Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 15 years of managerial experience as a CEO in the retail sector, the expert has more than 24 years in international business development and export promotion. With significant expertise in supporting SMEs and designing marketing strategies, the expert has led initiatives in export promotion and SME support programs for over 15 years in Central and Eastern Europe, MENA, and Africa. Career highlights include advising SMEs on international standards and implementing sales and export development plans. Responsibilities have included over 10 years of academic experience in lecturing and curriculum development.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the EU and the Dutch Ministry of Economics. Worked across diverse projects involving technical assistance and capacity building for SMEs in various countries, focusing on sectors like marketing and export promotion. These projects have been regional and sector-specific, covering geographic locations such as Russia, North Macedonia, Egypt, and the Netherlands. Responsibilities have included facilitating SME export to the EU and training commercial attachés on EU market structures and certification systems.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across multiple sectors, including education, training and capacity building, HR and employment, logistics, private sector and trade, agriculture and rural development, and marketing and media. Previously held roles such as CEO and consultant, focusing on international business development and export promotion. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes designing marketing strategies and supporting SMEs to meet international standards. The geographic scope of work spans regions such as Europe, MENA, and Africa, with a focus on enhancing business competitiveness and fostering regional development. The expert has extensive geographic experience across Europe, the MENA region, and Africa, with significant involvement in the Netherlands, Russia, North Macedonia, Egypt, Ukraine, Romania, Turkey, Guatemala, Indonesia, South Africa, Vietnam, Kosovo, Czech Republic, and Kazakhstan. They have demonstrated deep familiarity with regional development issues, particularly in export promotion and SME support. The expert has undertaken long-term assignments and region-specific projects, contributing to business development and capacity building in these diverse cultural and economic contexts.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in English and French, with excellent proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing. These language skills have been utilized in international business development and export promotion projects across various multilingual regions, including Central and Eastern Europe, MENA, and Africa. Additionally, the expert has basic proficiency in Russian, which has supported work in Russian-speaking countries. The expert holds a Master of Science equivalent lecturing certification from MO Economics, completed between 1965 and 1972. Additionally, they obtained a Bachelor of Science equivalent in Engineer Textile/Marketing from Business Management Textiles, achieved from 1963 to 1965. Both degrees were pursued in the Netherlands, focusing on fields such as economics and textile marketing.