London, a law degree with distinction from the College of Law and she completed the BVC at Inns of Court School of Law.