Dieter Knittel is Head of International Real Estate Finance for Central and Eastern Europe at pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank. Dieter is responsible for the bank’s lending portfolio in the region. The regional focus is on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Dieter has been active in the CEE market for more than twenty years, including five years based in Warsaw as Head of Credit and Senior Risk Management.

Doron Klein joined AFI Europe in 2008 and since 2011 served as CEO of AFI Europe’s operations in the Czech Republic and Germany. Since 2018 Doron was appointed as the CEO of AFI Europe in Romania and in 2023 was appointed also Deputy CEO of AFI Europe.

Doron Klein has more than 20 years of experience in Real Estate, operating in both Central and Eastern European real estate markets.

Doron has an MBA degree from the University of New York in Prague, Czech Republic and he is fluent in Hebrew, English and Czech.

Szymon set up and run fund’s operations in Europe.

Previously, Szymon worked as Executive Director at Haitong investment bank, where he was responsible for various investment banking transactions (M&A, DCM, ECM and structured finance), as well as in the private equity fund SINO-CEEF, where he was responsible for the CEE region, including fundraising, searching for investment transactions and relations with the governments of CEE countries. Previously, Szymon had also worked at ICBC bank, where he had been responsible for business development in the CEE region, and at Citi bank, where he had worked in various areas of corporate banking in Poland, London and the CEE region.

Szymon studied at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University and Warsaw School of Economics in Poland as well as Henley Business School in Great Britain.

David Hay is a private investor in income producing assets and the founder and CEO of ADD Value Management SRL (AVM).

AVM provides in-house services for international investors covering portfolio management, financial management, asset management, property management and development management focusing on Romania.

AVM is currently providing asset management services for America House office project in Bucharest CBD which was recently acquired by Morgan Stanley in joint venture with David Hay.

David Hay served previously as the CEO of AFI Europe in Romania, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland for 12 years and holds an LLM from Buckingham University in the U.K..

Bogdan Doicescu is head of the real estate division of Bog’Art group and executive board member responsible with integrating the full spectrum Bog’Art building services in business lines such as reinforced steel production, general contracting, turnkey facade systems, building management, project management and real estate development.

Bogdan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, Masters degree in Real Estate Development from New York University and holds RICS certification. Along with international perspective and accreditation, direct involvement in the family business has given Bogdan lifelong exposure to the construction and real estate sector in Romania, where his mission is to provide next generation leadership of Bog’Art.

Geo Margescu cofounded, in 2014, Forte Partners, a company with a real estate portfolio of developed projects in Romania worth 200 million euro and of projects in development worth another 200 million euro, both in office and residential segments.

He is CEO of Forte Partners and has a track record of developing landmark real estate projects with over 20 years of experience specializing in development management and construction. Geo has developed several landmark office and residential projects in Romania, which have been recognized and awarded internationally.

Anthony Khoi is the President of CENOR GROUP and its subsidiary companies RETFUND and CEFIC, leading firms in investment, development, asset, and property management in Europe and Turkey.

In 2003, Anthony Khoi was appointed as a partner at Aerium, where he held multiple key positions including Managing Partner, Board member, President of Aerium in France and Turkey, and Head of Aerium’s retail investments across Europe.

The Cenor Group and its partner Aerium have collectively invested over 12 billion euros in commercial properties across Western and Central Europe, as well as Turkey, over the past three decades.

Anthony has been honored with several international awards for his professional achievements and humanitarian commitments. In 2010, he was named “CEO of the Year” in Turkey for his business acumen, achievements, and visionary leadership skills. He was also nominated by REurope Magazine as “Visionary Developer” of the year for 2011 in Turkey.

He is the co-founder of several associations and foundations, such as AYD, the Council of Shopping Centre Investors in Turkey, and the Institute of Positive Economy in France. He is an active member of the International Red Cross community, Hugh O.Brian Youth Foundation, Positive Planet Foundation, among several others, and is involved in charity work and responsible leadership.

Mr. Khoi is a graduate of Harvard Business School and EM Lyon Business School. He is also a French state-licensed architect (DPLG) and an alumnus of Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Olga is an experienced manager with almost 20 years of experience in the commercial property sector in the CEE region. During her career, she headed BNP Real Estate Romania as Country Manager, also worked as International Development Manager at Mayland Real Estate in Poland, but also in Russia as Branch Executive Manager of Seracom International Group. She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest and has completed an MBA program at Tiffin University, US. Olga is an ICF Certified Professional Coach, working with managers, executives, and their teams. She speaks native Romanian and fluent English, Russian and French.

Sebastian Macdonald-Hall embarked on his career journey in 2002 at 19 years old within M Core’s collective of companies, concentrating on asset management for the UK Industrial and Retail portfolios. His dedication led him to relocate to Paris, where he contributed to investment and asset management operations under the guidance of the company’s French CEO. Sebastian’s expertise was further honed during his tenure in Poland, where he was tasked with aiding business development, financial analysis, and investment expansion efforts.

After serving for two years, Sebastian co-founded Evolve Estates, in 2009 with Danny & Joe O’Keefe. In 2023 the company has amassed an impressive £450m AUM and developed a team of 45-person strong management platform in the UK.

Following a successful decade with Evolve Estates, Sebastian began working more across the M Core collective, to drive growth. In 2021 Sebastian was a key driver in the digital transformation and positioning efforts of M Core across Europe.

Sebastian’s focus in recent years has been on bolstering capital reserves for M Core’s expansion plans. His efforts have resulted in multiple capital raises, totalling over 500 m euros, through strategic partnerships, and several joint ventures.

Throughout his career, Sebastian has showcased proficiency across various domains such as corporate finance, property development, investment strategy, and portfolio management. His leadership roles, including EU Chief Investment Officer and Co-CEO of M Core Romania alongside James Fife, have been instrumental in driving Pan-European growth and establishing joint venture management platforms to optimize asset value.

Sebastian’s profound industry knowledge and strategic foresight continue to be invaluable assets in navigating and shaping M Core’s trajectory towards continued success in the dynamic real estate landscape. M Core currently has 1,270+ assets under management with a value of 5.3bn GBP.

Andreea Păun is one of the few feminine figures and real estate entrepreneurs in Romania, and one of the most experienced and respected professionals actively shaping the local real estate market.

Recently, she coordinated and advised on the largest transaction ever concluded on the local real estate market, namely the restructuring and renewal of 30,000 Genpact premises within Hermes Business Campus in Bucharest. This is the largest transaction ever closed in the Romanian market.

In 7 years since its launch, Andreea guided Griffes to record the most spectacular and consistent growth for a real estate consultant in Romania, by 20% year by year, becoming a reference name in the market.

Griffes concluded more than 120 office transactions to date, amounting to 200,000 sqm of leased office space and a total volume of more than 160 million Eur. In the last 12 months alone, Griffes completed approximately 50,000 sqm of office space transactions, both in Bucharest and in the regional cities, with a total value of over 45 mln. Eur.

Moreover, in 2023, Griffes partnered with sounding names for Landlord Representation mandates, now representing in the market the reputed developer Portland Trust in promoting J8 Office Park in Bucharest. Currently, Griffes’ portfolio includes approximately 130,000 sqm of office space, both in Bucharest and regional cities. This represents by far the largest portfolio of owner-oriented services in the market.

Apart from metrics, Andreea is one of the most energetic and thorough professionals in the real estate market, a true vector of influence in terms of consulting clients in difficult endeavours.

Griffes’ priority for this year is delivering results in the managed portfolio, creating out of the box solutions, customized consultancy for developers to increase occupancy levels.

Andreea graduated from Business School (in French) within The Academy of Economic Studies and has always been fascinated by knowledge and discovery, genuinely embracing every learning opportunity.

With an eye for detail and a very agile attitude, Andreea is a deal maker by nature and a value creator in the real estate market.

Mirela is an experienced transaction support professional, having evenly split her career between the UK and Romania. In her role as a Director in Deal Advisory at KPMG London, Mirela advises large institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds and private real estate funds on UK and pan-European deals across various real estate asset classes such as student accommodation, commercial offices, hospitality, retail/shopping malls, industrial/warehousing/logistics and residential. She has also advised on a number of large infrastructure assets in the UK and across Europe, including inter-alia car parking, airports, ports and rolling stock companies.

Joining the real estate industry since collage, Alina is a professional with 20 years of 360° experience in the residential real estate market and former Managing Partner of Coldwell Banker Romania.

After 8 years of running the operations and owning             Coldwell Banker franchize for two major branches in Bucharest, in late 2018 she founded Green Alley, a leading boutique firm that provides integrated consulting, marketing and sales services to residential developers and investors and integrated brokerage services for premium& highend market with a team of 14 professionals and over 600 mil. Eur in sales to date.

Alina graduated from the Bucharest Faculty of Economic Studies, is a master’s degree graduate in Real Estate Economics and Neurolinguistic Programming and has advanced knowledge of branding, marketing, sales and psychology.

Guided by values such as responsibility, honesty and dedication, Alina distinguished herself by forming strategic partnerships with residential developers with whom she worked on the conceptualization of projects, created marketing and sales strategies; but also through the large volume of successfully completed transactions in the residential market and the professional and performing teams she built and trained.

“We live in a world where excellence truly makes a difference, and the satisfaction of our partners is the measure by which we quantify the difference we make and, implicitly, Green Alley’s long-term sustainability.”

Alina Calin has over 20 years of experience in the banking system, out of which 15 years in the specialized lending with a focus towards financing of real estate. She is currently Head of Real Estate Finance with Alpha Bank Romania, bank with tradition in sustaining the development of the Real Estate sector in Romania.

Bryan Wilson Jardine, a California-admitted attorney (since 1990) and registered foreign lawyer with the Bucharest Bar Association, has lived and worked in the CEE/SEE region since 1996 and has been the Managing Partner of the Wolf Theiss Bucharest office since 2005.

In addition, Bryan co-heads the firm’s regional energy industry group. He has extensive experience in the conventional and renewable energy (RES) sector, having represented leading multinational investors and developers in this sector. He has received various awards in recognition of his substantial expertise in the business and energy sector and was named “Professional of the Year” at the 2009 Europa Property SEE Annual Awards. Over the last years, he has edited several of the Firm’s well-received energy guides, which have focused on areas from RES and Waste to Energy and Energy Efficiency. He is also one of the three individuals who founded the Romanian Petroleum Club in 2001 

Iuliana coordinates the environmental and social risk assessments and financing with a positive impact, within BRD. She has an extensive experience in the banking field, with 14 years in real estate financing, acquisitions and syndicated transactions.

In her current role participated in the first sustainable finance transactions instrumented for companies with a footprint in Romania, including for real estate sector.

Iuliana is a graduate of the Academy of Economic Studies, of an MBA program at the Open University (UK) and is currently pursuing a Master in Sustainability Leadership at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

Gijs has almost 20 years of experience in real estate and was involved in investment transactions worth more than EUR 2 billion across Central and Eastern Europe.

As a Dutch citizen, Gijs holds a Master of Science in real estate management obtained at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. His working career started at the research & strategy department of ING Real Estate Investment Management (ING REIM). In 2005 he moved into CEE and held various positions in that region both on the transactional and asset management side with companies such as ING REIM (later acquired by CBRE and becoming CBRE Global Investors), JLL (managing director Romania), Nepi Rockcastle (head of investments), CBRE (head of investment properties), CTP and now WDP.

Personal Status

Married with two children living in Roztoky (CZ)

Hobbies:

Military history, hiking, investing in residential properties

Languages:

Dutch, German, English and Romanian

Quote Gijs:

• Motto: “luctor et emergo”, in other words one should never give up and one will eventually prevail (same credo as Holland)

Dominik Uhe is Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland International. Kaufland is one of the leading international grocery retailers, running more than 1,550 hypermarkets in eight countries.

Before taking on this position, he held several positions at Kaufland. In addition to operational and strategic responsibility in the area of leasing, the implementation and establishment of sustainable building certifications, he was also responsible for strategic expansion and has built up comprehensive and versatile real estate expertise. He has been an integral integral part of the company for over 10 years. Before joining Kaufland, he studied geography at the University of Cologne.

Dominik Uhe ist Head of Investor Relationship Management bei der Kaufland International. Kaufland ist einer der führenden internationalen Lebensmitteleinzelhändler und betreibt mehr als 1.550 Verbrauchermärkte in acht Ländern.
Bevor er diese Position übernahm, durchlief er mehrere Stationen bei Kaufland. Neben der operativen und strategischen Verantwortung im Bereich der Vermietung, der Umsetzung und Etablierung nachhaltiger Gebäudezertifizierungen, war er auch für die strategische Expansion verantwortlich und hat sich eine umfassende und vielseitige Immobilien Expertise aufgebaut. Er ist seit über 10 Jahren ein fester Bestandteil des Unternehmens. Bevor er zu Kaufland kam, absolvierte er ein Studium der Geografie an der Universität zu Köln.

Real Estate Business Consultant / Senior Executive with over 19 years’ experience and a proven track record in real estate management, operations, and strategic leadership. Key strengths include: driving revenue growth, providing strategic guidance across the entire property lifecycle for investors and property developers; extensive knowledge of market trends, developing business strategies and fostering positive relationships with clients, suppliers, and authorities, contributing to brand visibility; and expertise in the supervision and administration of complex investment projects, new constructions, and remodelling initiatives, ensuring compliance with group policies.

I graduated Bucharest University of Economic Studies – Faculty of International Business and Economics. I have approx. 20 years of experience in managing corporate banking portfolio. I started my banking career in 2004 by joining Credit Europe Bank, standing out through motivation and involvement in all activity areas while successfully taking on various roles in Corporate lending and product management. Since last year, I am responsible of coordinating the Corporate Banking activity of Credit Europe Bank.

Ivaylo Slavov is a Corporate Executive, Serial Entrepreneur, recognized expert and leader with 30+ years of international experience in IT, Financial Services and Business Process Outsourcing with diverse managerial positions at Microsoft, Adecco, SEB, Unisys, Comparex (PC Ware) across EMEA. Currently, he is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Elevate (formerly Easy Consult) – a company providing flexible and innovative workforce solutions with 20 years of experience on international markets with 12 offices in 7 countries across Europe and North America. As Strategic Investor & Advisor, specialized in developing start-ups and growing established organizations, Ivaylo is currently also a Founder and CEO of Finance Partner, an investment and strategy consultancy company focused on innovation in IoT, Green and Renewable Energy, Hi-tech and Flexible Workforce Management solutions with a mission to empower innovative companies and support forward-thinking entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Prior to that, he founded BULPROS (now DIGITALL) and guided the company to become one of the largest and fastest growing technology company in CEE. Additionally, Ivaylo is Board member of several business organizations and associations such as AHK German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Burgas Free University and a member of the Board of the Vocational High School for Computer Programming and Innovation in the city of Burgas.

Adrian has 20+ years experience in Romanian retail and especially in the retail of shoes and accessories.

Between 2001 and 2004 he was Area Manager for Leonardo, and since 2004 he has been Development & Retail Manager and one of the shareholders of Benvenuti. Benvenuti currently has 53 stores in Romania, of which 47 under the Benvenuti brand and 6 under the Enzo Bertini brand.

Also, since 2014, Adrian has been a founding member of RoRetail – Romanian Retailers Association.

Adrian graduated from the Technical University of Timisoara, being licensed in mechanical engineering.

Alex Skouras is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alesonor Real Estate Development, a wellbeing community developer with over 21 years of experience in Romania.

With a strong educational background from the Technical University in Athens (NTUA) and from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Alex has been coordinating the operations and expansion of Alesonor, overseeing with his partners the development of all its real estate projects since 2003.

He is also a Founding Member of Epower, a development company active in the renewable energy sector since 2007 with several wind and solar projects, of IQBOX and Cosmos Mobile, companies active in the telecom industry and of Wellness Solutions, a company distributing sports and fitness brands.

As Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Alesonor, Alex Skouras leads the company’s latest ground-breaking project, Amber Forest, the first complete suburb in Romania.

This 31 hectares mix-use sustainable development offers a unique living experience. Amber Forest features over 700 nZEB smart villas and apartments, a complete, high-quality infrastructure, a 5-ha park, a sports club offering a wide range of sports and leisure facilities in partnership with Pescariu Sports & Spa, top quality educational services in partnership with Verita International School & Kindergarten, a commercial area with over 10,000 sqm for cafes, restaurants, farmers’ market, supermarket, bakery and shops, co-working hub, outdoor cinema as well as medical services.

Alex is a firm believer in sustainability, entrepreneurship and teamwork. Together with his business partners he has been deeply involved in a variety of projects in real estate, technology, retail, renewable energy, telecom and health.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Lucian Azoiței, founder and CEO of Forty Management, is one of the most respected executives in Romania. An active player in real estate, Lucian has contributed significantly to the growth of this sector, with Forty Management recognized by the business community as one of the most innovative companies that initiated and promoted the ESG standards in Romania. Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the heart of the company’s developments, all the buildings under the Central District brand having superior certifications in this respect.

Forty Management is a member of the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC), an organization that promotes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. All Central District’s residential developments are certified “Green Homes” by RoBGC, with Central District Viitorului 134 certified as NzEB.

Leveraging its know-how in terms of sustainability and experience in innovative real estate development, Forty Management has begun the works for its next major scale-up green urban reconversion: Central District Lagoon City Bucharest, which involves an investment of over 140 million EUR. The project will implement for the first time in Central and Eastern Europe a large artificial lagoon of over 10.000 sqm and 4.000 sqm of white sandy beaches, which practically brings the sea into the city. Lagoon City Bucharest will also include a 5* hotel with 323 rooms, 401 apartments for rent, commercial and residential areas, restaurants and other amenities. Lagoon City will be the first large-scale mixed-use development to meet the self-sustainability standard and a scalable project to be developed as well in Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Rome, Milan, Toulouse and Sevilla, an over 1 billion euro investment through our Swiss subsidiary, Forty Management AG, Bern.

With a law degree and an EMBA, Lucian Azoiței is passionate about basketball, cars and travel, interacting with new people and cultures, which inspire him to increase the quality of life in the real estate projects he designs. Lucian also manages the activity of the Azoitei Foundation for Young Romanian Musicians, together with his brother, the famous violinist Remus Azoitei.

Inginer constructor de meserie, a supravegheat investițiile grupului spaniol Gran Via în România – peste 2600 apartamente finalizate, 300.000 mp construiti, 190 mil investitii in proiecte, dețînând poziția de Director General din martie 2010 pana in martie 2020 si ulterior Presedinte al Consiliului de Administratie

In perioada septembrie 2023 decembrie 2024 a ocupat si functia de Director general adjunct in cadrul companiei listata la BVB – Meta Estate Trust SA.

De asemenea a ocupat funcția de președinte al Asociației Investitorilor Imobiliari din România (AREI) pentru doua mandate, ulterior fiind membru în consiliul Asociației.

Incepand cu 1 ianuarie 2025 s-a alaturat echipei Global Vision Romania unde detine functia de Deputy CEO.

A construction engineer by profession, she supervised the investments of the Spanish group Gran Via in Romania – over 2,600 completed apartments, 300,000 sqm built, 190 million investments in projects, holding the position of General Director from March 2010 to March 2020 and later President of the Board of Directors

Between September 2023 and December 2024, he also held the position of Deputy General Director in the BVB-listed company – Meta Estate Trust SA.

She also held the position of president of the Romanian Real Estate Investors Association (AREI) for two terms, later being a member of the Association’s board.

Starting with January 1, 2025, he joined the Global Vision Romania team where he holds the position of Deputy CEO.

Master of Business Administration from Freie Universität Berlin in 1995.

More than 25 years experience in the real estate business throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland (D-A-CH), Poland and other CEE/SEE countries plus Israel with main focus on expansion, asset management, consulting, sales and letting management.

Today over 9 years with MEININGER Hotels, beforehand over 4 years with REGUS business centers as Expansion Director.

Born and based in Berlin.

I entered the real estate market in the fall of 2006, after spending nine successful years as a Corporate Account Manager in Telecom at Connex, later Vodafone. I was accepted into the Eurisko team as a Project Manager in the residential sector. It was a booming field, and I transitioned seamlessly from one wave to another. I fell in love with this industry the moment I realized the significant impact it has on society. Everything was of great importance, and each interaction felt like a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Every transaction carried my personal mark, and I couldn’t envision myself doing anything else.

However, between 2010 and 2017, I ventured into a new field, opening the path to export at a company producing ventilation accessories.

In 2017, I returned to real estate, joining Element group of companies, where, under the leadership of Ionuț Bordei, the CEO at the time, I embraced a new facet of the industry: retail. Here, I contributed with passion to the company’s first retail project, Bistrița Retail Park.

Since 2022, Bistrița Retail Park, along with myself, has been part of the Praktiker Real Estate group. The company’s retail portfolio, among others, has grown considerably. As an Asset Manager, I have contributed to the development and successful operation of five retail centers and one mall: Focșani Retail Park, Tulcea Retail Park, Bistrița Retail Park, Fortuna Shopping Center – Severin, Vitantis Shopping Center – Bucharest, and River Plaza Mall – Râmnicu Vâlcea.

Additionally, at Praktiker Real Estate Romania, I have been involved in several investment transactions.

As Country Manager for Romania at Lion’s Head Investments, Alina Necula concentrates on property
management of Oregon Park, prime office project in Bucharest, as well as the company’s upcoming local
investments and developments for the first logistics project at local level. Prior to joining Lion’s Head,
Alina was part of the Commercial and Asset Management teams of Globalworth and Immofinanz.
With more than 18 years’ worth of experience in the real estate industry, Alina Necula’s expertise includes
multiple office and logistics projects and coordination of strategic business units in retail and residential
markets. Alina’s objective is permanent professional accomplishment, adding to her passion for real
estate, her interests in sports, travelling and creating valuable memories for her 5-year-old daughter.

I am the CEO of Closer Music Corp., a music-driven tech company, a unicorn operating across Europe, the United States, and the GCC region.

In my role, I lead strategic innovation and drive growth, positioning Closer Music as a pioneer in global music solutions. Our expertise spans in-store and overhead radio, as well as sonic branding for businesses of all kinds.

With extensive experience in retail, franchising, wholesale management, and start-up ventures, I have consistently delivered impactful results throughout my career. Previously, I served as POA at Peeraj Brands International SRL, managing iconic brands such as Armani, Boggi Milano, and Swarovski. As CEO of SportsDelite, I successfully established Skechers’ monobrand store networks in Poland and Romania.

My career has taken me to diverse markets across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. I have spearheaded business expansions in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Baltic States, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Tehran. During my six-year tenure with Kazar and Kazar Studio, I focused on international and B2B growth, achieving remarkable results for the brand.

I have also contributed to ventures with Freeport Retail UK, Rohleder Lumby Ltd., and SJ International, managing collaborations with globally renowned brands such as Tom Tailor, Tommy Hilfiger, SARAR, and Mavi Jeans.

Driven by a passion for innovation and strategic growth, I bring a dynamic, results-oriented approach to business leadership, enabling organizations to thrive in competitive global markets.

Music matters—stay tuned!

Alex Domsa is head of real estate division of Decathlon Romania, with over 13 years experience in the field and executive board member. His expertise spans the implementation of sustainability-focused initiatives and indirect purchase.

 Shaping the future of sport locations, he continues to play a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and expansion in the local market. As a Property & Development Director, Alex oversees operations and expansion strategies across multiple locations, finding the best solutions to enhance better customer experience. His vision of expansion has driven the development of multiple Decathlon stores, transforming them into vibrant community hubs that go beyond retail to inspire active and healthy lifestyles

Alex graduated University of Oil and Gas being licensed in Natural Gas Valorification and is fluent in Romanian, English, French and Italian.

Jonathan has been in the foodservice industry for over 45 years, starting his career in a public house in Nottingham, England, aged 14. He was too young to serve drinks but earned his first wages sorting glass bottles. It was from this early age that he fell in love with food and beverage.

These first experiences in the restaurant and bar industry then became a consuming passion and Jonathan went on to train as a chef and then a professional manager in hotels and restaurants, completing his craft qualifications, then a Diploma and finally a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foodservice Management.

Having worked for Imperial Inns and Taverns, Trusthouse Forte, Whitbread, Mars, Masterfoods and Marriot in operations, sales and new concept development and store openings, Jonathan embarked on his consulting career with a small London practice, working on the first UK food courts, transit catering and inflight foodservice. In 1993, Jonathan started “Coverpoint” the foodservice consulting business.

Coverpoint expanded progressively over 26 years and in that time provided advice to over 250 of the world’s best Owners, Operators Landlords and Developers with projects being delivered in over 50 countries.

Over this time, Jonathan became known as a leading thinker in his industry, with knowledge and insight into the performance of assets, brands, consumers and locations. He remains connected at the highest level with foodservice leaders and businesses across the world and with airport owners and operators, and property owners and managers in many countries.

In 2014 Coverpoint was sold to JLL, the professional property services business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2017 Jonathan joined ECE, as Global Head of Foodservice. Jonathan is now a consultant to ECE, as well as providing services to a number of other companies and locations including airports and transit locations.

Jonathan is married to Misha and together they have two young children as well as two dogs and they live in the New Forest, Hampshire, England.

Adrian Ursulean is a respected real estate professional in Romania, with experience at top organizations like Atalian, JLL IFM Division, Lenovo EMEA Real Estate, and CTP Invest. Specializing in Asset & Property Management, Adrian is focused on expanding SINGU CAFM software in Romania.

With over 4 million square meters of real estate experience under his management, including industrial, logistics, office, and residential properties, Adrian is known for delivering strategic, cost-effective solutions to drive operational excellence.

A graduate in Civil Engineering and Urban Planning from the Technical University of Construction Bucharest, Adrian also holds an MBA, RICS & CEP certifications, and has gained international experience in Sweden, Germany, and Canada.

With over a decade of experience in the HVAC industry, Vlad Croitoru is a seasoned expert in business development, commercial HVAC solutions, and sustainable building technologies. As Business Developer at Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe (SEACE) România, he plays a pivotal role in advancing energy-efficient climate solutions, collaborating with investors, developers, and consultants to integrate innovative HVAC systems into commercial real estate projects.

Vlad brings deep market insights into sustainability-driven investments, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, energy efficiency, and financial performance in the office, retail, and residential sectors. With hands-on experience in large-scale projects, long sales cycles, and regulatory compliance, he understands the key challenges and opportunities in aligning profitability with ESG requirements.

Aleksandar is a highly skilled and experienced structural civil engineer with over 30 years of practical expertise in designing and managing construction projects and real estate products. He has a demonstrated ability to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards in construction and real estate.  He has excellent leadership skills, with a track record of successfully leading teams and collaborating with stakeholders.

He is also the founder and organizer of the Real Estate Belgrade Exhibition and Conference (REBEC) a prominent real estate event in Belgrade, Serbia, established in 2008. REBEC brings together investors and stakeholders with the most prominent and recognized international lawyers, bankers, consultants, urban designers from the  real estate industry to discuss and show case the latest trends, and opportunities present in the SEE region. Aleksandar coordinates the event logistics and he cultivates strategic partnerships with key industry players, fostering the growth and reputation of the event.

With over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector and a background in legal studies, Antoniu Panait has been shaping the landscape of sustainable urban development in Romania. Since 2008, he has led Vastint Romania, overseeing everything from strategic land acquisitions to project development and construction.

A firm believer that great real estate is about more than just buildings, Antoniu places sustainability at the heart of Vastint’s projects. Under his leadership, the company has consistently implemented initiatives that reduce environmental impact, promote green building standards, and create long-lasting value for communities.

Known for his hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge, Antoniu continues to drive Vastint Romania’s commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible development.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Avi Alkaş has been serving Turkey’s commercial real
estate market. In early 1990s, he served the expansion of the shopping mall concept in Turkey,
contributing to the development of standards for concept design, leasing, management, and
operations within the shopping center and retail sectors.
During the initial stages of his career, Avi Alkaş played a pivotal role in landmark projects such as
Akmerkez, Carousel, and İzmit Outlet Center. In 1997, he founded his consultancy firm, providing
services to numerous high-profile projects, including Maxi, Karada Marina, Olivium Outlet Center,
Tepe Nautilus, Optimum, Armada, Kayseri Park, Korupark, İstinye Park, and Kent Meydanı.
In 2008, Alkaş Consulting was acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), one of World’s largest real
estate services firm Following the merger, Avi Alkaş served as JLL Turkey Country Chairman and
later as JLL Israel Chairman. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of Turkey’s retail and real estate
markets alongside JLL’s robust investment infrastructure, Alkaş contributed to notable projects
such as Cevahir, Antares, Via Port, Rönesans Shopping Center Projects, Özdilek, Sanko Park,
Malatya Park, Demir Park, Kozzy, Afium, KentPark, Gebze Center, Vialand, Zorlu, and Family Mall
Erbil.
Avi Alkaş serves as the Turkish representative of MAPIC and MIPIM, the world’s largest real estate
and retail exhibitions. During the pandemic, Alkaş founded the Digital Network Alkaş (DNA)
platform to deliver digital solutions to the sector. Additionally, he is a co-owner of Miamai, a
boutique hotel located in Bozburun.
In 2020, Avi Alkaş launched HAN Spaces, in partnership with Nurus, an innovative venture into the
shared coworking office sector, providing flexible office solutions tailored to modern business
needs.