PARTNERS
Circular Together Course
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Dr. Alejandro Gallego Schmid is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Circular Economy and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment at the University of Manchester. His research focuses on the role of circular economy in tackling climate change and enabling net-zero solutions, its implementation in renewable energy systems, applications across Latin America and the Caribbean, and the emerging nexus between circular economy, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.
Arshad Shah is the founder and CEO of Seamless Systems Solutions and a sustainability and circular economy expert with over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector. He has worked in leadership roles across textiles, footwear, packaging, and plastics industries, focusing on operational excellence, sustainable manufacturing, and ISO-based systems.
He has conducted workshops, trainings, and consulting assignments on circular economy, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001/14001/45001, and EU Ecodesign regulations for industry professionals in Pakistan and abroad. His work promotes circularity, innovation, and responsible production aligned with global standards such as the ISO 59000 series and the UN SDGs.
Arshad holds an MBA from IBA, Punjab University, and is certified in Lean Six Sigma, ISO auditing, and circular economy practices. He actively collaborates with international bodies like the Circular Economy Alliance to foster sustainable transformation in developing economies.
Kelly Christodoulou is a seasoned sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expert with over 15 years of experience in responsible investment. She has a strong background in evaluating corporate behaviours and collaborating with companies to enhance their ESG performance. Since 2008, Kelly has been a pivotal figure in the responsible investment industry, initiating sustainable investment practices at a major Australian pension fund.
Academically, Kelly holds a Master in Finance, a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact, a Bachelor of Commerce, and completed the Financial Times ‘Non-Executive Director’ Diploma.In addition to her professional and academic pursuits, Kelly is an accomplished speaker. She delivered a TEDx Talk titled “The Final 2000 – Rewriting Earth’s Story,” emphasising the critical impacts of climate change and the use of nature-based solutions to mitigate its adverse effects. Her dedication to sustainability and responsible investment continues to drive positive change in the industry.
Mohammed S. Al Surf, holder of PhD. in Sustainable and Green Construction. Director of Carbon Department at Tilad Environment. Founder of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) reaching more than 15,000 members. Top 100 Sustainability Voices in the Middle East in 2024, and named 10 Most Dynamic Entrepreneurs Diversifying the Economy in Saudi Arabia for 2024.
First Saudi to become a USGBC® Faculty, an ISSP® Sustainability Associate and a TRUE® Advisor. LEED® Accredited Professional in BD+C, ENV SP credential and a Green Classroom Professional. Author of the books titled “Sustainable Housing in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & Challenges” and “10 Steps to Become a Sustainability Professional”.
Member of several local and international professional entities such as the U.S. Green Building Council, the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), the Pacific Rim Real-Estate Society (PRRES), Asian Real-Estate Society (AsRES) and Project Management Institute (PMI). Dedicated to applying a systematic approach to Green Construction and Sustainable methods applied on projects in Saudi Arabia to induce quality of life while preserving the depleting supply of natural resources.
Kaine Chinwah is a Certified Circular Economy Professional with a wealth of experience in environment, waste and resource management, both in Nigeria and internationally.
She holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering/ Business Management and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the esteemed Imperial College London, renowned for its scientific, technological, and engineering excellence.
As Chairperson of the African Centre for Environmental Protection, she designs and implements strategic capacity-building programs that focus on STEM education, environmental awareness, sustainable development, circular economy, research to commercialization, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Gerhard is Partner at Accirculate, a Brussels-based niche consulting firm specialized in Circular Economy & Circular Supply Chains.
He is an independent chartered engineer and environmental & energy advisor. Gerhard brings over 20 years of experience, supporting industrial and public organizations to achieve their environmental and energy goals across sectors.
Gerhard is member of the board and chairman of the Industrial Engineering Group at the Federal Chamber of Architects and chartered Engineering Consultants in Tirol/Vorarlberg in Austria. Moreover, he is engaged at Austrian Standards International Organisation as member of Committee 251 “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” and Committee 157 “Waste Management”.
He holds a master degree in mechanical engineering with specialization on energy and environmental technologies TU Graz (AT). Gerhard is qualified as European Energy Manager (EUREM), certfied lead auditor and expert on environmental management System (ISO 14001) and on energy management system (ISO 50001).
Franco is Managing Partner at Accirculate, a Brussels-based niche consulting firm specialized in Circular Economy & Circular Supply Chains.
He is an entrepreneur, advisor and executive with more than 25 years of consulting and industry experience in the supply chain & logistics sectors, including at Accenture, Panalpina and the DHL Group. Previously, he accomplished senior roles at global, European and local levels in line functions and in major transformation, innovation and integration programmes and projects.
Franco holds an Executive MBA degree from SDA Bocconi and International Courses from United Nations University. He completed executive and online MicroMasters courses on Supply Chain Management (MIT CTL, MITx) and Circular Economy (TUDelft, Leiden University, WBCSD)
Eliza is an Industrial Ecologist with a background in business administration and entrepreneurship. She is a registered adviser with the EBRD and an eligible candidate for Advice for Small Business (ASB).
She is an independent expert evaluator for the EIT Manufacturing and a member of the GREEN ASSIST Expert Community, an advisory initiative managed by the European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Eliza is honored as the Regional Winner for Ecosystem Hero of the Year 2023 at the South Europe StartUp Awards.
She is the founder and managing director of Urban Camel, a boutique strategic research & innovation agency for sustainable growth and the transition to the circular economy, which won the Silver Award for Green StartUp at the Green Brand Awards 2023 in Greece.
Lynne Kaye is a sustainability educator, consultant and author focused on growing the circular and regenerative economies. In addition to working with the Circular Economy Alliance, Lynne teaches Applied Circular Economics and Regenerative Economics in the Harvard University Executive Education program (Harvard Extension School).
In 2009, she co-founded the Loudoun Green Business Challenge. The Challenge provided a roadmap to sustainability and assisted over 400 organizations become certified as sustainable businesses.
She began her career as an investment banker. She headed the mergers and acquisitions and equity advisory group for Banc One Capital Markets. Her team’s accomplishments included assisting Andersen Worldwide successfully conclude the contentious separation of Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and Arthur Andersen.
Lynne holds an ALM in Sustainability from Harvard University, an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and a BS from Wake Forest University. She is also certified in Permaculture Design. Lynne served on the Board of Visitors for the Fuqua School of Business.
The Circular Economy (CE) concept, driven by Industry 4.0, is expanding into various sectors. It requires new skills and competencies aligned with sustainability principles. Initially impacting supply chain management, these skills extend to entrepreneurship, innovation, and societal development. Research highlights the potential for sustainability by combining CE and Industry 4.0 perspectives through education and practical cases. CERES recognizes the need to broaden CE beyond firms and supply skills and knowledge to higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET). The Circular Economy Digital Innovation Hub (CE-DIH) aims to connect stakeholders and offer services, skills, and knowledge to support CE across industries and society, promoting sustainability and innovation.
Piotr is a Belgian/Polish national with over 11 years of experience in circular economy policy development. Currently, he is a Circular Economy Program Manager at the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) Foundation, and a Council Member of the European Environmental Bureau. Previously he worked at the Polish Ministry of the Environment and Polish Humanitarian Action in South Sudan. He holds two Master’s Diplomas in Spatial Management, Environmental Sciences and Geography. In 2022 he accomplished Leaders for Nature Academy by MAVA Foundation.
He was chairing the Waste Working Group of the EEB in the years 2013 -2023. It comprises of local waste management experts across Europe and beyond, with hands-on experience in waste systems, and upstream product policy. In 2016 Piotr co-founded and continues to be a Board Member of the Polish Zero Waste Association, working closely with Zero Waste Europe, Rethink Plastic Alliance, and others. Added: Lynne Kaye is a sustainability educator, consultant and author focused on growing the circular and regenerative economies. In addition to working with the Circular Economy Alliance, Lynne teaches Applied Circular Economics and Regenerative Economics in the Harvard University Executive Education program (Harvard Extension School).
He has been a Jury member of the European Week of Waste Reduction in years 2013-2021, assessing local waste prevention measures across Europe. He also has international experience advising on waste policies in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Oman, the Balkans, and Türkiye.
Piotr speaks fluent English and Polish, communicates in French, German, Spanish, and Catalan, and knows the basics of Arabic and Russian.
Ken Webster is a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University
From 2010 – end 2018 he was Head of Innovation for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a circular economy pioneer organization, where he helped shape current notions of a ‘circular economy’.
His book The Circular Economy: A Wealth of Flows (2nd Edition 2017) relates the connections between systems thinking, economic and business opportunity and the transition to a circular economy.
Will is an accomplished business executive with extensive global experience, as a change agent, entrepreneur, advisor, attorney and educator in climate change and environmental sustainability. His accomplishments include substantive results in business start-ups, leadership, professional services, marketing and management consulting.
He is a Professor of Practice at Clark University School of Management and also teaches Consulting for Sustainability Capstone at Harvard Extension School. Since developing the course in 2007, Will has advised graduate/executive students, at various business schools, resulting in successful consulting engagements for over 500 client organizations worldwide.
Will is dedicated to developing future leaders in the sustainability profession and has served on various non-profit boards related to Sustainability practices in business.
RSA Fellow, lifelong learner, mentor and serial entrepreneur passionate about how the combination of technology, innovative business models and the use of global networks and resources can create social, economic and environmental impact. Combining her broad background in technology and focus on sustainability, she has a proven record of converting ideas into action for positive societal change.
Founder and Systems Architect of Circular Regions – a cross-sector, multi-stakeholder, data-driven platform designed to activate Circular Eco-systems and bridge top-down and bottom-up through digitised living circular case studies.
Convener of the Circular Economy Coalition – An international coalition of value-aligned individuals and organisations with Founding Members in over 20 countries collectively advancing the circular economy through shared tools and resources. Connecting Research & Academia, the Third & Private Sectors as well as the Public & Financial Sectors. Supporting cross-pollination of data and research for systems awareness
Active member of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform Leadership Groups including Economic Incentives, Network Governance, Cities & Regions, Biodiversity, Social Enterprise.
Certified Circular Economy Specialist and business development professional with 15+ years of experience across several industries and disciplines. Pragmatic, open-minded, entrepreneurial and solution-oriented. Enjoying a challenge and getting things done, excellent in mapping out relevant ecosystems, identifying common interests and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with all stakeholders.
Currently offering consulting services for businesses and organisations, which would like to understand the meaning of circularity and sustainability, its relevance and application to their operations, as well as to embark on the path of transformation towards (greater) circularity and sustainability to achieve long-term resilience and sustainable competitive advantage.
In 2015 founded a company to bring to the market a novel disruptive green technology and machinery for the upcycling of feather waste into high-quality protein-rich feed ingredient for aqua feed and pet food, enabling a strong circularity link between food and feed industries.
Prior to that worked as an Investment Director at P&S East Growth private equity fund and Country Manager for Ukraine at P&S Capital, also including cooperation with Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild Europe in relation to their entering the Ukrainian market.
Holds an MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics and a BSc in Economics from the University of Maastricht. Completed Circular Economy and Biobased Industries Micromasters study programmes by the Wageningen University.
Daliya Safiullina is a results-driven Sustainability consultant with over 9 years of experience that lies at the junction of sustainability, urban planning, sociocultural modelling, environmental design, circular and regenerative economics. She has invested her career in transforming cities to a fundamentally sustainable state, making them more comfortable to live in, while regenerating urban ecosystems.
Daliya had been managing large-scale urban development projects at a multidisciplinary strategic consulting Strelka KB, based in Moscow, leading teams and international experts to develop tailored vision and strategy to be translated into real action plans, from Russia and CIS to China and Middle East. Daliya’s projects include spatial development strategies at scales ranging from neighborhoods to cities and regions, renovation of major public spaces for 40 cities as part of FIFA World Cup 2018 legacy. Realized projects were shortlisted in international awards, including ISOCARP and Urban Land Institute Global Awards for Excellence, Gulf Sustainability and CSR Awards.
Having a formal training in Architecture (MArch from Montana State University), she has expanded her expertise while pursuing Sustainable Cities and Communities graduate certificate from Harvard Extension School, learning the frameworks of circular and regenerative economics, renewable energy, decarbonisation of the building sector.
Applying AI and a circular approach to the agri-food industry can improve our economy, society, and environment. Consequently, this project will develop AI knowledge and skills to support the circular transition of the agri-food sector. The AISkills4CircularTransition project will examine the opportunities and threats that follow the new task force defining novel business standards through implementing a training program on the opportunities of AI and CE within the agri-food industry.
The maritime transport sector is responsible for more than 75% of the European Union’s external trade and is projected to grow in global shipping volume. A landmark study by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) shows that ships produce 13.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) caused by transportation in the EU. Other significant impacts of the sector include the doubling of the underwater noise levels in EU waters between 2014 -2019 and the introduction of half of all the non-indigenous species introduced into European seas since 1949.
In 1950 there were approximately 751 million people living in urban areas. According to the United Nations in 2018 that number rose to 4.2 billion or 55% of the world’s population. By 2050 the urban population is expected to rise to almost 70%. This places additional strain on countries to implement sustainable policies that balance the economic, environmental and social aspects, including resource management, sustainable infrastructure, housing, employment and basic services such as education and health care. Moreover, currently cities consume almost 80% of the world’s energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse emissions (GHG) while the population density makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change including flooding, see rise, wildfires etc.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the emerging technologies which can enable and accelerate the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy (CE). In view of this the European Commission through the EU HORIZON 2020 MSCA RISE programme, funded the CE-IoT project with a budget of EUR 1,692,000 and a duration of four years, from July 2018 to June 2022. The consortium is comprised of 6 partners including academic institutions, as well as consulting, information technology and telecommunication companies.
Wildfires, drought, flash floods… the world seems caught in perpetual struggle as global weather systems shift and change. The result is not just loss of life and property, but also a trigger for disease, molds, and pests that can wipe out entire crops in 48-hours or less. Hence the need for remote sensing (aerial-imaging), a rapidly improving technology that uses special cameras to detect, among other things, oncoming devastation before it’s too late. Currently, remote sensing uses three types of camera platforms: satellites, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and manned aircraft. All have their strengths and weaknesses.
The European Shared Green Deal (SGD) is the European Commission’s blueprint and roadmap to make Europe the first climate neutral continent. The success of the deal depends on getting all European countries to transition to a sustainable and competitive economy. That includes, but is not limited to; Investing in environmentally friendly technologies. Supporting innovation across all industries. Rolling out cleaner, cheaper, and healthier forms of private and public transport.
Companies are quickly realizing that providing value to shareholders can only be achieved by providing value to all stakeholders. In other words, companies that are looking to remain competitive and profitable, need to integrate purpose in their business model and strategy aiming to contribute to society. One company that has seen this as fundamental to its business strategy already since many years, is Coca-Cola HBC. In this sense the collaboration between the Circular Economy Alliance as a leading innovator in the Circular Economy domain and Coca- Cola HBC as the world’s most sustainable beverage company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index follows naturally.
Dr. Alexandros Charalambides is an Associate Professor at the Cyprus University of Technology, working on how innovation and entrepreneurship can play a significant role in a nation’s efforts for decarbonization and on predicting energy production from solar systems.
He is also the one of the founders of Chrysalis LEAP, the first cleantech accelerator in Cyprus, and has mentored and coached more than 100 startups over the past years.
Dr. Charalambides graduated from Imperial College London with a BEng and PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Sofia Hamika is a Digital Operations and Quality Assurance Manager at Circular Economy Alliance. She maintains product quality, ensures the development of an efficient strategy to address the current and future digital business needs of Circular Economy Alliance, and manages in general the digital branding aspects of the latter.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Media Culture and Production from Southampton Solent University.
She is a diligent, determined and team-minded individual, with extensive experience in Business Development, Digital Marketing, Multimedia Event Planning and Office Administration.
Ushma Menon is a Digital Marketing and Event Manager at Circular Economy Alliance. She is managing all company’s digital marketing operations and event coordination.
Ushma has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a specialization in Broadcast Journalism. She has various diplomas, including a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Art London.
Ushma is a passionate media professional with over eight years of experience in digital media. She completed several internships in different media sectors such as radio, news, advertising agencies, and television. Ushma has worked on multiple shows featured on both the NDTV and HISTORY channels. She was also selected as one of India’s Top Ten Communication Officers for 2022 by Women Entrepreneurs magazine.
Stephanie Pilavaki is a Client Relationship Manager at Circular Economy Alliance. She is responsible for managing new business opportunities including but not limited to new markets, clients, and partnerships promoting the domain of Circular Economy and our Body of Knowledge.
Stephanie has Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, a Master’s degree in MBA and a Master’s degree candidate in Career Guidance and Counselling. Currently, she is attending the Train the Trainer program by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus.
Stephanie has 11 years of experience in customer service, team coordination, and training in the educational sector. She is an experienced team leader and believes in the power of collaboration.
Joyce Halloun is a Business Solution Manager at Circular Economy Alliance.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, as well as she is a certified Program Manager and currently pursuing her Masters in Circular Economy management.
Joyce is an accomplished businesswoman with over 10 years of experience in business development and logistics. She is a dedicated researcher for innovative concepts, preserving natural resources and emerging new technologies, the Circularity goals, the SDGs, and climate neutrality.
Panagiota Savva is a Digital Operations and Quality Assurance Manager at Circular Economy Alliance. She maintains product quality, ensures the development of an efficient strategy to address the current and future digital business needs of Circular Economy Alliance, and manages in general the digital branding aspects of the latter.
Her educational background includes a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature.
Panagiota has extensive experience in Quality Assurance in higher education, and she is a dedicated and reliable individual who is focused on her work and ensures that everything runs smoothly, and is responsible to keep progress on track.
Chrysostomos Dimitriou is an IT at Circular Economy Alliance. He balances organizational objectives to strategize and provides recommendations to maintain a competitive business edge.
Chrysostomos has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems. Previously, he worked in Higher Education in the Information Systems sector, specializing in solving technological problems and improving customer experience.
As a critical thinker, Chrysostomos identifies unconventional strategies to achieve success.
Georgia Solomou is an Operations Manager at Circular Economy Alliance handling core human resource and operations functions. Her techniques and mindset quickly brought great value to the Organisation.
Georgia is a highly motivated, target-driven individual, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences and a Master’s degree in International Relations. With more than 12 years of experience, Georgia is a powerful force in the workplace.
She assumed a leadership role as the Head of the Administration Department, and as the Data Protection Officer of the company for which she previously worked.
Christos Papakyriakou is an entrepreneur, co-founder, and Director of the Circular Economy Alliance. He graduated from Imperial College with a BSc. in Biochemistry and an MSc. in Finance.
Christos has explored operational and strategic opportunities for several projects in Europe and the Middle East, where he was responsible for idea generation, research, strategy and fundraising.
Previously, Christos worked at Dresdner Kleinwort in London in the IPV department for Structured Credit. He has also completed an internship in FX options trading with Calyon Investment Bank London.
Jonathan Scott is a senior research fellow at the Ecole des Ponts Business School’s Circular Economy Research Center (CERC). Beyond this, he is a teacher, manager and entrepreneur with over 28 years of business and higher education teaching experience in 17 different countries.
He has taught at the Rotterdam School of Management, Audencia Nantes School of Management, EADA School of Management and Bradford University. He has also conducted seminars and workshops at the Lorange Institute, the University of Perugia, the Yancheng Institute of Technology, and several private business training centres.
Johnathan has several degrees and certifications, including a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and MA in management, and a CELTA teaching certification from Oxford Brookes University.
He has written several business and management books, including Fundamentals of Leisure Business Success, The Concise Handbook of Management, Managing the New Frontiers, and The Sustainable Business.
Matthew Greenley is the Director of International Cooperation at the Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment. Since 2014, Matthew has established partnerships with local and international universities, including the Romanian Government, the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee.
With over ten years of diverse professional experience, Matthew Greenley offers research, strategic planning, and international project management skills. Over the years, he has partnered with government and industry leaders to promote the Circular Economy concept and principles.
Matthew strives to apply the full range of his abilities in all that he does. Since 2020, he has been a research fellow at CERC and assists in developing the Circular Economy Alliance and Circular Economy-related research and projects.
Dr. Saman Sarbazvatan is a passionate technologist with more than two decades of hands-on cross-sectoral experience. Saman works on the convergence of Circular Economy, Digital Economy, and Sustainable Competitiveness as a practitioner, professor, researcher, and senior advisor.
Saman works with academia and industry to bridge the gap between research and practice. He focuses on the applications and implications of enabling technologies in propelling inclusive, impact-oriented, and purpose-driven innovations in business, industrial, and economic models toward SDGs, ESG, CSR, and Circular Economy.
Alon Rozen is Dean, CEO, and Professor of Innovation at Ecole des Ponts Business School. Alon helps students and companies succeed in new business ventures in his multifunctional roles.
After obtaining an MBA at the venerable Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, Alon spent over 20 years in startups and consulting. Later, Alon taught others what he learned to expand his impact.
Alon developed a unique framework called Dynamic Business Modeling, inspired by his research on business model innovation throughout his doctoral studies.
Over the years, Alon’s mission has naturally evolved into a growing passion for the Circular Economy and business models.
Chrysostomos Adamides is a specialist with the CEA and a researcher with the Circular Economy Research Centre at Ecole des Ponts ParisTech. His main area of focus is stimulating organizational transformation and the transition to circular business models through the development of the skills and competencies of the workforce.
Chrysostomos has an ALM in Sustainability and an MSc in Finance. Before joining the CEA, Chrysostomos worked for several years as part of the European Commission’s field team to develop and implement migration management action plans. In this capacity, he contributed to improving the health care provision and reception conditions for migrants in Greece and Cyprus.
Chiara Battistoni is a Circular Economy Specialist and an Industrial and Systemic Designer. In 2020 she held a Ph.D. in Management, Production and Design in Politecnico di Torino (IT) where she focused on relationships between Systemic Design and Circular Economy in the manufacturing sector and the opportunities at the entrepreneurial level. She has also developed several research activities with the Systemic Design Research Group in Politecnico di Torino (IT). Chiara has collaborated on many national and European projects, such as RETRACE, with the Italian startup Mercato Circolare and with the international Blue Economy network by prof. Gunter Pauli. Since 2022 Chiara is a researcher at Università IUAV di Venezia (Venice, IT).
Dr. Hernan Ruiz Ocampo is a senior researcher at the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC) and the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (ENPC). He is responsible for managing, coordinating and writing proposals for European projects.
Hernan’s research focuses on applying and identifying circular strategies in different industrial sectors. He also contributes to developing a body of knowledge to empower the workforce toward the transition to the Circular Economy.
Hernan obtained his Ph.D. in Process and Bioprocess Engineering at the Institut Mines-Telecom Atlantique. His research was part of an industrial project to develop new technologies for an SME in the water sector.
Hernan also has an MBA in Innovation Management, two Master’s degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering and Urban Environments, and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Vlatka Katusic is a senior researcher at Circular Economy Research Center, responsible for managing, coordinating, and writing proposals for European projects. She is also a Circular Economy Specialist at CEA, developing content for a body of knowledge on the Circular Economy.
Vlatka has over ten years of experience as an environment and sustainability specialist for several small-medium-sized consultancy firms. Her expertise includes designing and implementing long-term sustainability strategies, facilitating public consultations, social dialogue, mediation, and negotiations.
After graduating with an MBA in Innovation Management in 2019, Vlatka embarked on a doctorate research journey at Ecole des Ponts Business School in Paris. On top of this, she holds an MSc in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development and a Bachelor of Law.
Vlatka loves working in multidisciplinary, collaborative, and international environments. She aims to close the idea-action gap for sustainability to implement Circular Economy principles.
Ilma Jabeen is a sustainability professional. She has researched and experimented with Circular Economy principles both at an academic and practical level.
Ilma’s work is at the forefront of Circular Economy, focusing on circular business models, cross-sector collaboration, energy transition and process management, where she strives to turn sustainability goals into practices. Ilma has worked with various stakeholders, including governments, contractors, and waste management firms.
In her pursuit to make building construction more sustainable, she obtained a Master’s in Building Engineering and specialised in Technology for Sustainable Development.
Ilma excels in analytical research, market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and understanding stakeholder needs.
Alessio Franconi, PhD in Circular Design from Iuav University of Venice (IT), is a research fellow at Brunel University London and the Circular Economy Research Center. His research interests lie at the intersection of Circular Economy, design strategies, Industry 4.0, and the Product Service-System.
Alessio is a member of the Circular Metal Research Center, one of five transdisciplinary Circular Economy centres sponsored by the UK Research and Innovation’s Strategic Priorities Fund program.
In addition to his research activities, Alessio is the creator and curator of Circular Design, the first open-source tool for organising and managing circular design strategies.
He was recognised as one of the first Blue Economy experts at the University of Pécs (H) in 2016 by Prof. Gunter Pauli and selected for the prestigious Fulbright-Fondazione Simone Cesaretti fellowship by the Fulbright Italy commission in 2018. During his Fulbright research, he conducted studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (NY, US).
Joyce Halloun is a Business Solution Manager at Circular Economy Alliance.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, as well as she is a certified Program Manager and currently pursuing her Masters in Circular Economy management.
Joyce is an accomplished businesswoman with over 10 years of experience in business development and logistics. She is a dedicated researcher for innovative concepts, preserving natural resources and emerging new technologies, the Circularity goals, the SDGs, and climate neutrality.
Dr. Walter Stahel is the founder of the Product-Life Institute in Geneva––a company that aims to provide practical financial and economic growth strategies with lower resource consumption.
Beyond this, Dr. Stahel is an architect, researcher, industrial analyst, educator, author and speaker. He is also a member of several Scientific Advisory Boards and a Senior Researcher at the Circular Economy Research Center at École Ponts Business School.
Dr. Stahel teaches at the University of Surrey’s Engineering and Physical Sciences faculty, where he shares his knowledge with the next generation.
With a Career spanning 20-years with 10-years dedicated to the Renewable Energy industry in Southern-Africa, William has gained valuable knowledge on what drives these markets. As a Certified Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst, Certified Circular Economy Professional, and his applied skills gave him the ability to assess and evaluate Renewable Energy Projects from a more holistic angle. William’s experience in African markets and the Geopolitical complexities gave him a strong capacity to commercialize opportunities. His passion for personal development is constantly leading him to pursue continuous education and it was his way forward in self-investment by gaining numerous certifications in Renewable Energy Technology advancements, Finance Markets, and International Business Management concepts. William has proven his ability to support both Technical & Financial Stakeholders and heavily contribute to the greater Southern African market he is active in.
“Stefano Ingallina has a strong interest in diplomacy, international relations, and geopolitics. Throughout his career, he contributed to building political strategies and developing projects on the topics of interregional cooperation, European integration and environmental policies.
Stefano has been working for the European Economic and Social Committee, at the Sicilian Parliament, and in the private sector taking care of regional cooperation and internal and external relations. Currently, he plays a pivotal role within the Movimento Europeo Italia as youth national coordinator.
He holds two master’s degrees in “International Studies and Environmental Policy”, in Italy and the Netherlands. He is passionate about all topics related to sustainable development, the circular economy model and environmental protection. He likes challenges and international initiatives and is willing to challenge any obstacles to fight against climate change.
Regarding the circular economy, his journey started in 2015 and since then he never stopped conducting research, connecting people and institutions and sharing his passion for this model.”
Jon Lockhurst is a founder of Development Group International (DGI), a company he developed in 2009 with a mission to improve the health of individuals and organizations.
Beyond his role with DGI, Jon has vast experience in telesales, business development, client management, and coaching. Jon has also worked in the learning and development sector, providing clients with management and leadership training after university.
Today, Jon is proud of DGI’s success and continued commitment to supporting people’s well-being.
Professor Gene Crozier is an associate of Development Group International (DGI) with over 30 years of experience in the leadership development field.
Gene has a long history in accreditation, building institutions, designing qualifications and assessing individual and organisational capability. Previously, Gene held the role of Executive Director at BlessingWhite MENA (GP Strategies).
Gene is passionate about the circular industry and believes that Circular Economy thinking will radically change our approach to life.
Dr. Saman Sarbazvatan is a passionate technologist with more than two decades of hands-on cross-sectoral experience. Saman works on the convergence of Circular Economy, Digital Economy, and Sustainable Competitiveness as a practitioner, professor, researcher, and senior advisor.
Saman works with academia and industry to bridge the gap between research and practice. He focuses on the applications and implications of enabling technologies in propelling inclusive, impact-oriented, and purpose-driven innovations in business, industrial, and economic models toward SDGs, ESG, CSR, and Circular Economy.
Dr. Robert Rosenfeld is an experienced educator and facilitator helping senior leaders in organisations define and implement strategies that deliver sustainable business value.
As an entrepreneur, Robert combines a practical commercial perspective with his leadership approach. Robert formulates and implements strategy, culture, change management, and business growth.
Throughout his career, Robert’s teaching, consulting and research activities have focused on the strategic and organizational implications of changing industry paradigms and their impact on commercial business models.
Dr. Barak Ben-Avinoam is the Managing Partner of BGV Israel. Barak manages BGV’s operations in Israel and is responsible for identifying and mentoring the relevant companies in its portfolio.
Barak holds an MBA and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the International School of Management, Paris, France and a B.Sc. in Information Systems from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
Barak is also a member of the Investment Committee and Advisory Board at the Israel Innovation Authority, a mentor, and a panellist at several international acceleration programs.
Ali Rebaie is a data anthropologist, industry analyst and global keynote speaker. In his early 20s, Ali founded Rebaie Analytics Group, which has acquired a global Fortune 500 clientele base.
Ali is consecutively listed among the top AI Influencers and featured in global media outlets for his contributions to the industry.
Ali has helped thousands of data enthusiasts adopt 21st-century skills. He shares his unique anthropological perspective on the challenges of the new economy, the fear of AI Robo-advisors replacing the role of human advisors, and how these issues affect human lives.
Tze Ni Yeoh is a Packaging Sustainability Innovation Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, with broad experience in circular economy design and waste management infrastructure in the consumer goods industry.
In 2019, Tze founded the first Circular Economy Symposium at Harvard. As an economist and Circular Economy Specialist, Tze focuses on developing solutions to combat plastic waste, particularly in developing countries.
Tze was also a consultant at the World Bank, where she provides advisory on projects related to the Circular Economy, private sector competitiveness, and plastic value chain analysis.
Tze is an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle and volunteers as a speaker and content creator for Zero Waste Malaysia.
Terry Himes is a JPL Spacecraft and Software Engineer. He obtained his BS degree in Computer Science from Michigan State University with a Minor in Business and Systems Analysis.
Over 30 years ago, Terry had the chance to start his own software company, Princeton Networks Corporation. Shortly after, he began working on Deep Space missions on JPL’s Mars Observer spacecraft.
Terry has played critical roles for the successful development and Flight Operations of the Mars Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, Mars InSight Lander, Mars Phoenix Lander, and missions to comets, Deep Impact and Rosetta.
Today, Terry has worked on over 30 deep space missions.
Phanos joined Barclays as a Managing Director in 2011, direct from a tenure as a partner at Deloitte. Before his time at Deloitte, where he was made Partner within 8 years, he completed an MSc in Mathematics at the University of York. Currently, Phanos is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and a Chartered Wealth Manager. He also holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s prestigious Booth School of Business.
Manuel Maqueda teaches Applied Circular Economics at Harvard Extension School. He has founded several notable, mission-driven organizations, including SUPER®, which enables businesses to eliminate single-use plastics through a tiered certification program.
In years previous, Manuel taught at the University of California–Berkley, where he created a multidisciplinary Circular Economy online course.
As a forward-thinker, Manuel has consulted for notable futurist organizations, such as the Jeff-Bezos-funded Long Now Foundation, dedicated to fostering long-term thinking in the context of the next 10,000 years.
Manuel is also the author of the forthcoming book The Meaning Economy, which reveals how meaning transforms the economy and our future.
For over 20 years, Henrik Homann operated his family’s office, where he manages venture financing, private equity, and M&A advisory.
Henrik is a graduate of European Business School. His previous roles include Head of Business Planning for Airbus in Germany, CFO of TUI’s business unit Central Region, and being member of the Group Executive Committee of TUI for several years.
Dr. Walter Stahel is the founder of the Product-Life Institute in Geneva––a company that aims to provide practical financial and economic growth strategies with lower resource consumption.
Beyond this, Dr. Stahel is an architect, researcher, industrial analyst, educator, author and speaker. He is also a member of several Scientific Advisory Boards and a Senior Researcher at the Circular Economy Research Center at École Ponts Business School.
Dr. Stahel teaches at the University of Surrey’s Engineering and Physical Sciences faculty, where he shares his knowledge with the next generation.
Dr. Terence Tse has a Ph.D. from University of Cambridge, UK. He started off his career in investment banking and consulting. He is an educator, speaker, and advisor.
Tse is a co-founder and Executive Director of Nexus FrontierTech, an AI scale up. In parallel, he is also a professor at Hult International Business School and regularly provides commentaries on the financial market in the Financial Times, The Economist, the World Economic Forum.
Dr. Mark Esposito is a Professor of Business and Economics at the Hult International Business School where he directs the Futures Impact Lab. He is also a Resident Fellow and Professor of Economic Policy at Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in Dubai, as well as at Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education. He served as Institutes Council Co-Leader, at the Microeconomics of Competitiveness program (MOC) at the Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness, at Harvard Business School under the mentorship of Professor Michael E. Porter and still served as affiliate faculty to the program.
He is recognized internationally as a top global thought leader in matters relating to The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the changes and opportunities that technology will bring to a variety of industries. He is Co-Founder & Chief Learning Officer at Nexus FrontierTech, an AI scale-up venture. In 2021, he co-founded the Circular Economy Alliance where he serves as Chairman of the Strategic Foresight Board. He was inducted in 2016 on the radar of Thinkers50 as one of the 30 most prominent rising business thinkers in the world. He is a Senior Advisor to the Ideation Center of Strategy& at PwC.
He is a global expert of the World Economic Forum and advisor to national governments and currently serves as Subject Matter for the Prime Minister Office in the UAE.
He holds a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration from Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech, one of France’s most prestigious Grande Ecole.
Dr. Juergen Schroeder is a Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, Inc., and an investor and advisor for several start-ups focused on sustainability and the Circular Economy.
Dr. Schroeder has a Ph.D. in Economics from Ruhr University Bochum. For over two decades, he has supported global corporations in the travel, transport and logistic sector and provided consulting services on digital transformation and education.
As a member of the IACD, Dr. Schroeder actively contributes to his local network.
Dr. Alessandro Lanteri is a Professor at the ESCP Business School ranked #4 by the Financial Times and some of the world’s top business schools.
Dr. Lanteri is an expert educator who helps multinationals and governments across five continents navigate turbulent environments and seize new opportunities.
Dr. Lanteri is also a bestselling author, well-known for his book Clever, which became an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK and Italy. Dr. Lanteri published his new book called Innovating with Impact by the Economist in 2023.
Catherine Weetman is an international speaker, workshop facilitator, coach, consultant, and host of the Circular Economy Podcast.
Catherine is the founder of Rethink Global––an organization designed to help businesses, social enterprises, and community groups use Circular Economy approaches to build a better world.
Beyond this, Catherine is an author. Her award-winning book, A Circular Economy Handbook: How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Business, helps explains the what, why, and how of the Circular Economy.
Anne Babalola is a lawyer, investment and policy advisor, and consultant with degrees in law, public policy, and business administration from various universities.
Anne advises corporate, public, and state entities in Europe and Africa. Her work primarily focuses on private sector competitiveness, investment policy, and arbitration and regulatory governance.
Anne has also worked as an advisor for family office operations, strategy, investments, and private equity.
Amy Ryan is the Co-founder and CEO of ESG Strategies. She helps clients discover and mitigate ESG operational risk through Circular Economy concepts and multi-dimensional partnerships.
Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Science from the University at Albany (SUNY) and a Master’s Degree from Harvard University in Business Management.
Today, Amy has nearly 20 years of experience in environmental risk, social cause, and regulatory governance. She is an advisor for leaders within industrial manufacturing, government, and community-based organizations.
Amy is also an Independent Director for the Oil Dri Corporation’s (NASDAQ ODC) Board of Directors and sits on the Boards Nominations Committee.
