economics
Oswaldo Karam
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Company: Empresas La Floresta
Location: Obarrio, Panama City
A consummate professional, Mr. Karam began working when he was 14 years old. He worked in his family’s hospital and insurance company, which he grew and expanded on an international level. This experience motivated him to reach the highest levels of success, a goal that he began with his education. He graduated from Harvard University with a Doctor of Economics and Cum Laude honors in 1985.
From there, he became the chief executive officer of Empresas La Floresta, a holding company that is comprised of seven insurance companies: a pharmacy, a hospital, a food distribution company in Venezuela, and a construction company in Panama. With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Karam has honed his expertise in insurance, finance, and economics, which he applies to managing business operations, as well as financial operations. 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.
Walter van Ditmars
Title: Director
Company: Van Ditmars Wijnkoperij
Location: Doesburg, Netherlands
Mr. van Ditmars has 26 years of professional experience, with 16 years as the Director of Van Ditmars Wijnkoperij. Each day, he is responsible for importing wines, mainly French wines, and managing the company. He regularly travels to winemakers and observes their operations, ensuring that only the best wines are sold. Mr. van Ditmars sells wine to individual consumers and restaurants through wine tastings and the Internet. He has a wineshop and wine vault in the city of Doesburg (Netherlands) in a historic building (called “Het Arsenaal”) dating back to 1309.
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Koen Berden
Company: Ecorys
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Eager to make a difference in the world, Dr. Koen G. Berden pursued a career in economics, and international trade and development. Dr. Berden has garnered extensive experience n the field and first joined Ecorys, a research and consulting company, in 2006. Ecorys provides analysis and advice, consulting and interim management, program management and deliver, and research services.
Dr. Berden is admired by his peers and clients for his competitiveness and for his knowledge of international trade issues. In his role, he is responsible for managing projects and the commercial strategic team. He also creates the vision for the company and works with international clients. Dr. Berden takes great pride in his work and is eager to assist Ecorys in achieving its business goals. He joined Ecorys as a senior consultant and worked his way up to partner, EU27 market director, and commercial director. Read the rest of this entry »