Milan, Lombardy, Italy
For more than 20 years I have acted as a bridge between companies and global institutions, developing and advocating industry positions before the entities regulating them. Effectively liaising with stakeholders – from policy makers to international bodies and opinion leaders – is at the core of what I do and what has allowed me to build a reputation as a trustworthy mediator. Ultimately, my goal is to strengthen the credibility and international outreach of the company I represent – which I strive to do by analysing and interpreting global policies and issues and collaborating productively with my counterparts. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1975 and lived in 8 different countries. Being exposed to several cultures has taught me the importance of empathy and trust in creating strong and lasting relationships. I started my career in JTI (2000-2006) in the Brussels Government Affairs Office and then moved to Unilever as European External Affairs Director for the Home and Personal Care Division (2006-2008). I also briefly worked in the European Parliament and at the United Nations. From 2008 to 2019, I was Senior Vice President for European Government Affairs in Brussels. At present, I am Group Head of International Affairs for Generali, the global insurance and asset management company. My role is to develop a strategic approach to engagement on key business issues as well as influencing financial service policy in the global arena. I manage relations and build partnerships with key international governments and organizations, the European Union’s institutions and regulatory authorities, think tanks and NGOs. My current mission is to communicate the broad impact of insurance and asset management on society and to monitor, forecast and report on all international issues with a bearing on the industry. My specialties are government relations, advocacy, international relations, energy policy, geopolitics, finance, and sustainability.
I led Eni’s European Government Affairs team and influenced public policy in the fields of energy and climate.
In charge of Communications and External Affairs for Unilever's Home and Personal Care Category at EU level.
Promoting JTI’s interests before the European Institutions and other regulatory agencies and providing strategic advise to headquarters and European Markets on tobacco legislation. Establishing lobbying campaigns on specific company projects. Monitoring and providing expertise on EU legal issues and EU political affairs.