Ian Swarbrick

Ian Swarbrick is a seasoned business leader with a career spanning over four decades in digital technology, learning and development, and innovation. He began his professional journey in the mid-1980s as a Print Buyer for a UK PLC, laying the foundation for a career defined by strategic foresight and transformative leadership.

In 1995, Ian founded the XL MEA brand, initially focusing on Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development Consultancy within the UK’s emerging digital print sector. By 2004, XL had strategically expanded into the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, culminating in the establishment of its Dubai headquarters in 2010.

Under Ian’s leadership, XL forged long-term strategic partnerships with Xerox MEA, partnering their joint ventures across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. These collaborations delivered over 250 consultancy and business development projects in 18 countries, generating more than $11 million in new business and securing $10.8 million in annuity value through 80+ advanced technical installations for corporate and educational clients.

In recent years, Ian has led the evolution of the XL brand into Inkflows, a premium and boutique Print Management Solutions company serving the Corporate and Education sectors in the UAE and KSA. Simultaneously, he launched AIN Consulting, expanding the group’s portfolio into STEM curriculum design, AI enablement, and AI-driven sales transformation.

Through AIN, Ian has built a unique Career & Education Program and Talent Acquisition Partnership (CEPTA) with The Woolwich Institute in both the UAE and Nepal. He also established a successful and regional joint venture with STEM Punks, reinforcing his commitment to progressive, skills-based education in the region. Through CEPTA, Ian focuses on preparing students for future-ready careers by connecting education with real-world skills, industry mentorship, and innovation pathways. His continued commitment is to empower young people with the tools, training, and mindset needed to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Ian continues to foster meaningful collaborations with leading institutions, ensuring his initiatives remain aligned with technological trends and the evolving needs of education, government, and industry across the MEA region.