Dr. Mykyta Tretiakov
FounderDr. Mykyta Tretiakov is a distinguished Scientist, Researcher, and Educator. As a founding member of the Education, Research, and Innovation Sector at NEOM Giga-Project, he played a pivotal role in establishing the first NEOM Schools, catering to students from as young as two months old up to age 18. Mykyta is a Member of The New York Academy of Sciences and holds numerous recognitions, including the NEOM LEAD Certificate from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning, Business Management Certifications from the University of Oxford, the High Potential Employee Award, the Dow Chemical SISC Award, the President’s Grant, among others. He authored 7 peer-reviewed research publications and one book chapter. His contributions to science, technology, and education have earned him the UAE’s Golden Visa and The Kingdom’s of Saudi Arabia Premium Residency — prestigious recognitions for his impact on innovation.
Beyond his expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Education, Dr. Tretiakov is a lifelong chess enthusiast. He founded NEOM School Chess Club, introducing young minds to the strategic beauty of the game as an extracurricular activity. The club quickly became the most popular offering among 1,000+ students. Drawing from his extensive 15 years’ experience in both the scientific and corporate worlds, he developed a unique teaching approach — later named the “Chess Catalyst” method, inspired by his background in chemistry. This method bridges real-world analogies with chess strategy, making the game accessible and engaging even for those who have never considered playing before. Leaving his classes, students not only become better in Chess, but have an enormous natural curiosity, solid scientific and CEO-like thinking. Although he humbly admits he is not a chess master, Dr. Tretiakov reached the finals of the NEOM Chess Tournament, where he faced off against Jamaica’s National Master and 9-times country champion, who eventually became his friend and distinguished guest for his classes. Currently, Mykyta continues improving his own skills under the mentorship of a FIDE Master while inspiring the next generation of chess players. He firmly believes that Chess is a game for everyone — regardless of age, background, or starting point.
Duane Rowe
ConsultantDuane Rowe is a four-time former National Chess Champion of Jamaica who represented the country at nine (9) World Chess Olympiads between 2000 and 2020. Duane’s chess accomplishments include:
– Winning the under 2300 ELO section at the 2009 London Chess Classic Fide Open, where he convincingly beat two IMs;
– Placing 2nd behind GM Zapata of Columbia at the 2010 Barbados Heroes Cup, where he beat two IMs and two FMs, and achieved a tournament performance rating above 2300; and
– Winning the ‘Best Game Prize’ for his win against WIM Olena Boytsun at the 125th Annual Varsity Chess Match between Cambridge and Oxford Universities. The game was well publicized, appearing in several UK news media and on the Chessbase website. Duane, who represented the winning Cambridge Team, was quoted as the catalyst behind the team’s victory. In the same match, GM Luke McShane, the UK’s then 4th highest rated player, played on board 1 for Oxford.
Duane is an avid traveler who enjoys travelling for chess. He has played in twenty (20) countries and his international tournament participations include Gibraltar (2012 and 2014), Andorra (2013), Dubai (2015), North American Open, Las Vegas, World Open, Philadelphia, and Serbia (2021).
Professionally, Duane is an energy specialist who has worked in the Middle East (Oman, UAE, KSA) since 2011. He holds three Masters degrees – all with distinction – including an MBA from Warwick University and an MPhil from Cambridge University.
