Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 40 years of experience in international business development, strategic planning, and management consulting, the expert excels in capacity building, project management, and sustainable tourism. Responsibilities have included leading initiatives in SME development and advising on government policy, with work spanning 117 countries. Previously held roles such as owner of a millwork company, where sales were tripled and immigration for 45 families was facilitated to meet labor needs. Career highlights include opening an IFC office in Ukraine and consulting for organizations like WUSC and Catalyse+, focusing on strategic growth and international collaboration.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with World University Services Canada (WUSC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member. The expert's involvement included monitoring and evaluation for projects in Ghana and Vietnam, strategic planning and SME management training in Ethiopia, and business development advisory in Mongolia. Thematic areas covered included capacity building, SME export development, and strategic planning. Projects were implemented at regional and national levels across countries such as Ghana, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Senegal, Bolivia, and Mongolia.

Sectors and geographic focus

Background includes positions at various sectors such as industry, commerce, services, trade, and SMEs. Roles held include management consultant, business development advisor, and owner/operator of a millwork company. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise spans strategic planning, international business development, and capacity building. The geographic scope of work is extensive, covering regions in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, with notable projects in countries like Ghana, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, focusing on sustainable tourism, SME development, and government policy advisory. The expert has deep familiarity with local governance and regional development issues in Mongolia, Argentina, Australia, England, France, and Ukraine, where they have lived and worked.

Languages and education

With a background in language competencies, the expert is a native English speaker and has advanced proficiency in French. Intermediate skills in Russian and Spanish have been utilized in various international contexts, including work assignments in countries such as Mongolia, Argentina, and Ukraine, facilitating communication in multilingual teams and supporting international business development projects. Educational qualifications include an MSc in Economics, Politics of World Economy from the London School of Economics, UK, and an MBA in Marketing and a BSc Honours in Computing from the University of Alberta, Canada.