EHL Open Innovation Summit

Alejandra Abad, an EHL graduate (2019), has built her career in start-up investment, specializing in business development and fundraising. Since 2020, a series of events have led her to showcase her artwork in New York, Barcelona, Zurich, and Saudi Arabia, while collaborating with On Shoes and being featured in British Vogue. Aware about the power of creativity. Her journey blends entrepreneurship with art, reflecting her belief in the transformative nature of creative expression. With a keen understanding of both business and creativity, she continues to explore new ways to inspire and empower others through her workshops.

Passion for innovation - that's what drives Carole Ackermann. With a doctorate in business administration, she has over 25 years of management experience in the management of SMEs and large companies. She is the President and Chairman of the renowned hotel management school EHL Group 

in Lausanne, Vice President of BVZ Holding with the most beautiful train to the Gornergrat, and a member of the Board of Directors of Allianz Suisse, BKW and BNP Paribas in Switzerland. As co-founder of Diamondscull AG, she invests in start-up companies in the technology sector and supports female entrepreneurial talent and the innovation network of Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley. She has been a lecturer at the University of St. Gallen, where she has shown great commitment to giving students insights into practice and the courage to be an entrepreneur.  

Daniel Batora is a biochemist and entrepreneur with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology, neuroscience, and translational medicine, dedicated to transforming breakthrough academic research into real-world solutions. With experience leading interdisciplinary projects across Europe, his work bridges chemistry, medicine, food and health economics. Daniel is the co-founder and CEO of Tasteomics, a startup at the University of Bern that develops natural taste modulators to efficiently reduce salt, sugar and fat in food. 

Diane is a seasoned business executive and social entrepreneur on a mission to regenerate our society and planet. With 20+ years of professional experience dedicated to social justice and environmental well-being, ranging from public institutitions to corporate organizations, she founded Regenopolis in 2021. Built as a platform to encourage regenerative communities, it fosters indigenous, locally-led initiatives in the realm of climate action, environmental restoration and cultural preservation.  Diane is also the co- founder of 700,000 heures Impact since 2023, and has been spearheading regenerative initiatives across Morocco, Peru and Mexico. 

Elizabeth Blau is a highly respected leader in the modern hospitality industry, known for her innovative work as the founder and CEO of Blau + Associates, a global restaurant planning and development firm. Elizabeth is widely credited with the transformation of Las Vegas into the premier culinary destination it is today. With a Master's in Hotel Management from Cornell University, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award and a James Beard Award Best Restaurateur nomination. Elizabeth is also a sought-after advisor for global organizations and serves on multiple boards, including Forbes Travel Guide, Ecole Hoteliere in Lausanne, and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.  

Bernhard Bohnenberger - EHL Alumnus and CEO of Discover Collection is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry. Prior to his long-standing tenure with Six Senses, his experiences spanned across numerous avant-garde hotels across the world including Baur au Lac in Zurich and the Peninsula, Hong Kong. In recognition of his contributions to the indsutry, he was honored with the Lifetime Acheivement Award by EHL in the year 2014.

Valentina Clergue, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Hospitality Business School, where she teaches Principles of Marketing, Guest Experiences, and Digital Marketing Strategies. Her research focuses on well-being in services for both guests and employees, the way AI and autonomous products are changing consumer experiences as well as on sustainable consumption. 

Will Guillaume Foussier is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AceUp, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and a graduate of both Harvard and EHL. He focuses on driving leadership development through AI, empowering people, and accelerating innovation by guiding early-stage and growth companies through key milestones and business transformations. His expertise spans entrepreneurship, AI, EdTech/HRTech, fundraising, go-to-market strategies, hyper-growth, team performance, and leadership development.

Niels de Fraguier is an entrepreneur, author and foresight ideator committed to empowering individuals and restoring Earth systems. Expert in Regeneration, Niels co-founded Positive, a global initiative that has gathered over 200 businesses alongside numerous experts and academics, co-designed the Compass for Regenerative Business, and co-authored The Regenerative Enterprise. Committed to business transformation, Niels co-founded Corporate ReGeneration International, supporting businesses to include nature and future generations in their decision-making bodies. He teaches Regenerative Entrepreneurship at Sciences Po Paris.

Nicolas Freudiger, co-founder and CEO of ID Genève Watches. After graduating from the Lausanne Hotel School in 2015 and a short corporate career, Nicolas decided to pursue his dream and create a new identity in the world of watchmaking, entirely based on sustainable development and the integration of circular materials that have a lower carbon footprint than the industry average and challenging the status quo.

Dr. Matthias Fuchs is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL Lausanne and Director of the Institute for Customer Experience Management. His research focuses on digital customer behavior and customization, published in top-tier journals. Previously, he worked in brand and marketing management at Procter & Gamble and Coty Inc. He collaborates with luxury brands and shares insights in major media. At EHL, he teaches marketing, brand management, and customer experience.  

Dr Girardin is a distinguished academic specializing in consumer reactions to luxury and product positioning strategies. His research has been recognised by academic and industry leaders alike and have been published in esteemed journals like the Journal of Consumer Psychology and the Journal of Retailing and Customer Services among many others. With extensive teaching experience across Bachelor, Master and Executive levels, he is shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders through his expertise in Hospitality Luxury Brand Management and Hospitality Marketing. 

Jens Gorka is the Chief Shipboard Operations Officer at the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, overseeing guest experience, hospitality operations and strategic innovations at sea. Jens has extensive experience across luxury cruise operations and has played a significant role in curating elevated guest experiences and operational excellence. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, he drives initiatives that blend cutting-edge technology with world-class service. 

Christine R. Gould is the Founder & CEO of GIGA, a global platform for scaling breakthrough innovations and investments to nourish people and improve climate resiliency. She also created the world’s leading next-gen agrifood innovation community, Thought For Food®, accelerating 100+ startups and empowering entrepreneurs in 180+ countries. Christine authored The Change-Maker’s Guide to Feeding the Planet, is an advisor to the UN Food Systems Summit, and has worked on innovation programs with leading organizations including Syngenta, the UN, DHL, Cargill and Danone. Her work bridges deep tech and real-world impact, with global recognition from Forbes, MIT Tech Review, and The Economist.

Nicola Gryczka Kirsch is a change-maker, social entrepreneur, and expert in food systems change, regenerative hospitality, and innovation. As an Entrepreneur in Residence at the EHL Innovation Hub, she is dedicated to shaping sustainable solutions in hospitality and beyond. She holds leadership roles and recognitions with the Social Gastronomy Movement, IMAGINE, and Ashoka, driving collaboration and social innovation. A passionate TEDx and motivational speaker, she inspires action toward a regenerative and equitable future. 

David is co-founder and CEO of ZATAP, where digital meets physical. The ZATAP Phygital Studio seamlessly blends physical products with the digital dimension that enables brands to get to identify, engage, and better monetize their consumers. 
David holds a Master from University of St. Gallen with a focus on Design Thinking which he learned at Stanford University. Prior to ZATAP David worked in strategy consulting where he focused on venture building for clients in banking, insurance and health care. 

Nicole Hinrichs is Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship and Associate Dean of Degree Programs at EHL, as well as affiliated faculty at Imperial College London. She holds a PhD in behavioral economics from the University of St. Gallen and has prior experience in strategy consulting and banking. Her research focuses on how social and cognitive psychology shape strategic decision-making and entrepreneurial behavior. Nicole also advises global companies on innovation and strategy, with her work published in leading international journals.  

Alessandro Inversini is a Full Professor of Marketing at EHL – Hospitality Business School, specializing in Digital Communication and Digital Transformation. His research explores Regenerative Economies, contributing to various funded projects. Collaborating with global pioneers, he plays a key role in advancing regeneration within travel, tourism, and hospitality.

Christian is an entrepreneur and sustainability advocate with a background in hospitality, committed to leveraging technology to transform the food system. As Co-Founder & CEO of FOOD2050, he drives innovation in the food service industry by enhancing transparency and sustainability through digital solutions. Operating at the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability, he develops scalable, data-driven solutions that foster open innovation and accelerate the transition to a more responsible food ecosystem. 

Asta brings a wealth of experience in international trade, innovation, and development. With expertise in business planning, sustainability, and international project management, she has successfully organized and hosted seminars, workshops, and global conferences. Since 2016, she has been managing the Iceland Tourism Cluster, working closely with the entire tourism ecosystem to drive growth and innovation in the industry.

Michael Levie, after earning his MBA in hospitality management from ESSEC (IMHI Cornell/ESSEC), built his career working with global hotel chains such as Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and NH Hoteles. As Vice President of Operations, he oversaw extensive hotel portfolios. He also led the European office for SynXis. Currently, he is a founding partner of citizenM hotels, where he is responsible for operations. 

As CEO of Keller Trading SA and KTHome SA, Babette specializes in innovative, sustainable, and high-end textiles for the luxury and medical sectors. With over 30 years of experience, she has collaborated with leading watch and jewelry houses, providing tailored technical fiber solutions. Through KTHome SA and the BabetteSwitzerland, she has developed revolutionary and eco-friendly hygiene and makeup removal products. Committed to excellence and sustainability, Babette strives to create responsible solutions that respect both people and the planet.

Founder of the Ibiti Project, a socio-environmental experiment, Renato Machado stands out for his broad and innovative vision in relation to his business and care for the planet. He is from Minas Gerais, Brazil, graduated in economics, entrepreneur and executive at U&M,  a mining and construction company as well as several other ventures. Today, the focus is on transforming the Ibiti Project into an example of a regeneration project that can be replicated anywhere else in the world, showing that preserving nature can be the path to a more sustainable planet. Founder of the Ibiti Project, a socio-environmental experiment, Renato Machado stands out for his broad and innovative vision in relation to his business and care for the planet. He is from Minas Gerais, Brazil, graduated in economics, entrepreneur and executive at U&M,  a mining and construction company as well as several other ventures. Today, the focus is on transforming the Ibiti Project into an example of a regeneration project that can be replicated anywhere else in the world, showing that preserving nature can be the path to a more sustainable planet. 

Naomi’s experience in the food and beverage industry, particularly working in kitchens, revealed the staggering amount of edible food wasted daily, sparking her passion to combat food waste. Driven by its environmental impact, she’s committed to maximizing KITRO’s potential to create real change. The idea for KITRO emerged alongside co-founder Anastasia Hofmann during their time at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, where they gained firsthand knowledge of the industry. Since launching KITRO in 2017, Naomi has been dedicated to restoring the true value of food in the hospitality sector.  

Mohammed Marghalani is the Chief Franchised Assets Officer at Dan Company, where he leads the integration of sustainability and agritourism into the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape. With over 20 years of experience, he combines operational excellence with a deep understanding of finance to create innovative, ESG-aligned hospitality models that support Vision 2030. At Dan, he plays a pivotal role in championing local sourcing, regenerative farming, and guest experiences rooted in Saudi culture and nature. His leadership has earned him accolades including Best General Manager globally by The Ritz-Carlton in 2023 and a place on the Hotelier Middle East Power 100 List. He holds degrees from Glion and EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland and is a graduate of the Misk 2030 Leaders’ Program. As a founding member of The Saudi Leadership Society, Marghalani continues to shape the future of sustainable tourism and hospitality in the region. 

Carlos Martin-Rios is a researcher and professor at EHL in Switzerland, where he focuses on solving big challenges through innovation and sustainability. He’s particularly passionate about fixing issues in the food value chain—think food waste, resource use, and sustainable practices. He’s published widely and led major research projects backed by over CHF 1 million in funding. Carlos also works hands-on with startups and companies to turn ideas into impact. 

Gerardo Mazzeo has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry spanning nearly 30 years, including 25 years with Nestle. He is a valued subject matter expert in front end innovation and has led the transformation and execution of innovation methodologies and practices to accelerate speed to market from ideation to consumer validation stage. In April 2022 launched his own bespoke innovation advisory service - The Innovation Kitchen. 

Having studied at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, Thomas started his career in general hotel management roles in Asia and rose through the ranks to lead operations for Raffles globally. He then spent several years leading new openings and integrations globally for the Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles brands, ahead of joining Minor Hotels as Senior Vice President, Operations (Asia) in 2016.  

Thomas brings extensive operations experience gained across multiple markets. His global responsibilities have spanned business performance, acquisitions, owner relations and transformation across all aspects of hotel operations, development, and systems integration.

With over 25 years of international experience in corporate business, start-ups, people management, Andrea is passionate about innovation, impact, and sustainability. He fosters and deliver sustainable innovation for the whole EHL Group, helping students, alumni, and the global EHL community of founders and partners to grow and make an impact. 
He also acts as a pro-bono mentor and advisor for start-ups and organizations on business strategy, go-to-market, fundraising, impact, and business KPIs. Andrea is also a guest lecturer in several organizations and academies and a board member of impact ventures and foundations.

Prof Dr Morhart is a leading expert in luxury behavior and branding. She is the editor of the Research Handbook of Luxury Branding published by Edgar Elgar. As the founder of the Swiss Center for Luxury Research and co-founder of OriginALLuxury, she drives thought leadership and innovation in the luxury industry. Her research, published in renowned journals including the Journal of Marketing and the Journal of Consumer Psychology, explores symbolism and personal meaning in branding, shaping the future of luxury marketing.

Chloé Mukai is the Head of the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI). She has over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of the fashion industry, artisanal production in the Global South, and international development assistance. 

Currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, Chloé has been based with ITC in Burkina Faso (where she managed a project focusing on artisanal production of hand-woven cotton fabric for the export market) and in Haiti (where she oversaw a multi-sectoral artisan support project that included metalwork and woven goods). She also has extensive experience working with artisans in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. 

Gergana is the CEO of BehaviorSMART, a B Corp-certified venture that uses behavioral science to ensure that most travelers opt for sustainable and regenerative choices. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Gergana spent ten years at the Adventure Travel Trade Association working with destinations and businesses to promote active outdoor and responsible travel. 

Passionate about the hospitality industry, Lucas Nottaris’s journey led him through various roles in hotels. Over time, his curiosity for innovation and problem solving drew him to the world of AI. As a partner at Visium, he helps buisinesses leverage AI as a tool to drive meaningful change , ensuring impactful innovation. Through Visium, he stays rooted towards sustainable growth. 

For over ten years, Annie has worked relentlessly to popularize jackfruit as a ground-breaking meat alternative, pioneering the world’s leading jackfruit supply chain, R&D and brands. Annie founded the company while a college pre-med student; today, jack & annie’s is a top 5 brand in the Frozen Plant-Based Meat category in both Whole Foods and Sprouts, with a repeat rate higher than Beyond and Impossible’s, and the company’s foods are distributed in thousands of grocery stores and foodservice establishments across the US. The company’s farm-to-fork supply chain supports over 1,700 farming families, providing 10-40% of their income, and delivers jackfruit to the US with a 94% lower carbon footprint vs conventional beef. Annie has been recognized as Forbes 30 under 30, Top Women in Grocery, an Unreasonable Fellow, a Young Gun (by Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer), and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Mountain West).

Christina, CEO of Swiss Food and Nutrition Valley, is an innovator in the Swiss Food Ecosystem . Fueled by her passion for revolutionizing the future of food, her work centers. Recognized in 2024 as one of "The Magnificent 99+1 shaping Global FoodTech," Christina continues to drive innovation and collaboration to put Switzerland on the global FoodTech map 

Rainer Stampfer oversees the core operations of the company’s hotels, resorts, and residences, along with the diverse experiences they offer, such as spa and wellness, meetings and events, and various dining options. Working closely with business leaders and partners, he also manages the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and plays a crucial role in developing the Four Seasons Yachts while upholding the company’s high service standards. 

Margot brings over 18 years of expertise in combatting illicit trade and counterfeiting. As an early member of the OECD Taskforce on Charting Illicit Trade, she has been at the forefront of initiatives co-developed alongside international organizations such as INTERPOL and WCO. 
Beyond countering illicit trade, Margot has a proven track record in establishing and scaling startups. Over the years, she has become a recognized subject matter expert in traceability and product data integrity, with profound insights into Sustainable Business Management. Today, Margot co-leads the ORIGINALLUXURY initiative, uniting over 250 luxury stakeholders and 25 technology partners to promote transparency and traceability. 

Dr Ming Tan is founding Executive Director for the Tech for Good Institute, a non-profit founded by Grab to catalyse research and collaboration on social, economic, and policy trends accelerated by the digital economy.

She is concurrently a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore. Her interests lie at the intersection of technology, business and society, including sustainability and innovation.

Gillian Tans is a business executive and former CEO of Booking.com, where she led the company to substantial growth, making it the world's largest travel company. Recognized for her impact on the travel industry, she was named in Forbes' World’s Most Powerful Women in 2018. She is currently an investor and board member of multiple companies. 

Founder of Dar Ahlam, Morocco – recognized as among the best hotels of the world since 2002, Thierry is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator. He started 700,000 heures as a pioneer pop up and offering unique experiences in countries such as Cambodia, Italy and Brazil. In 2023, he decided to change it to 700,000 heures Impact to accommodate regenerative hospitality into the concept. He has received numerous accolades for his unwavering commitment towards local communities from magazines like Condé Nast Traveller and Tatler Magazine. 

Before joining EHL Group, Markus was a Full Professor of Global Strategy at the Management and Technology Department of Bocconi University and Dean of Innovation at Bocconi University. He is also the Managing Partner of Corporate Hangar, an innovation catalyst that supports large firms by creating the infrastructure for serial innovation.  

He obtained his PhD in Strategy and Organization from the University of St. Gallen and has since worked as a strategist in several industries, including manufacturing, financial services and fashion. He has also founded his own consulting firm and served as a member of supervisory and advisory boards of several multinational firms.   

Anderson is a visionary entrepreneur in product innovation and wellness-focused beverages, with a strong background in F&B, global procurement, and operations planning at The Peninsula Hotels. As EAM and head of Product & Innovation at his beverage company, he has transformed his family’s traditional B2B juice business into a forward-thinking manufacturer. The company now specializes in functional drinks like juices, sparkling teas, and protein beverages tailored to wellness trends in the HoReCa industry. Their flagship brand, Passion 24, is expanding across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia. 

ZHOU Wei (Vivian) is the Vice President of Jin Jiang International Holdings Co., Ltd. Vivian joined Jin Jiang International Holdings in2012. She has been involved in major cross-border M&A and investment projects including the acquisition of Groupe du Louvre, Accor shares, Radisson Hotel Group. She is now in charge of Jin Jiang global hospitality business. Previously, she worked for the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal Government.