Archives: Speakers

Experienced Operations Management with a background in Quality Assurance in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry with a focus on Regenerative Medicines.

Joyce and Raissa de Haas are the dynamic twin co-founders of award-winning UK premium tonic and mixers brand Double Dutch. Since launching in 2015, they have received numerous accolades with Sir Richard Branson supporting their vision by awarding them a coveted Foodpreneur Award. Additional honours include being voted best tonic globally and taking a spot on the prestigious Forbes ’30 under 30’ Europe list. In just a few years, they have build a multi million pound business where most recently also the family Heineken invested a minority stake in. While the world’s choice of spirits continued to expand, the twins saw a lack of innovation in the market for flavourful, low-calorie mixers. By the end of securing their second master’s degree at UCL, the twins had founded Double Dutch and launched their debut mixers – ‘Pomegranate & Basil’ and ‘Cucumber & Watermelon’ – to rave reviews and numerous accolades. Low-calorie, vegan-friendly and all natural using sustainably sourced flavours, the brand now sells to over 40 countries worldwide.

After studying Business Economics in Maastricht, Ton build up a long track record in the Financial Services Industry. He worked 12 years for Rabobank Group, both at the Bank and the Asset Manager Robeco. He spend 6 years in Poland, working at an acquisition of Rabobank and later opening up a sales office for Robeco. Upon his return to The Netherlands, he worked 3 years for Capgemini Consulting and 7 years for Ortec Finance. He always concentrated on the wealth management industry and was active in a business development role mainly in The Nordic countries. Ton recently joined Aixigo as the UK & Ireland Country Manager.

Ranila is currently working as a distribution director at Scottish Widows and previously has lead the customer strategy for the SME market as Director of SME Solutions for Aviva in the UK. Before this she was Director of marketing for NEST Pensions where she had responsibility for customer strategy, propositions, distribution, and digital across commercial and retail markets. She has deep experience of delivering business growth and strategies in diverse sectors such as professional services, financial services and charities. She has also been on the board of international development charities and is passionate about gender issues.

Motivated and passionate leader with a proven ability to build relationships, lead and develop people, manage projects, and produce outcomes. Creates opportunities to further drive business and improve lives through public health education and resources. Extensive experience in HIV/AIDS, mental health, and community engagement. In addition is highly skilled in public speaking and persuasive writing. Passionate about social justice and creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all people. Consistent history of top performance and excellence in leadership as shown through my various career achievements and awards.