Speakers – Circle 2025

Moderators and Keynote Speakers

George Dimou
DAIKIN Europe
Section Manager - Commercial AC Product Management

George Dimou is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry. For the past 13 years, he has served as Manager for Strategic Marketing at Daikin Europe, leading market trend analysis and product strategies across EMEA. With a background in Energy Mechanical Engineering from the University of Attica, he combines strategic thinking with technical expertise. He played a key role in introducing Daikin’s CO₂ VRV systems, supporting the decarbonization of commercial buildings. His efforts in shaping Daikin’s VRF strategy have expanded the company’s portfolio. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, fine dining, and family time.

Harald Friedl
Circular Economist

Harald Friedl is a globally recognized expert in circular economy, advising the United Nations and leading companies on their path to circularity. As co-initiator of the Circularity Gap Report, one of the most cited resources in the field, he has significantly shaped the global discourse on sustainability. With extensive consulting experience, he served as CEO of Circle Economy, an Amsterdam-based do-tank, and played a key role in accelerating Austria’s circular transition as Circular Economy Accelerator for the Austrian Government in 2022. His work focuses on driving systemic change and enabling organizations to embrace circular solutions for a sustainable future.

Kay Killmann
GBCI Europe
Managing Director

Kay Killmann is a tireless advocate for sustainable urbanism. He is the co-founder of the German Green Building Association, a passionate lecturer and technical expert. With two decades of experience as a consulting architect and nonprofit leader in Europe and the United States, he believes benchmarking and performance monitoring of the built environment are critical paths for our future.

Peter Templeton
USGBC and GBCI
President and CEO

Peter Templeton is a global leader in advancing sustainable practices that enhance human health and environmental well-being. As President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI, he drives the global impact of green building and business transformation. Under his leadership, LEED has become the most widely used green building program worldwide. Previously, Peter led C2CPII, scaling Cradle to Cradle Certified as a global sustainability standard. At USGBC, he played a key role in launching LEED and expanding Greenbuild. As GBCI’s first president, he oversaw certification in 150+ countries. Peter holds a master’s in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia.

Vessela Valtcheva-McGee
GBCI Europe
Director Market Development EE

LEED Workshops & PERFORM

Jeff Benavides
USGBC
Director, Portfolio Performance

Jeff Benavides brings dynamic skills in infrastructure, public policy, net-zero building projects, and finance to his current role leading programs for real estate portfolio performance at U.S. Green Building Council. Jeff previously served as Orange County Government’s FL Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer and as project manager for over 320 sustainability certifications, 200 solar PV projects, EVCI, and award-winning sustainability programs across hotels, multifamily, healthcare, mixed-use commercial, and local government portfolios. Jeff is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and proudly serves on ULI’s Net Zero Imperative Steering Committee.

Emily Heppard
USGBC
Director of Technology Partnerships

Emily Heppard is the director of technology partnerships at the U.S. Green Building Council. She manages relationships with data integrators and software partners in Arc, focusing on platform interoperability and user experience. Before joining USGBC, she spent eight years in the construction technology industry, holding partnerships and marketing roles at DEWALT Construction Technology, the startup DADO (acquired by Stanley Black and Decker), and Bluebeam, Inc. With her expertise in technology and sustainability, she plays a key role in advancing digital solutions for the built environment. Emily is based in Chicago, Illinois, one of the world’s architecture capitals.

Mario Paolazzi
Colliers Global Investors
Head of the Valuation & Risk Office

Mario Paolazzi joined Colliers Global Investor in 2022 as head of the valuation & risk office, overseeing real estate fund valuations and risk management coordination. In April 2023, he also became head of ESG, leading sustainability strategies, climate risk integration, and GRESB certifications. Mario began his career in 2015 at Patrigest, focusing on real estate appraisals and residential project advisory. He later moved into capital markets and advisory at Colliers International before serving as a risk manager for real estate asset management at Prometeia from 2018 to 2022. His expertise bridges valuation, risk, and ESG in real estate investment.

Sandra Schmid
Siemens Real Estate
Senior Sustainability Consultant

Sandra Schmid is a Senior Consultant for Sustainability at Siemens Real Estate, where she provides strategic guidance on sustainable real estate projects and ensures EU Taxonomy compliance. With a background in Green Building Certifications, Life Cycle Assessments, and building performance simulations, she has extensive experience in advancing sustainable real estate. Prior to Siemens, she worked as a consultant at Alpha IC GmbH and as a research assistant at OTH Regensburg, focusing on energy-efficient refurbishments. Sandra holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability and is a LEED AP ID+C. Her expertise supports the transition towards greener, more efficient building solutions.

Panel: Sustainable Finance

Francesca Galeazzi
KPMG Partner
Climate and Sustainability in Real Estate

Francesca Galeazzi is Head of Sustainability and Decarbonization in Real Estate at KPMG for Germany and the EMA region. With 24 years of experience, she previously worked at Arup before joining KPMG in August 2024 to expand ESG services for real estate. Having lived and worked in Australia, the UK, India, China, and Germany, she combines deep technical expertise in built environment design with a decade of ESG consulting. Specializing in decarbonization and climate risk, she also advises on sustainability strategies. Francesca is a WELL Faculty member and part of CRREM’s Global Scientific and Investor Committee, driving sustainability solutions.

Martin Lukášik
Penta Investments
Business Development Manager

Martin Lukášik is a Business Development Manager at Penta Real Estate with extensive experience in the real estate sector. He has previously worked with HB Reavis and Knight Frank. After winning the Smart Deal competition, he joined Penta, where he has been contributing for the past five years. In addition to business development, he plays an active role in shaping the company’s ESG agenda. Martin’s expertise spans strategic growth, market analysis, and sustainable real estate development, making him a key player in driving innovation and responsible business practices in the industry.

Chris Pyke
GRESB
Chief Innovation Officer

Chris Pyke is an environmental scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at GRESB, overseeing innovation, communications, and the GRESB Foundation. He is also a Senior Fellow at the U.S. Green Building Council. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President at Arc Skoru, Chief Strategy Officer at Aclima, and a research scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Chris is a faculty member in Georgetown University’s Urban and Regional Planning Program. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has extensive experience in sustainability, data science, and environmental performance metrics.

Julian Toth
International Sustainable Finance Centre
COO

Julian Toth is the Chief Operating Officer of the International Sustainable Finance Centre (ISFC), a Prague-based think tank focused on research, education and capacity building in sustainable finance. Julian also leads the Czech Sustainable Investment Forum (Czech SIF), an association of sustainable investors in the Czech Republic, including banks, asset managers, and private equity and venture capital funds. In addition, he is a Sherpa at the Platform on Sustainable Finance under DG FISMA at the European Commission, actively contributing to the development of the EU Sustainable Finance Framework. Julian holds degree in Ecological Economics from the University of Edinburgh.

Panel: Revolutionizing Construction Materials

Carolina Aittokallio
One Click LCA
Business Development Manager

Carolina Aittokallio is an Architect and Urban Planner with 14+ years of experience in sustainable design and urban development. Holding a Master’s in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship, Carolina specializes in integrating technology and sustainability into the built environment. As a Business Development Manager at One Click LCA, Carolina drives strategies for carbon reduction and circular economy solutions in construction. Passionate about innovation, she collaborates with industry leaders to promote data-driven decision-making for greener buildings and cities. With expertise bridging architecture, business, and technology, develops impactful solutions for a more sustainable future while actively engaging in knowledge exchange on sustainability and innovation.

Christian Artelt
Heidelberg Materials
Senior Manager Sustainable Construction & Public Affairs ESG Programs

Christian Artelt is a process engineer with a PhD in particle technology from the Technical University of Munich. As Senior Manager for Sustainable Construction & Public Affairs at Heidelberg Materials’ Global ESG Team, he specializes in the sustainability of concrete, cement, and aggregates, from production to application. Christian is also the Chair of the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC), advocating for sustainable practices in concrete production and across the supply chain. With deep expertise in construction materials and their environmental impact, he plays a key role in driving sustainability initiatives within the industry.

Vincent Briard
Knauf Insulation
Sustainable Building & Partnerships Director

Vincent Briard is the Sustainable Building & Partnerships Director at Knauf Insulation. With 15 years of experience in sustainability, he previously held strategic roles in manufacturing and marketing. In 2020, he helped develop the company’s sustainability strategy, For A Better World, alongside the Corporate Management team. Representing Knauf Insulation in global organizations like Eurima and the World Green Building Council, Vincent focuses on advancing Whole Life Carbon strategies for the built environment across Europe. Based at the company’s headquarters in Belgium, he also leads the implementation of the Sustainable Innovation strategy internally.

Timoteo Marquez Arreaza
Saint-Gobain

Timo Marquez is the Senior Sustainability Marketing Manager at Saint-Gobain, supporting businesses in leveraging sustainability for differentiation and growth. He focuses on developing sustainable solutions, advocating for greener markets, and fostering an internal sustainability culture. His work includes overseeing sustainable product roadmaps, training teams, and analyzing market trends. Previously, he led sustainability and engineering projects across France, South Africa, and Venezuela and directed a Master’s Program in Energy Efficiency. Timo holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, and an MBA. A LEED AP BD+C and BREEAM Assessor, he actively contributes to sustainability-focused organizations worldwide.

Eva Nykodymová
Skanska Property
EHS Manager Business Development CEE

Eva Nykodymová, a graduate of the University of Chemistry and Technology, has been Sustainability and Health & Safety Manager at Skanska since 2016. She applies circular economy principles in practice, notably in the deconstruction of the Merkuria building, where materials were successfully repurposed. Eva also leads EU taxonomy compliance, reporting, and regulatory alignment. She specializes in LEED and WELL certifications, with her team achieving a triple LEED v4 Platinum for Prague’s Port7. As a board member of the Czech Green Building Council, she actively shares her expertise in ESG and sustainable construction with industry professionals and the public.

Panel: Sustainable Hospitality in Europe

Matthieu Beaugrard
Julius Meinl Living
Director

Matthieu Beaugrard has extensive experience in the construction and hospitality industries. He began as Development Manager at Bouygues International, followed by a role in project management at B&B Hotels Group in France. Matthieu then became Managing Director in Switzerland and CEE, leading the group’s expansion. Currently, he heads the development of Julius Meinl Living and its flagship hospitality concept, The Julius. After the successful launch of The Julius Prague in 2022, Matthieu led the acquisition of the Art Deco Ambasador Hotel in Bucharest, set to be redeveloped into a 160-unit The Julius in 2024.

Alessandro Bisagni
BEE Incorporations
Founder & President

Alessandro Bisagni is the Founder & President of BEE Incorporations, a global sustainability consulting firm specializing in green and healthy buildings. His mission is to use business for good, guiding corporations on sustainable building practices. Over his career, he has managed over 400 green projects across 35+ countries, including luxury retail and eco-resorts, with a combined footprint of 40 million square feet. Under his leadership, BEE has grown to 70+ employees across 14 offices. Alessandro is a Chartered Environmentalist, LEED Fellow, and has received multiple awards, including a Living Future Hero award. He is also co-founder of GBPP China and Chairman of Platinum Hong Kong.

Tomislav Čeh
PKF Hospitality Group
Managing Director

Tomislav Čeh is a hospitality expert with over 25 years of experience. He joined PKF Hospitality Group in 2018 as Managing Director, operating from Vienna, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, and became a partner in 2023. Prior to PKF, he held senior roles, including Managing Director at various hotel companies and Globtour travel agency. Tomislav also led operations at Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle in Slovenia and oversaw the redevelopment of the Kempinski Palace Portoroz. He also worked at HETA Asset Resolution Slovenia and Union Hotels in Ljubljana. Tomislav is a graduate of the University of Maribor and completed the General Managers Program at Cornell University.

Csanád Csuros
Property Forum
Founder and CEO

Csanád Csuros is the founder and CEO of Property Forum, bringing over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Property Forum is a leading media, event, and business intelligence platform in CEE, hosting conferences, business breakfasts, and workshops in London, Vienna, Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest, Belgrade, Bratislava, and Prague. Csanád’s success is built on high-quality content, engaging formats, and top industry speakers who share their knowledge and passion. His commitment to delivering insightful events has made Property Forum a key networking and knowledge hub for real estate professionals across Europe.

Norman Ladig
Booking.com
Director Central and Eastern Europe

Norman Ladig is the Regional Manager for Central Eastern Europe at Booking.com, based in Munich, Germany. With over ten years of experience at Booking.com and a background in the hospitality industry, Norman has held various roles within major hotel chains. Specializing in data and market insights, he provides strategic guidance to enhance the booking experience for travelers and partners. Norman excels in digital transformation, driving performance across Central Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. As a leader, he coaches teams to success, fostering collaboration and creating a productive work environment.

Panel: Sustainable Energy

Bonnie Brook
Siemens SI
Vice President Industry Affairs

Bonnie Brook is a mechanical engineer with international expertise in building services, asset optimization, and energy management. She currently serves as Vice President of Industry Affairs at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Bonnie has held roles as systems engineer, consulting engineer, and portfolio manager for digital services. An advocate for innovation in buildings, she works to enhance comfort, productivity, and sustainability while improving property value. Bonnie is involved in numerous industry associations, including Vice-Chair of EU-ASE and Board Member of eu.bac and Smart Energy Europe. A Chartered Professional Engineer and LEED AP, she was also a finalist for the 2015 European Women in Construction & Engineering Awards.

Nathalie Marková
Ministry of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic
Director of Energy Efficiency and Savings Department

Nathalie Marková is the Director of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Savings at the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the Czech Republic, where she leads national efforts to enhance building energy performance. Her work focuses on reducing energy consumption, implementing European legislation, and shaping policies to support energy efficiency goals. A graduate in energy security from Masaryk University, Nathalie gained international experience through an exchange program in Washington, D.C. She played a key role as the lead expert in negotiations for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive during the Czech EU Presidency.

PechaKucha-Style Sessions

Plamena Bobeva

Plamena Bobeva is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, working across startups to publicly traded companies. Her expertise spans sales, product development, market development, and strategic financial management, offering a comprehensive understanding of business operations. As the co-founder of TouchMenu – Intelligent Hospitality Solutions and Managing Partner of Hotel Experts, New Europe, Plamena has spent the last 5 years focusing on the digitalization of the hospitality industry. She leverages technology to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and drive business growth, contributing to the sector’s innovation and development.

Ivaylo Kozhuharo

Ivaylo Kozhuharov is a hospitality expert with over 20 years of experience, focused on enhancing profitability through innovative strategies. He has held leadership roles, including Managing Director of a domestic hotel chain and General Manager of leisure and business hotels under renowned international brands. Currently, Ivaylo specializes in Business Development, Operations Management, and People Management, providing intelligent hospitality solutions. He delivers impactful results across the CEE region, driving operational excellence and empowering ecosystems. Ivaylo is also a Trusted Partner of TouchMenu, contributing his expertise to enhance the digital guest experience in hospitality.

Ted Kronmiller
Repower Holdings
Climate Finance Strategist

Ted Kronmiller is a Climate Finance Strategist at Repower Holdings LLP, with extensive experience driving value creation in advanced and emerging markets across the U.S., EU, and APAC. He has advised on 30+ green real estate projects, 25+ bioenergy, carbon capture, and waste-to-energy projects, and 5+ sovereign-level projects in over 15 countries. Ted’s expertise lies in the intersection of international climate policy and financial markets, having worked with diverse financial institutions, commercial and investment banks, and multilateral development banks. With 15+ years of experience, he has managed cross-functional teams and co-authored research on climate finance and risk management. Ted holds a BA in Finance from the University of Arkansas.

Răzvan Nica
Build Green
CEO

Răzvan Nica is the founder of BuildGreen, Romania’s first sustainability consulting company for the built environment, and CEO of CarbonTool, a platform for carbon emissions management. With over 15 years of experience, he has positioned BuildGreen as a regional leader in ESG consulting and green building certifications, overseeing over 500 LEED, BREEAM, EDGE, and Well certified projects. His expertise also led to the development of CarbonTool, helping developers, investors, and consultants reduce their carbon footprint in alignment with Net Zero and ESG goals. Răzvan continues to drive sustainability innovation across the industry.

Jourdan Younis
Wiseguys
Partner

Jourdan Younis has over 20 years of experience in sustainable development and a decade in early-stage venture investing. Previously a Senior Advisor at Alpin Innovation Labs (Masdar City), he advised on projects worth over $500B. At Presidio, Jourdan connects cultures and investments, advising sovereign wealth funds, corporations, and venture funds. His expertise includes cross-border M&A, partnerships, and governance. A Cal Poly Architecture graduate with an MBA from London Business School, he also studied AI at MIT and Corporate Governance at INSEAD. Jourdan has spoken at prestigious events, including Columbia, The UNDP, The Economist, and TEDx.