Our Team

Karim Slimani stands out as a highly respected specialist in the realm of government lobbying and the spearheading of large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure projects, particularly within Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His career is highlighted by:

• Government Lobbying Prowess: Karim has mastered the art of government lobbying, effectively advocating for policies and support that drive large infrastructural projects aimed at improving lives.
• Humanitarian Focus: His work is underscored by a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts, ensuring that each project not only serves economic interests but also addresses critical social needs.
• Strategic Planning: With strategic insights, Karim orchestrates projects that align with regional development plans, ensuring that infrastructure growth is sustainable and beneficial to local communities.
• Cross-Continental Experience: His expertise extends across diverse cultures and geopolitical landscapes, enabling him to navigate complex regional dynamics in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Community Impact: Karim's initiatives have a lasting impact on communities, often including the development of educational facilities, healthcare institutions, and essential utilities that bolster local development.
• Collaborative Networks: He has established a vast network of international contacts, allowing for effective collaboration between governments, NGOs, and private entities.

Karim Slimani's strategic approach and dedication to enhancing the human condition through infrastructure development have solidified his reputation as a pivotal figure in advancing large-scale humanitarian projects across some of the most challenging yet rewarding regions in the world.

Martin Andersson stands out as a seasoned professional in the financial sector with a track record of originating, negotiating, structuring, contacting, and closing large and complex financial transactions. His expertise spans:

• Originating: Identifying and initiating opportunities for substantial financial deals.
• Negotiating: Skillfully discussing terms and conditions to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
• Structuring: Designing the framework of transactions to align with legal, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Contacting: Establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the financial industry.
• Closing: Successfully concluding transactions, ensuring all parties fulfill their commitments.

Martin's extensive experience covers cross-border transactions in diverse geographical areas including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. This global perspective equips him with unique insights into different market dynamics and cultural sensitivities, which are crucial for international deals.

His areas of specialization include:

• Infrastructure: Focusing on investments and funding for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Project Development: Assisting in the creation and expansion of financial projects from inception to completion.
• Import/Export: Navigating the complexities of international trade finance.
• Representation: Acting as a liaison for clients to secure interests in foreign and domestic markets.
• Marketing: Strategically promoting financial services to expand client base and market share.

Martin Andersson is the go-to expert for orchestrating and managing financial transactions that span the globe.

A Sports Marketing & Entertainment expert with more than 30 years experience from various sport projects all over the world. 20 years experience representing top professional athletes in ice hockey,football, tennis and golf through agencies such as ProServ, SFX Entertainment, Live Nation, HN Sports and MAJOR IMPACT GROUP. Also a former FIFA licensed football agent, licensed ice hockey and tennis.

Working experience include brands such as FIFA, UEFA, KHL, NHL, ATP, WTA, NIKE, ADIDAS and BNP PARIBAS just to mention a few.

Work also include some of the most prestigious ice hockey, football, tennis players and clubs in the world.

Additional valuable experience from other sectors as oil, fuel and telecom is also part of the past 30 years working experience.

Nicolas Bertrand stands as a distinguished figure in the oil and gas industry, boasting a nearly 30-year journey of unparalleled expertise and strategic acumen. His extensive career is characterized by:

• Seasoned Expertise: With close to three decades in the oil and gas sector, Nicolas has cultivated a wealth of knowledge that spans the full spectrum of the industry, from upstream exploration to downstream distribution.
• Global Operations: He has a proven track record of successfully working across all continents, showcasing a remarkable capacity for handling diverse market conditions and regulatory environments.
• Supply Chain Mastery: Nicolas has played a pivotal role in ensuring the reliable supply of oil and gas worldwide, navigating the complex logistics and infrastructure challenges inherent in global trade.
• Strategic Alliances: His career is marked by the formation of strategic partnerships with key industry players, facilitating smooth operations and fostering collaborative success.
• Risk Management: Nicolas has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage risks associated with volatile markets and geopolitical uncertainties, ensuring stability in supply chains.
• Sustainability Focus: Recognizing the changing dynamics of the industry, he has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into oil and gas operations, balancing economic success with environmental stewardship.

Nicolas Bertrand's long-standing commitment to excellence in the oil and gas industry has established him as a trusted specialist, whose experience and foresight continue to drive progress and innovation in the energy sector.

Wendy Michael stands at the intersection of business relations, lobbying, and environmental innovation, particularly in the field of waste-to-energy technologies. Her impressive career encompasses:

• Business Relations Expertise: Wendy has cultivated a robust understanding of corporate dynamics, enabling her to forge strong relationships and strategic partnerships across the business landscape.
• Lobbying for Progress: She is adept at lobbying for policies that not only benefit business interests but also promote sustainable practices, driving legislative changes that support the adoption of green technologies.
• Waste-to-Energy Knowledge: Her extensive knowledge of waste-to-energy technology positions her as a thought leader in this critical area of renewable energy, where she has been instrumental in launching and advising on numerous projects.
• Sustainable Project Implementation: With her guidance, companies have successfully transitioned to environmentally friendly operations by implementing waste-to-energy projects that reduce carbon footprints while generating energy.
• Innovative Strategies: Wendy's innovative approaches to waste management and energy production have garnered industry-wide recognition, establishing her as a key influencer in shaping the future of sustainable energy.
• Educational Outreach: Her commitment to knowledge sharing has led her to conduct workshops and seminars, educating stakeholders about the benefits and processes of waste-to-energy conversion.

Wendy Michael's unique blend of business savvy and environmental consciousness has propelled numerous initiatives, demonstrating the viable link between commercial success and sustainable development in the waste-to-energy sector.

Visionary Leader | Commodities Trade | Infrastructure Finance Specialist | Humanitarian Advocate

Biography

Ophélie Chou’s career integrates expertise in infrastructure finance, sustainable development, and humanitarian advocacy. Having lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and North America, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to addressing complex global challenges. Her transformative work spans over 50 cultural contexts, leveraging partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sectors to implement impactful, large-scale solutions.

With a proven track record of structuring and financing over $50 billion in global projects, Ophélie specializes in bridging financing gaps for initiatives in renewable energy, urban development, and essential infrastructure. Her innovative approaches include deploying financial instruments like SBLCs, sovereign guarantees, and blended finance models to unlock capital for regions with limited credit access. These efforts have directly contributed to reducing poverty, advancing renewable energy, and fostering socio-economic resilience in underserved communities.

Beyond her financial acumen, Ophélie has led groundbreaking humanitarian projects addressing homelessness, women’s empowerment, and education. Her leadership at organizations like the Humanitarian Focus Foundation has mobilized resources and catalyzed partnerships to tackle systemic inequalities. Her passion for sustainability, combined with her strategic vision, positions her as a catalyst for global progress, embodying the principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Areas of Expertise

• Finance: Ophélie’s extensive experience in project financing encompasses crafting innovative solutions for complex, high-value projects. She has successfully structured funding mechanisms, including SBLC/BG credit enhancements, sovereign guarantees, and monetization strategies, enabling the execution of transformative infrastructure initiatives across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Her work in renewable energy—such as wind and solar farms—highlights her ability to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
• Entrepreneurship: As a visionary entrepreneur, Ophélie has sourced and supplied critical global commodities, including LNG, iron ore, copper cathode, and agricultural products. Her market entry services have facilitated strategic business expansions for companies in the U.S. and China, while her leadership in commodity trade has strengthened international supply chains and supported economic development in emerging markets.

Leadership: Ophélie’s humanitarian leadership is exemplified by her work on projects such as the “HFF Harmony Home for UNSDG,” which provides innovative solutions for homelessness in Africa and Asia. She has collaborated with over 30 governments and multiple UN agencies to advance SDG-focused initiatives in education, women’s rights, and disaster relief. Her ability to convene stakeholders from diverse sectors ensures the successful implementation of sustainable, impactful programs.

Ola Roch Jacobsen: Driving Global Success in Business Relations, Real Estate, MedTech, Renewable Energy, and Financing

Ola Roch Jacobsen is an internationally recognized expert in business relations, real estate, MedTech and renewable energy. With a proven track record of delivering successful projects worldwide. His strategic acumen and diverse expertise make him a valuable partner in navigating complex industries and driving innovation across multiple sectors.

Key Areas of Expertise

Global Business Relations Specialist

Ola has built a vast network of partnerships spanning Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. His expertise lies in forging strong relationships, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and aligning cross-border interests to ensure mutual growth and success in competitive global markets.

Real Estate Visionary

With decades of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial real estate, Ola has spearheaded transformative projects across international markets. His comprehensive understanding of property development ensures sustainable growth and maximized returns for investors, while adhering to regional economic and regulatory dynamics.

MedTech Innovator

Ola’s involvement in the MedTech sector reflects his commitment to advancing healthcare solutions through innovation. He is playing a pivotal role in developing and financing cutting-edge medical technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence applications for predictive diagnostics and surgical efficiency. His work will significantly contribute to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs worldwide.

Renewable Energy Advocate

A champion of sustainable energy, Ola specializes in global renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and waste-to-energy initiatives. His leadership has driven large-scale green infrastructure development, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility and helping communities transition to cleaner energy sources.

Financing Strategist

Ola is renowned for seeing the "big picture" and with his knowledge and capabilities of involving key individuals for structuring and securing financing for diverse projects, from real estate ventures to MedTech innovations and renewable energy developments. His ability to align funding strategies with project goals has consistently delivered results, making him a valued advisor in the financial domain.

Global Impact and Vision

Ola Roch Jacobsen’s unparalleled combination of expertise in business, real estate, MedTech, renewable energy, and financing positions him as a key driver of innovation and growth on a global scale. His ability to connect industries, mobilize resources, and inspire collaboration continues to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for businesses and communities worldwide.

Tom Skolbekken is a seasoned strategist and innovator with a career spanning business development, product management, and international expansion in cutting-edge technology sectors. His professional journey reflects expertise in:

Strategic Business Growth: Tom has revitalized companies through transformative strategies, aligning business objectives with market demands to drive sustainable growth across diverse industries.

Global Market Expansion: With experience based in the UK, USA, and Singapore, he has successfully established operations in new markets, leveraging a deep understanding of international business dynamics.

Product and Market Innovation: A trailblazer in product positioning and market strategy, Tom has led initiatives that redefined competitive landscapes, particularly in SaaS and digital transformation.

Turnaround Leadership: From start-ups to established enterprises, Tom has a proven track record of turning challenges into opportunities, guiding organizations to renewed profitability and market leadership.

Partnership Development: Skilled in forging and nurturing relationships, he has built networks spanning public and private sectors, enhancing collaboration and creating long-term value.

Technology-Driven Solutions: With a strong technical foundation, Tom bridges the gap between innovation and execution, delivering impactful solutions in renewable energy, digital communication, and AI-driven applications.

Tom’s strategic vision and results-oriented approach have positioned him as a key contributor to transformative projects that combine innovation with measurable impact, making him an invaluable asset to GLATA’s mission.

Deborah M. Bonavia: Expert in Business Relations, Lobbying, and Project Financing in Europe

Deborah M. Bonavia is a highly accomplished professional specializing in business relations, lobbying, and project financing, with a strategic focus on the European market. Her expertise and dedication have made her a trusted partner for businesses and organizations navigating complex challenges in these fields.

Core Areas of Expertise

• Business Relations
  Deborah excels in building and maintaining strong, impactful relationships across various industries. Her ability to connect with key stakeholders, foster collaborations, and align interests ensures successful outcomes for all parties involved.
• Lobbying Excellence
  With extensive experience in lobbying, Deborah has successfully influenced policy decisions and secured government and institutional support for her clients. Her in-depth understanding of European regulatory frameworks and political landscapes enables her to advocate effectively for her clients' interests.
• Project Financing
  Deborah brings a wealth of expertise in structuring and securing financing for projects across diverse sectors. From infrastructure to renewable energy and beyond, she ensures that projects are financially sustainable, strategically viable, and aligned with market demands.

Deborah has played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile projects across Europe, from securing funding for large-scale infrastructure developments to lobbying for policies that foster economic growth and innovation. Her contributions have led to lasting impacts on businesses, communities, and industries.

Noor Fadel: Leading Specialist in Renewable Energy, Lobbying, and Project Management in the Middle East

Noor Fadel is a recognized expert in renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar panel technology, lobbying, and project management. His career is defined by a commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions and fostering impactful collaborations across the Middle East.

Core Areas of Expertise

• Renewable Energy Expertise
  Noor is a leading voice in the renewable energy sector, specializing in solar panel technology. He has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at harnessing solar energy to meet the region’s growing energy demands while promoting environmental sustainability.
• Lobbying for Sustainable Policies
  With extensive experience in lobbying, Noor has successfully influenced policies and secured government and institutional support for renewable energy initiatives. His ability to navigate the political landscape ensures her projects align with regional energy goals and regulations.
• Project Management Excellence
  Noor is an accomplished project manager, known for her ability to lead complex renewable energy projects from inception to completion. His strategic planning and organizational skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Achievements and Impact

• Solar Energy Projects: Noor has successfully led solar panel installations and renewable energy initiatives that have significantly reduced carbon footprints across the Middle East.
• Policy Influence: His lobbying efforts have resulted in impactful energy policies and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects in the region.
• Community Development: Noor’s projects not only deliver sustainable energy but also create jobs and support local economic growth.