Governing Board Elections 2024

Biographical Data

I am a dual citizen of Canada and Switzerland. With a background in law, I embarked on a career in Canada in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). My expertise in M&A led me to the United Kingdom, where I advised corporate institutions on various company and commercial matters and navigated complex legal landscapes. Seeking new challenges, we transitioned to Geneva, Switzerland, where I serve as the Head of Legal and Compliance at a Hedge Fund. In this role, I oversee all legal aspects of the Geneva branch, ensure compliance with Swiss regulations, and serve as the primary point of contact for any Swiss-related regulatory issues. Father to four children, my eldest child graduated from Ecolint last year and I currently have another child in Year 12 and one in Year 6.
 

What does Ecolint mean to you?

As a parent whose children have been enrolled in the school since 2011, I have developed a profound appreciation for the school's mission, values, dedication to providing an exceptional education and for them to become global citizens in line with the Ecolint mission statement.
 

What skills/expertise can you bring to Ecolint?

I am committed to leveraging my wealth of experience in dealing with different cultures and jurisdictions, governance, solving issues and passion for education to contribute to the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Ecolint.
 

Understanding that the Governing Board focuses on long-range and strategic issues, and not specific management, personnel, or curricular issues, how would you support the Ecolint Mission if you were elected to the Governing Board?

If elected to the governing board, I would contribute to advancing the Ecolint mission of educating students in promoting interdisciplinary learning experiences that foster cultural awareness, empathy, and understanding of global issues that would empower students to become responsible global citizens. I would support initiatives that provide students with opportunities to engage in real-world experiences that promote global understanding and collaboration. which can inspire them to take action and make a positive impact on the world. I would encourage collaboration and dialogue within the school community to address local and global challenges. By fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to positive change. Laslty, I would advocate for regular assessment and reflection on our practices to ensure that we are effectively fulfilling the Ecolint mission. By collecting feedback from stakeholders and evaluating our progress towards our goals, we can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to better serve our students and the wider community. Overall, my commitment to promoting global citizenship aligns closely with the Ecolint mission, and I would actively work to uphold these values and principles as a member of the Governing Board.
 

The Ecolint Governing Board is the key governance body of the International School. What is your understanding of the tasks you are called upon to perform in this context? And, what particular skills and experience would you draw on to fulfil this role?

Acknowledging the Board's mandate entrusted by stakeholders such as parents, staff, former staff, and alumni entails ensuring the faithful execution of the school's mission while upholding organizational coherence. This entails meticulous oversight of short- and long-term planning endeavours encompassing financial stewardship, governance frameworks, strategic initiatives, and adaptability to the dynamic educational milieu.

My pledge to harness my extensive experience in navigating diverse cultural landscapes, managing governance structures and genuine commitment to educational advancement underscores my commitment to shaping Ecolint's strategic trajectory and fostering its enduring viability.
 

Fair and equitable access to an education of excellence such as that of the International School of Geneva is at the heart of the objectives on which the Governing Board must focus. What might your thoughts be on this matter at this time? Do you have any particular expertise that you could draw upon in such societal matters?

Access to fair and equitable education constitutes a foundation for the social fabric of all societies. Irrespective of their demographic attributes, socioeconomic standing, or cognitive abilities, every student merits equal access to educational resources and opportunities conducive to their development. Moreover, this is also a strategic investment in building resilient, inclusive societies where every individual can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the collective advancement of their community. I will utilize my professional experience to contribute to the development of policies, legal frameworks, and advocacy strategies that foster inclusive educational environments and expand opportunities for all individuals.
 

Ecolint aims to ensure a framework that serves to provide a distinctive high quality international education through which all students are helped to develop their abilities to the highest level of the potential. In your opinion, what are the different elements that are critical to this framework (buildings, interior and exterior spaces; technical supports and equipment; management team, teachers, and administrative staff; or others...)?

The primary determinant lies in the commitment and alignment of the school's leadership and staff towards common goals and success. With synchronization between the board and staff regarding strategic approaches, the school may be able to realize its full potential, thereby fulfilling its mission to facilitate students in reaching their maximum capabilities. While factors such as learning support and physical infrastructure remain crucial, the management's adaptability to evolving societal dynamics will serve as the linchpin for the institution's growth and capacity to cater to the evolving needs of its students.
 

Ecolint embraces diversity and honours the unique voice and personal experience of all members of the community. What do you think of this statement in terms of your experience as a member of the community? In your opinion what should be the role of the Governing Board in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Foundation?

Drawing from my experiences, I firmly believe that diversity within management fosters open-mindedness and serves as a valuable asset in shaping new policies and accommodating diverse social cultures. The Governing Board should exemplify how individuals from diverse backgrounds can effectively collaborate toward a shared objective. Additionally, the privileged position of being situated in Geneva affords us the opportunity to benefit from individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and have cultivated the ability to function cohesively as a diverse team.
 

Are you aware of the financial information related to the Foundation? While efforts have been made, what else can be done in your opinion, to make the Foundation more sustainable in the long term continuing to ensure affordable fee structures while providing qualitative inclusive education in an effort to make global citizens and optimum capital development efforts?

Yes, I am familiar with the financial information related to the Foundation. Several supplementary measures warrant consideration to bolster the Foundation's long-term sustainability while upholding affordable fee structures and delivering superior inclusive education. Initiatives such as hosting events or providing specialized programs hold promise in diversifying revenue streams, thereby lessening reliance on tuition fees and bolstering financial resilience. Implementing (and maintaining) stringent budgeting and resource allocation strategies is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing energy consumption, thus showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship congruent with the values of global citizenship and sustainable development. Paramount to these efforts is the cultivation of a culture of continual improvement and innovation across educational practices, curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and student support services. Such endeavours are pivotal in fortifying the Foundation's competitive standing, attracting new students and stakeholders, and ensuring its relevance amidst a dynamically evolving educational milieu.
 

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