business administration
Franco Fogliato
Title: Senior Vice President and General Manager Americas
Company: Columbia Sportswear Company
Location: Petit-Lancy, Switzerland
Franco Fogliato has provided his business services as the Senior Vice President and General Manager Americas for the Columbia Sportswear Company since 2017. In this position, Mr. Fogliato is responsible for developing effective business strategies and reporting to the international chief executive officer and serving on the executive board. Columbia Sportswear Company is an outdoor apparel and products company. His skills in marketing strategy, brand management and development, as well as product sales management have aided him in the 20 years of his career. He recently worked in the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager EMEA.
From an early age, Mr. Fogliato was interested in sports and wanted to pursue a career in the industry. His first step was graduating from the Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia with a degree in business administration. He continued at the Scuola di Artiglieria, where was an officer. In 2009, he returned to his education and attended the Open University Business School to earn a Master of Business Administration in 2012. His commitment to education has earned him opportunities in the sports industry, and he has risen through the ranks through various opportunities. Read the rest of this entry »
Stephan Paffendorf
Title: Sales Director Western Europe
Company: Wilkhahn
Location: Hanover, Germany
Stephan Paffendorf is a hands-on executive with more than a decade of experience. As the Sales Director Western Europe for Wilkhahn, he has displayed his strong analytical skills, strategy development and team building skills in this role for two years. Mr. Paffendorf brings his commitment to success as he oversees sales teams in the western European countries. Wilkhahn, an international furniture company known for ergonomic office furniture benefits from Mr. Paffendorf’s precision in setting budgets, strategy and assisting in larger size contract negotiation. In his position, he works at the front of the sales process, securing specifications of Wilkhahn seating to the A&D community and end users. Read the rest of this entry »
Lars Fournais
Title: Chief Executive Officer (Former)
Company: Saint-Gobain Distribution Denmark A/S
Location: Risskov, Denmark
Recognized for nearly 30 years of invaluable contributions, Mr. Fournais has provided incomparable services to multiple companies throughout the years. Presently, he sits on several boards providing advisement and counseling. Stibo Systems, Port of Aarhus, Jorton A/S, AGF Fodblold and Danske Invest are just some of the companies he is involved in. Mr. Fournais launched his career in 1981, as a product manager for The Northern Feather Group. From there, he rose through the ranks until reaching high-level and executive positions. In 2014, he left Saint-Gobain Distribution Denmark A/S where had been the chairman. Prior to that position, he had served as the CEO of Brødrene Dahl a/s.
Boguslaw Bob Maslanka
Title: Director
Company: Avi Nardia Kapap Academy
Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Mr. Maslanka is honored for his professional success, directing self-defense and security company Avi Nardia Kapap Academy for five years. With a total of 15 years of experience, he handles the business administration, contracts, scheduling, accounting and business trip arrangements. The Academy provides courses for security companies, departments, law enforcement agencies, military and civilians interested in upgrading their knowledge and capabilities in the field. The training system is a well-established curriculum based on live exercises and simulations.
When Mr. Maslanka first arrived in Ontario, he had one dollar to his name. Learning from life experiences and an apprenticeship to a master plumber, he has developed a successful business since then. Fueled by a childhood dream to be a martial artist, he recognized in order to accomplish this dream he was responsible for getting there. In addition to Avi Nardia Kapap Academy, Mr. Maslanka owns and operates Accurate Building Maintenance. This company provides all services for plumbing, heating and air conditioning to condominiums in Ontario. This is a 24/7 company and requires his knowledge of business and employee management, team mentoring and customer satisfaction. Read the rest of this entry »
Massimo Guidetto
Title: Engineer
Company: CustoM 2.0 SRL
Location: Torino, Italy
Ever since Mr. Guidetto began working in the manufacturing industry, he has enjoyed a varied career that has continually challenged him to create innovative solutions in the technology sector. He ultimately chose to pursue this career path because he found the work to be very interesting and a natural fit for him. Upon completing studies in electronic engineering and automation technology at Politecnico di Torino in 1991, Mr. Guidetto began testing machinery for a manufacturing company. Since then, he has continued to draw upon his own intelligence and determination to forge ahead in this competitive field. Read the rest of this entry »
Arend van Buuren, M.Sc., MBA, EPP
Title: Owner
Company: Challenge Consulting
Location: Soest, Netherlands
Arend van Buuren turned more than three decades of experience in management development and business balance into Challenge Consulting, a successful company that offers international technical and information technology services. As the owner of the company, Mr. van Buuren restructures assignments for runaway programs and oversees business alignment and intelligence, as well as process and risk management and information technology outsourcing. He considers the highlight of his career to be the successful completion of the Transition and Transformation Program for Datwyler in Switzerland. Mr. van Buuren credits his success to his ability to create successful teams and his sense of humor. In five years, he intends to continue on the same road and write on dialogue for pension funds. Read the rest of this entry »
Albert Elam
Title: Adjunct Professor
Company: International Business Academy
Location: Kolding, Denmark
Dr. Albert G. Elam, DBA, MBA, AFC, CCEA, CCA, CGFM is a well-traveled and well-educated professional who draws on his military and corporate experience to better serve students at the International Business Academy in Denmark. Dr. Elam joined the university’s ranks 13 years ago and has become a respected professor who is known for his ability to relate to his students. He teaches finance, accounting and strategy courses.
Dr. Elam’s illustrious career spans more than three decades and includes numerous leadership and executive positions. He began his professional journey in the United States Air Force where he served for 23 years and worked in six countries. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. Dr. Elam also worked as a partner at a consulting firm for 28 years where he specialized in individual and small business financial counseling for clients in the United States and Denmark. Dr. Elam worked in both the private and public sectors and served as a chief financial officer and chief administrative officer in the transportation and retail industries. Read the rest of this entry »
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