Meet The Judges

Natasha Stern
Natasha Stern is a Partner at McKinsey & Company in London, specialising in strategy, transformation and digital innovation for public-sector and private-sector leaders. She co-leads McKinsey’s digital, technology and analytics work across Europe and collaborates closely with QuantumBlack to apply AI and advanced analytics to large-scale change. Natasha holds a First-Class degree in Economics from Cambridge and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard, where she was a Fulbright Scholar.

Lindsay Forbes
Lindsay Forbes brings over 40 years of global experience in commercial banking and investment. He spent more than two decades at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in senior leadership roles, overseeing equity investments and serving on numerous corporate and financial boards. Previously at the Bank of Scotland Group, he has worked across the USA, Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Lindsay is a qualified solicitor and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Manish Rungta
Manish Rungta is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cælum Capital, a specialist investor focused on premium beverage companies across international markets. He previously served as Managing Director at Duet Private Equity and worked on global M&A at Diageo, leading transactions across major beverage segments. Manish sits on several beverage company boards and partners closely with leadership teams to scale high-growth brands. He holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Maxim Crewe
Maxim Crewe is a Partner at Cinven with extensive experience in private equity and corporate finance. He leads the firm’s Consumer and Financial Services teams and has overseen investments including Alter Domus, Allegro, Fressnapf Group, NewDay and Premium Credit. Maxim also serves as a Non-Executive Director at True Potential Group. He began his career in Citigroup’s Corporate Finance division, advising European retail and consumer clients. He holds an MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford.
