Archives: Speakers
Mustafa Gokcen
Accomplished IT Leader with experience communicating IT strategies and goals to meet business demands. Highly motivated professional with over 15 years of experience in a variety of IT operational and leadership positions. Strong business acumen and technical knowledge with a strong background in managing teams across 100+ countries, and multi-million dollar budgets. Analytical and dedicated with the ability to deploy emerging technologies to optimize workflows and provide efficiencies. Proven success in shaping Global IT strategies and roadmaps. Leveraged excellent leadership skills to motivate teams to meet and exceed organizational objectives. Possess complementary strengths in designing and deploying key Infrastructure initiatives globally.
Henrique Tiago de Castro
Dynamic and “disruptive” lifestyle hotels lover with the ambitious urge to shake & stir an F&B and lifestyle-centric hotel. My path starts with an amuse-bouche in cookery and is followed by a 7-course meal – having worked in hotels across 7 (very different) countries –, this is paired with a full-bodied hotel management diploma. In simple terms, these experiences made me fluent in 4 languages (PT, DE, EN & ES). Far beyond this, living within different communities has refined my natural adaptability and contributed to my deep appreciation of cultural differences. I thrive during high-pressure periods and never shy away from a challenge. I think my biggest asset is the ability to use my “always ready” attitude into bringing energy and progress to any project I become part of. However, I also believe that achieving peak performance is impossible without a strong team spirit, where everybody feels empowered.
Arnoud Heijnis
Paloma Zapata
s CEO of Sustainable Travel International Paloma leads the organization’s global efforts to maximize tourism’s contribution to conservation and development in order to protect destinations, preserve natural environments, and improve community well-being. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism and economic development, Paloma has designed and implemented impactful initiatives and projects in 25 nations across the globe. Her work has ranged from addressing the shortcomings of the current tourism supply to deriving sustainable development strategies and formulating policies. Some of her achievements include contributing to the creation of sustainable tourism master plans for Belize, Bermuda, Colombia and Panama, as well as developing a plan to link disenfranchised communities in Cambodia’s Siam Reap region to the tourism value chain. Paloma joined Sustainable Travel International in 2015 and previously served as Vice President. Prior to joining Sustainable Travel International, she served as a Senior Consultant for Tourism & Leisure consulting, leading numerous transformative tourism development projects around the world. Earlier in her career she worked for IBM’s microelectronics division as Staff Industrial Engineer and registered three patents.Paloma holds a master’s in business administration and a postgraduate degree in tourism management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. She is a native speaker of Spanish and English.
Elin Penttilä
As a sustainability advocate and engineer, I am committed to driving innovation and sustainable development. With a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering, I have gained in-depth knowledge and skills that enable me to contribute to a greener world.Currently, I am leading the climate and sustainable building initiatives at Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels). My passion for creating a more sustainable future has allowed me to take on this role with a sense of purpose and dedication. In this position, I am responsible for developing and implementing strategies that reduce the environmental impact of the hotel’s operations while enhancing guest experience.I believe that sustainability is a critical aspect of any business, and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to make a positive impact. I am a strong communicator and collaborator, with a proven track record of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Mathias Althin
As an experienced Vice President of Technology with a passion for technology, innovation, collaboration, and infusing a sense of fun into the workplace, I’ve had the privilege of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and leadership.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the industry, I’ve leveraged my expertise to drive growth, foster strong teams, and create a workplace where both productivity and enjoyment thrive. My mission is clear: to drive technological excellence, empower my teams, foster collaboration, and make work an enjoyable journey for all.
Diego Bivero
BA, MA, MBA, Passionate about building companies and brands that inspire the world.
Founder of brand evolution agency; VOLPE.
Ex CMO of Cake (acquired by American Express) Has been featured in the Wall St Journal, GQ, Mr Porter, Sunday Times, Evening Standard, Bloomberg, Financial Times, NY Times, among many others. Guest speaker/lecturer at universities from around the world.
Committee member of Unicef uk & The Elephant Family. Avid supporter of WE, AmFAR, the Leonardo di Caprio Foundation and other future-defining charities
Veryan
From 5* hotel senior management roles in London, Cornwall and Berkshire to catering contract management I aim to inspire my team to offer the highest possible standards in innovative hospitality and service.
Oliver Benalal
A dedicated and highly revenue-oriented Commercial Director with over 15 years of experience managing all aspects of the sales funnel and sales team as well as managing relationships with international clients