Geert-Jan van der Zanden (Founding Partner)
Creative, entrepreneurial, intellectual Dutch-born, with MBA studies from top Business Schools in Europe (I.E.S.E., Spain) and USA (Amos Tuck, Dartmouth) and MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE (Lund) 2011. Currently, he is the Manager Director of Xynteo AS. He has expertise in digital transformation, business model innovation and leadership. Strengths in strategic planning, marketing/sales and in building successful teams around the goal of environmental sustainability.
Daniel Olbe (Founding Partner)
Creative Swedish-born team player with a strong ability in strategic planning, small business start-up, development and lead. Well developed analytical skills with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach. Professional background from Swedish multinational Ericsson and as a co-founder/manager in several start-ups within the telecom and online industries. MSc in Industrial Engineering/Management from the Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm) and Technische Universiteit (Eindhoven). MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE (Lund) 2011.
Lucas Playford (Founding Partner)
Entrepreneurial-spirited and innovative Canadian with a professional background in sales, marketing and corporate communications along with in depth experience in green building standards (LEED), construction technology and project management. Extensive industry experience with a Swiss multinational manufacturer in technical sales/account management. Geography education from the University of Western Ontario (U.W.O.) and MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE (Lund) 2011.
Wain Collen (Founding Partner)
Perceptive, self-starting South African with broad experience in the NGO sector managing economic development projects. Specific strengths in strategic policy and programme design and implementation, project management, and cross-cultural cooperation. Business Management education from the University of Pretoria and MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE (Lund) 2011.
Mary Ellen Smith (Advisor)
Both a creative and analytical American, with a BSc in biochemistry and cellular molecular biology (Tennessee-Knoxville), expertise resides in six years of research. Extensive work experience in analytical chemistry and project based experiments. Thorough knowledge exists in ecology, chemistry and biology, with strengths in project framework for reaching practical sustainability goals. The last research project she participated in was published in a peer -reviewed journal in 2010 before leaving for graduate school to acquire an Erasmus Mundus MSc in Environmental Science, Policy and Management.
Vasil Zlatev (Advisor)
Bulgarian-born trained within a multidisciplinary context with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Economics and a minor in Environmental Studies obtained from Oberlin College (USA) and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from Lund University (2012). Has worked on a number of sustainability projects in education; currently coordinating three European projects on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and sustainability education. Strengths in energy efficiency, sustainable energy development, environmental education, and drafting of action plans.
Nicholas Arsenault (Advisor)
A creative Canadian with a diverse background, Nicholas is currently the National Sustainability Manager at Sobeys Inc. Nicholas has experience in international sustainable development and cross-cultural work in Brazil, Guatemala and Lebanon. A certified LEED AP green building professional with experience in sustainable urban infrastructure development, green building and urban watershed restoration. Socially aware and engaging with professional experience as a special needs high school teacher and an outdoor educator with marginalized populations. Environment and Resource education from the University of Waterloo, Canada and MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (2012).
Brit Samborsky (Advisor)
Canadian with over a decade of engineering experience ranging from consulting to municipal government. Specialising in energy management, renewables, and energy policy. Prior experience includes facility maintenance, construction management and over 1000 energy audits. BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (2012).
Tom Figel (Advisor)
Forward-thinking, creative and passionate US native with professional experience in policy (US Congress) and organisational leadership. Educational background in top US (University of Washington, International Relations) and European (Erasmus Mundus MSc in Environmental Science, Policy and Management) programs. Strengths include strategic planning and communication.
Saemundur K. Finnbogason (Advisor)
Saemundur has a B.Sc. in business administration, with emphasis on international business and finance from Reykjavík University. Graduating in Iceland early 2006 from business school meant virtually just one thing; he was most likely going to go work in the financial sector. Saemundur started out as a securities broker at a small investment firm which he worked for 4 years. This was during the time of big fluctuations in the market; a true rollercoaster ride. His main responsibilities included stock, bond, currency, and option trading, among other corporate finance projects as well as procuring clients. About two years after the financial crash of 2008 Saemundur joined the Special Prosecutor’s Office of Iceland as a specialist investigating the Icelandic bank’s & financial firm’s alleged misconduct prior to the financial collapse. Saemundur was born in Iceland, but grew up in the United States.
Nicole Harper (Advisor)
Bright and passionate Canadian changemaker with ample professional experience in research, including consulting work for the Global Environment Facility and the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, policy analysis at Environment Canada and sustainability planning for the Canadian Urban Institute and CIDA. Interdisciplinary academic background includes Honours Bachelor degree in Arts and Science, McMaster University, specializing in political science and sustainable development. Completed the bilingual International Programme at Sciences Po Paris and M.Sc. in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University in 2013. She was an active leader in the academic and local community as vice-president of Lund University's student-run environmental organization, Hållbart Universitet, which she represented at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in June 2012. Specialties are participatory leadership, communications, multi-sectoral project management and designing/implementing practical and innovative sustainability strategies.
Eduardo Rechden (Advisor)
Brazilian, BSc in business administration and 10 years professionally working with environment related issues. Eduardo has relevant knowledge of urban environmental management, and networking with stakeholders for promoting governance in municipal level. Eduardo is also a co-owner of an environment consultancy company, providing solutions for higher environmental performance and legislation compliance. His education includes a master in environment management (Universidad de Sevilla, 2002-2004) and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from IIIEE, Lund University.
Gabriele Schliwa (Advisor)
German with analytical skills obtained from BSc in Business Administration, University of Muenster, combined with a affinity for technology. Work experience covers consultancy in renewable energies, especially export promotion and permission processes, support in the German Federal Environment Ministry (research and evaluation in the field of smart grids, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, Clean Development Mechanism) as well as organisation of international conferences. Dedicated to social issues, Gabriele co-founded a non-profit organisation "weitblick" to promote fair access to education worldwide. Strengths in intercultural communication and project management. MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (2013).
Alexander Schlotz (Advisor)
Creative and ambitious German-born with a B.Sc. in Business Administration from one of Europe’s top ranked business schools (Mannheim Business School), specialized in value creation in the public-private sector. Passion and extensive working experience in renewable energy project development (thermal energy and electricity). Specific strengths in analysing and developing renewable energy supply strategies for small and medium sized enterprises and small industries. Practised in software development for energy consumption/production analyses. Experienced in expense budgeting for renewable energy products.
Cedric Zhao (Advisor)
Cedric holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Corporate Environmental Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (2014). Cedric has experience working with local governments, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations. In early 2013, Cedric interned with UNEP Finance Initiative in Geneva, where he worked on sustainable forestry and climate finance. His specialization includes clean technology, corporate strategy, operations management, and industrial ecology. Cedric is a Chinese native and has lived in the United States and Switzerland during the past several years. He would love to live in more places around the world and get to know different cultures, which would make him a true global citizen.
Bilyana Spasova (Advisor)
She is Bulgarian having completed her undergraduate studies outside of her country. Her background is in Economics with a bachelor degree from the University of Strasbourg, France, a master's degree in European studies from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium, and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from IIIEE, Lund University. As part of Leap Strategies, she was excited about the opportunity to take a hands-on approach and develop practical experience in dealing with environmental challenges.
Ronja Lidenhammar (Advisor)
Ronja is an outgoing Swede with outstanding sales and management skills and international experience from Australia, France and Madagascar. Ronja holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Economics from Mälardalen’s University and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from IIIEE, Lund University. She has practical experience in sales and marketing in various sectors. In 2014, Ronja further obtained practical know-how with waste management and circular economy issues (incl. product take backs, design for disassembly and producer service systems) at the Global Sustainability Department of IKEA. Her specialization includes corporate sustainability strategies and management, circular economy and consumer behaviour.
Anna Barford (Advisor)
Anna holds a B.Engg in Environmental Engineering from the University of Guelph, Canada, and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from IIIEE, Lund University. She has experience working with governments in enforcement and research, and small and medium sized enterprises in consulting and administrative capacities. She speaks English and French and would love to learn more about different cultures while exploring the world. She is enthusiastic about combining her background with the knowledge from her master's studies, and applying it to deal with contemporary environmental challenges.
Sandro Benz (Advisor)
Sandro is an open-minded Swiss and holds a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration, with a minor in Banking and Finance, from the University of Zurich, and a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from IIIEE, Lund University. Sandro has gained practical working experience through various internships in the areas of energy efficiency, carbon footprints and sustainability consulting and in the insurance industry. Besides his international mind-set and passion for multidisciplinary challenges, Sandro has a strong interest in the symbiosis of business and sustainability strategies, as well as the development of renewable energy technologies.
Wu Zhe (Advisor)
Zhe holds a BA degree in Environmental Resources and Policy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan, and a MSc in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management from IIIEE, Lund University. So far, she has worked in environmental strategy and sustainability related fields with a wide range of industries and organizations. She has interned at the Governmental Environmental Protection Agency in China, where she made herself familiar with environmental monitoring systems and policy compliances of industries. She is keen to explore possibilities in symbiosis with profitable business and sustainability. Zhe is a Chinese native and has lived and studied in Japan, Hungary, Greece, and Sweden for more than 6 years, which has given her a true multicultural mindset and a passion for seeking out challenging opportunities.
Florian Proksch (Advisor)
Florian graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Management & Technology from TU München, Germany, where he specialised in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Mechanical Engineering, and holds a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University. Florian has a strong interdisciplinary profile focusing on the link between business and technology and a passion for sustainability challenges and strategies. He gained working experience during several internships. Most recently he was working at a sustainability consultancy and in the Corporate Strategy and Innovation Management Department of a filter manufacturer in Germany.
Philip Mårtensson (Advisor)
Philip is an outgoing Swede holding a BA degree in Land Surveying and Management from the Faculty of Engineering in Lund. Currently, he is a master's student in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (2016). He has experience working as an entrepreneur and consultant in the field of environment and sustainability. He has been involved in a wide range of projects, responsible for tasks such as CSR reporting, product development, marketing, sales, and the development of a carbon offsetting company.
Nashfa Hawwa (Advisor)
Nashfa is from the Maldives, and she holds a double degree in International Political Economy, and English Literature from the College of Idaho, USA. She has also done an International Baccalaureate for 2 years at the Red Cross Nordic United World College, in Norway. Currently, she is master's student in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University. She worked for the Tourism Adaptation Project (TA). She has experience in project implementation, administration, event management, preparation of communication material, as well as monitoring and evaluation of pilot projects for climate resilience. Nashfa is optimistic and passionate to provide solutions to environmental problems. She also loves to meet people from different countries.
Sophia Peppa (Advisor)
Sophia is from Greece and holds a BA in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, where she majored in energy field. Currently, she is a master’s student in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University (expected graduation September 2016). She worked in Mentoring, a Greek consulting company where she gain experience in consulting projects such as business planning, feasibility studies, management consulting, conference planning, social entrepreneurship. Also, she has worked as a science and engineering intern in the European Patent Office in Munich. Sofia is interested in projects that will give her the opportunity to combine her engineering background with the new knowledge from her master's studies.
Enrique Figallo (Advisor)
Enrique holds a BA degree in Economics from the Central University of Venezuela. He is currently a master’s student in Environmental Management and Policy at IIIEE, Lund University. Enrique has gained practical working experience in corporate finance, banking and tourism. He is a very proactive, passionate, responsible and open-minded person. He has a strong interest in circular economy, clean tech and behavioral economics. Also, he is currently head of Oikos Lund, which is an organization in Lund University that connect students with businesses solutions and strategies towards a sustainable world.
