EU Sport Forum 2026

Biography

Nynne Bjerre Christensen (1975) is a journalist who graduated from the Danish School of Journalism in 1999 and holds an MA in European Studies from King’s College London (2003).

From 2005 to 2017, she hosted the Danish daily news magazine Deadline 22:30 at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.

She currently co-hosts the radio programme “Divisionen” at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, works as a freelance podcaster, and is a book reviewer and conference moderator.

She is also a member of the Women’s Adventurers Club in Copenhagen, based on her expeditions to the Middle East and north-eastern Greenland.

She lives in Hellerup, near Copenhagen, with her husband, two dogs and four children. 

Biography

Since January 2024, Normunds Popens has been Deputy Director-General in the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission.

From 2011, he served as Deputy Director-General for Implementation in the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, where he oversaw the implementation of structural and cohesion fund programmes in EU Member States and candidate countries.

Before joining the European Commission in March 2011, he held several posts in the Latvian diplomatic service. Notably, from 2007 to 2011, he was Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU. He also served as Undersecretary of State at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for European affairs, foreign trade and transatlantic relations. He has also worked as Ambassador to Norway, Iceland and the United States.

Biography

Marios Panayides is Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (since 2025), having previously served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (2020-2025) and of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth (2019-2020).

His earlier public service includes senior administrative leadership as District Officer of Nicosia and Acting District Officer for Nicosia, Kyrenia and Larnaca (2013-2019), as well as Director of Technical Services at the Ministry of the Interior and the Nicosia District Administration (1995-2013).

He has represented the Republic of Cyprus in numerous European and international bodies in the fields of construction regulation, education policy, energy and industrial development. He has also held leadership roles, including Chair of the Executive Board of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (2022) and Vice-Chair of the 29th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Panayides holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (BEng, MEng) from the National Technical University of Athens, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Limassol. He is currently a doctoral candidate. 

Biography

Paola Ottonello is currently Team Leader for events and stakeholders’ engagement in the European Commission’s sport unit.

She has extensive experience in sport, having championed for many years gender equality and integrity in sport and contributed to the launch of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign.

Paola holds a PhD in International Relations and for several years, while on a break from sport policy, she coordinated the work of the European Commission in the Western Balkans, in the areas of education, culture, youth and sport.

Biography

Luciano Di Fonzo is the Deputy Head of Sport Unit at the European Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Before his current position, he spent 20 years in the Education sector as programme manager within the Jean Monnet Programme and the Lifelong Learning Programme. 

He was also general secretary of ECSA (European Community Studies Associations), a network of academics specialised in the field of European integration studies. He holds a degree in Political Science at the University "La Sapienza" in Rome and two Masters on EU law and politics. 

Biography

Heidi Pekkola is Secretary General of Regional Sport of Finland. Prior to this, she worked for 12 years in Brussels, including five years as Deputy Director at the EU Office of the European Olympic Committees (EOC EU Office) and seven years as Policy Director at the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO).

In her current role, she leads Regional Sport of Finland, a service and cooperation organisation of 15 regional sports bodies. These organisations support local sports clubs and work closely with municipalities to increase physical activity at the local level.

Heidi holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences (majoring in Political Science) from the University of Helsinki and completed an Executive Master in Sport Organisations Management (MEMOS) in 2022. She is a passionate sportswoman and a European champion in ultimate frisbee (2007).

Biography

Dr Kat Okholm Kryger is a Medical Specialist at UEFA Medical & Anti-Doping, where her work focuses on football medicine research and knowledge transfer, with a particular passion for the women’s side of the game. She is also a Visiting Professor in Women’s Football at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

Her research background focuses on football medicine, performance and technology, with a particular emphasis on supporting women’s football through the development and implementation of evidence-based practice.

Biography

Sophia is an Olympian who represented Cyprus at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games and currently serves as Vice President of World Sailing. She is a former IOC Young Leader and the founder of the award-winning “Winds of Change” initiative, which uses sailing to promote dialogue, reconciliation and youth empowerment across divided communities. She has also served on the medical commissions of both World Sailing and the International Olympic Committee.

Alongside her engagement in sport, Sophia is a medical doctor. She studied medicine at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, completed her medical training in Switzerland, and currently works as an attending surgeon in visceral surgery at Spital Männedorf.

Biography

Julian Rössler is an advocate for sport diplomacy, with a focus on international cooperation, partnerships and social impact. He currently serves as Head of Stakeholder Engagement at the adidas Foundation, where he builds and manages partnerships with civil society, sports organisations and public institutions to advance initiatives that empower young people through sport.

Prior to this role, he served as a diplomat at the German Federal Foreign Office, gaining experience in international relations, public diplomacy and government affairs. He was also responsible for the human rights and public affairs strategy of UEFA EURO 2024.

Throughout his career, Julian has developed strong expertise in stakeholder management, strategic communication and cross-sector collaboration. He is particularly committed to leveraging sport as a platform for inclusion, youth empowerment and sustainable social impact through global partnerships.

Biography

Giorgio Guazzugli Marini studied political science in Italy and obtained a Master of Arts in EU Affairs from the European Institute of European Studies in Brussels. He joined the European Commission in 2005, following previous professional experience in both the civil society and public sectors.

Over the years, he has held several positions in DG EAC and played a key role in the development and implementation of European Union programmes and policies in education, training, youth, sport and culture. Between 2016 and 2020, he led the team responsible for designing the current Erasmus+ programme.

In August 2025, he took up the position of Head of the Sport Unit in DG EAC.

Biography

Gareth Farrelly is co-founder and CEO of the Union of European Clubs (UEC). He is a litigation and sports lawyer at Glaisyers ETL Global, based in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He is a former Premiership and international footballer, having played for Aston Villa FC, Everton FC and Bolton Wanderers FC. He also played for the Republic of Ireland. 

Biography

Roko Sikirić is President of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). A former professional volleyball player, he later served as Sport Director in Berlin. He holds an MSc in Global Marketing Management from Boston University.

Sikirić joined CEV in 2018 as a Volleyball Coordinator and became Head of Volleyball in 2019, overseeing all indoor competitions. In 2023, he also took responsibility for both the Volleyball and Events departments within CEV. He was elected CEV President in 2024 at the age of 43.

His focus is on modernising volleyball, improving accessibility and transparency, strengthening commercial sustainability, and fostering a more inclusive ecosystem. Key initiatives include enhancing CEV’s commercial structures, promoting collaboration across sports, establishing the CEV Solidarity Fund, and restructuring competitions to improve balance and long-term sustainability. 

Biography

Christina Tsiligkiri is a sports executive and consultant with extensive experience in sports management and international relations. She currently serves at the Hellenic Ministry of Sport and as General Manager of Olympiacos S.F.P., one of Europe’s largest multi-sport clubs.

At European level, she is President of the European Multi-Sport Club Association (EMCA), leading initiatives that promote cooperation, innovation and social inclusion through Erasmus+ Sport programmes. Her work focuses on the digital transformation of sports organisations and the implementation of sustainable management practices.

An economist by training, she holds an MSc and is a PhD candidate focusing on the strategic development of sport. She is also the owner of CJT Solutions, an IT company specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) for the organisation and management of major sports entities and complex athletic environments. She recently spearheaded the EMCA Innovation Hub, aiming to bridge the gap between advanced technology solutions and sports governance. 

Biography

Nynne Bjerre Christensen (1975) is a journalist who graduated from the Danish School of Journalism in 1999 and holds an MA in European Studies from King’s College London (2003).

From 2005 to 2017, she hosted the Danish daily news magazine Deadline 22:30 at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.

She currently co-hosts the radio programme “Divisionen” at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, works as a freelance podcaster, and is a book reviewer and conference moderator.

She is also a member of the Women’s Adventurers Club in Copenhagen, based on her expeditions to the Middle East and north-eastern Greenland.

She lives in Hellerup, near Copenhagen, with her husband, two dogs and four children.

Biography

Biography

António José Silva is a Full Professor at the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal. He is also a founder and member of the Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD).

He currently serves as President of European Aquatics and as Vice President of World Aquatics. In addition, he is a board member of the SIGA Council.

Biography

Liesbeth van Vliet is President of the European Network of Academic Sports Services (ENAS), which aims to strengthen university sport through collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. Its main activity is the annual Forum held in November, complemented by monthly online gatherings focused on knowledge sharing.

She has a broad range of interests and a strong commitment to student sport. She holds an MA in Movement Sciences and an MA in Sports Policy and Management.

She works at the University Sports Centre Maastricht in the Netherlands. In addition to her role at ENAS, she is a co-founder and active board member of Maastricht Vitale Stad, a foundation that promotes physical activity and wellbeing among local residents. A key focus of her work is connecting students with the wider community through sport. 

Biography

Giorgio Guazzugli Marini studied political science in Italy and obtained a Master of Arts in EU Affairs from the European Institute of European Studies in Brussels. He joined the European Commission in 2005, following previous professional experience in both the civil society and public sectors.

Over the years, he has held several positions in DG EAC and played a key role in the development and implementation of European Union programmes and policies in education, training, youth, sport and culture. Between 2016 and 2020, he led the team responsible for designing the current Erasmus+ programme.

In August 2025, he took up the position of Head of the Sport Unit in DG EAC.

Biography

Violeta Birzniece works as a policy officer in the Sport Unit of the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission. Her main responsibilities include gender equality in sport, the Erasmus+ mobility action for sport staff, and the European Week of Sport.

Before joining the Sport Unit in 2021, she worked for 12 years in the field of youth policy and programmes at the European Commission.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Master’s degree in European Public Administration.

Biography

Biography

Biography

Yianny Ioannou is Director of Operations at Tackle, a UEFA A Licence football coach. He is also a youth and professional development mentor.

Biography

Nora Bayrakdarian is Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the Lebanese University. She is also a member of the PhD Scientific Council and a senior lecturer at the American University of Beirut. She is serving a second term as a member of the Lebanese Economic, Social and Environmental Council and is President of its Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Active in church and international bodies, she sits on the Central Committee of the Lebanese Orthodox Church (Holy See of Cilicia) and the World Council of Churches, as well as on its Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.

She studied political science at the Lebanese University, obtained a DEA with highest distinction, and completed a PhD in International Relations at Sorbonne University with highest honours. Promoted to Professor in 2017, she has held visiting and teaching roles at several universities and programmes focused on peace and cooperation.

Biography

Nora Bayrakdarian is Professor of International Relations and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the Lebanese University. She is also a member of the PhD Scientific Council and a senior lecturer at the American University of Beirut. She is serving a second term as a member of the Lebanese Economic, Social and Environmental Council and is President of its Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Active in church and international bodies, she sits on the Central Committee of the Lebanese Orthodox Church (Holy See of Cilicia) and the World Council of Churches, as well as on its Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.

She studied political science at the Lebanese University, obtained a DEA with highest distinction, and completed a PhD in International Relations at Sorbonne University with highest honours. Promoted to Professor in 2017, she has held visiting and teaching roles at several universities and programmes focused on peace and cooperation.

Biography

Mark Cutajar has been Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta for the last 10 years. Under his leadership, sport in Malta was transformed both at grassroot and elite level. He was Director General for Maltese sport during Malta's Presidency in 2016. 

A mathematics teacher by profession who lived a dual career path from being an athlete, to a team manager, sport journalist and a Director of Sport at the Olympic Committee for 8 years. He led the Maltese delegation in two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016). 

Past member of the Commonwealth Advisory Board for Sport and now director at EOSE. Chaired important sport events in Malta, namely the Games of the Small States of Europe 2023 and the Waterpolo Final 4 Champions league 2024 and 2025.  

Biography

Dr Vassos Koutsioundas is Acting Director General of the Cyprus Sport Organisation (CSO), the highest sport authority in the Republic of Cyprus. He joined CSO in 2002 and has since held senior leadership roles, currently overseeing operations in finance, EU affairs, IT systems and strategic planning.

A chartered accountant (ICAEW) with extensive public sector experience, he has played a key role in modernising CSO’s governance and internal systems. His work includes developing Cyprus’s first framework for the allocation and monitoring of state grants to sport federations, establishing internal control and digital management systems, and contributing to key IT projects.

Since 2008, he has been CSO’s lead official for European affairs and has represented Cyprus in the EU Working Party on Sport since 2010, including as Chair. He has also served on several EU Expert Groups and contributed to Erasmus+ projects.

Dr Koutsioundas holds a PhD in Sport Governance, an FCA qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and a BA (Hons) in Industrial Economics.

Biography

Massimiliano Montanari is Chief Executive Officer of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), an organisation established with the global mission to protect sport in terms of safety, security and integrity, and to promote sport values as a tool to build fairer and more inclusive societies at all latitudes.

Prior to his current role, he served in various positions at the ICSS, including Chief Executive Officer of ICSS Insight, Chief of Cabinet and Executive Director of Save the Dream, a role he continues to hold.

Massimiliano Montanari is a former UN official, having spent twelve years working for different United Nations bodies, including UNHCR, UNODC and UNICRI. He has a background in peace, justice and security, and strong passion for social innovation. He is also a Board Member of the Truce Foundation and UNESCO Chair on Good Governance and CSR in Sport, among other international roles.

Biography

Stefano Pintus is a Policy Officer responsible for innovation at the Sport Unit of the European Commission. Over the years he promoted innovation as a means to boost the competitiveness and accessibility of the sport sector. He founded the Community of Practice of Innovation in Sport SHARE 2.0 to help innovators across Europe to connect, discuss and innovate together.

Biography

Stiliani Chroni is Professor of Sport Psychology and Sport Coaching at the University of Inland Norway. She works at the interface of research, practice and sport policy, contributing to the development of safe, inclusive and sustainable sport systems.

Her work addresses coach stress, athlete-to-coach transitions, gender equality, safeguarding and mental health in sport, with a focus on culturally informed and system-level solutions. She has led and contributed to major European and international initiatives (e.g. Erasmus+ and the International Olympic Committee) and conducted Norway’s first national coach profiling study, which informed strategic policy planning.

She was recently commissioned to prepare the Cyprus 2026 EU Presidency discussion paper on mental health in sport. She received the 2024 AASP Distinguished International Scientist-Practitioner Award and contributes to evidence-informed policy and practice across European and international sport contexts. 

Biography

Kim Bui is a former elite German artistic gymnast and current member of the IOC. She competed internationally for over 15 years, representing Germany at three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) and eight World Championships. Known for her grace, resilience and leadership, she won European Championship bronze medals on the uneven bars (2011) and with the German team (2022).

Off the mat, she pursued a career in science, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Technical Biology from the University of Stuttgart.

In 2024, she was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, becoming an IOC Member with a mandate through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Her work focuses on athlete representation, mental health advocacy, and fostering a safer and more inclusive sporting environment worldwide.

Respected both on and off the competition floor, she continues to inspire future generations through her voice, integrity and commitment to sport and society. 

Biography

George is a professional football coach with experience in over 300 official matches. He began his coaching career after playing professionally himself and has experienced firsthand the mental pressures of the role. He is also a PhD candidate at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Thessaly.

Biography

Paulina Tomczyk is General Secretary of the European Athletes and Players Association (EAPA), a multi-sport federation of athlete and player unions and associations. Having worked within the organisation since 2015, she is responsible for coordinating the common policy of its member organisations and representing their collective voice at European and international level.

She has also managed a number of Europe-wide collaborative projects on various topics, including the Erasmus+ project “Tackle Your Feelings Europe”. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Executive Committee of the World Players Association and currently serves as Vice President.

She holds Master’s degrees in Law from the University of Gdańsk (Poland), in International Public Law from Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 (France), and in European Studies from Aix-Marseille Université (France). Paulina Tomczyk is a former high-level athlete and holds a black belt (1st Dan) in judo.

Biography

Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina was born in Nicosia in 1967 and originates from the occupied town of Karavas in the Kyrenia district. She holds a B.A. in Physical Education from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.A. with distinction from California State University, Chico. As a scholar of the Greek State Scholarship Foundation (IKY), she completed her PhD with honours at the University of Athens.

She served as a member of the Special Teaching Staff at the University of Cyprus, specialising in Physical Education. She has long-standing involvement in Olympism, Olympic education and sports management, contributing voluntarily to major national and international committees.

She has held senior positions in organisations such as the European Olympic Academies, the European Olympic Committees and the Cyprus Sports Organisation. On 8 December 2025, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus.

She is married to Christos A. Papaellinas and they have one son. 

Biography

Georgi Chapov is an experienced public administration and diplomacy professional, specialised in sport governance, international cooperation and youth policy within the European context. Since 2015, he has been serving at the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Sports as a state expert and sport integrity specialist. In this role, he contributes to intergovernmental initiatives, EU-funded projects and policy development, while coordinating closely with EU institutions, international organisations, EU Member States and national stakeholders.

He is recognised for his expertise in sport integrity, particularly in tackling the manipulation of sports competitions, including active involvement in Council of Europe, EU and UN frameworks.

Biography

Dejan Plastovski, M.A., has served as Director General of the Directorate for Sport at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport since 2023.

Prior to this, he worked for eight years at the Football Association of Slovenia, where he led the marketing and communications department and later headed the club football and media rights division. He previously worked at the advertising agency Media Publikum, where he managed television advertising during broadcasts of major sporting events and was responsible for developing strategies and securing media advertising space for both Slovenian and international clients.

He ended his career as a football player in 2008, having been a member of Slovenia’s youth national teams between the ages of 15 and 21. He earned his Master’s degree in 2012 from the Faculty of Management in Koper, with a thesis exploring the role of management in Slovenian sports clubs.

Biography

Dr Lisa Benaglia is an Intelligence Analyst in the Intelligence & Investigations Department at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Since 2018, she has supported international investigations into complex doping practices and contributes to intelligence-led approaches to protect the integrity of sport.

She has taken part in both the European and Asian phases of the GAIIN project, strengthening cooperation between anti-doping organisations and law enforcement. She was also involved in Operation Refuge, a study examining doping among minors.

She holds a PhD in Forensic Science from the University of Lausanne. 

Biography

Glenn Micallef is the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. His task is to give young people more freedom, say and responsibility within our societies, building on what brings us together in diversity, from our cultural heritage to sport at all levels.

Learn more about Commissioner Micallef

Biography

Glenn Micallef is the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. His task is to give young people more freedom, say and responsibility within our societies, building on what brings us together in diversity, from our cultural heritage to sport at all levels.

Learn more about Commissioner Micallef

Biography

Nynne Bjerre Christensen (1975) is a journalist who graduated from the Danish School of Journalism in 1999 and holds an MA in European Studies from King’s College London (2003).

From 2005 to 2017, she hosted the Danish daily news magazine Deadline 22:30 at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.

She currently co-hosts the radio programme “Divisionen” at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, works as a freelance podcaster, and is a book reviewer and conference moderator.

She is also a member of the Women’s Adventurers Club in Copenhagen, based on her expeditions to the Middle East and north-eastern Greenland.

She lives in Hellerup, near Copenhagen, with her husband, two dogs and four children.

Biography

Ms Kirsty Leigh Coventry (Zimbabwe) is the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the first woman and first African to hold the Olympic Movement’s highest position.

A former elite swimmer, she is Africa’s most decorated Olympian, having won seven Olympic medals for Zimbabwe across five editions of the Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016. She has also won multiple World Championship medals and set several world records during her sporting career.

Ms Coventry has been an IOC Member since 2013, when she was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission. From 2018 to 2021, she chaired the Commission and served as a member of the IOC Executive Board, to which she was re-elected in 2023.

She served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation from 2018 to 2025, where she promoted legislation to combat match-fixing, abuse and sexual harassment in sport. She has also been active in community development through sport, championing initiatives to promote youth participation, gender equality and education through Olympic values.

Ms Coventry holds a Bachelor of Human Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, with a minor in Business, from Auburn University in the United States, where she was a member of the university’s swimming team.

She is married and has two children.

Biography

Glenn Micallef is the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. His task is to give young people more freedom, say and responsibility within our societies, building on what brings us together in diversity, from our cultural heritage to sport at all levels.

Learn more about Commissioner Micallef

Biography

Giedrius Grybauskas, born on 29 November 1976, is Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania. He has broad expertise in sport management, policymaking and community development.

His professional background includes roles as Executive Director of the National Basketball League, Director of the National Mobility Institute, Vice President of the Lithuanian Company Sport Society “Žalgiris”, and Project Manager and former Secretary General of the Lithuanian Association “Sport for All”. He has also served as an Integrity Officer at the Lithuanian Basketball Federation and was involved in organising the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

During the 2020–2024 parliamentary term, he initiated and contributed to key amendments to the national Law on Sport, focusing on strengthening sports clubs and introducing long-term, programme-based funding for physical activity initiatives.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education and has been an active member of civic and sports organisations since 2003, including the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. 

Biography

Jean-Michel Saive, born on 17 November 1969, is a Belgian table tennis icon and sports leader.

He currently serves as Chair of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees. He has held multiple international roles, including as Chair or member of several commissions of the International Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committees and the International Table Tennis Federation.

As an athlete, he was world No. 1 for 17 months, competed in seven Olympic Games, won a silver medal at the World Championships, became European champion, and was a 25-time Belgian singles champion.

He was twice an Olympic flag bearer and has received prestigious awards, including the UNESCO World Fair Play Award.

Biography

Biography

Professor Laura McAllister, B.Sc., PhD, CBE, FLSW, FRSA, is a Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre.

She is Vice-President of UEFA and elected member of its Executive Committee as well as Chair of UEFA´s Social and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Deputy Chair of UEFA’s Women’s Football Committee and Chair of the Euro 24, Euro 25 Human Rights Boards.

A former Wales football international and national team captain with 24 caps, she was Chair of Sport Wales (between 2010-16). Until April 2016, she served as Board Member of UK Sport, the Government’s agency for Olympic and Paralympic sport. She is also a former Director of the Football Association of Wales Trust and a former Chair of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.

Biography

Johanna Talihärm is a four-time Olympian in biathlon from Estonia. She is Chair of the EOC Athletes Commission and was elected to the IOC Athletes Commission, as well as an IOC member, at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

Biography

Georg Häusler is currently the Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport in the European Commission (DG EAC). Prior to that, he was Director in another Commission department for seven years.

He joined the Commission in 1999 and has had several senior posts including as Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, from 2009 to 2014.

Before he began his Commission career, he was Secretary General of an EU-wide NGO. He studied law (PhD in 1993). 

Biography

Svenja Brunckhorst is Manager for girls’ and women’s basketball at ALBA BERLIN Basketballteam e.V. and a former professional basketball player from Germany. Born on 19 October 1991, she discovered her passion for basketball at an early age.

Alongside her athletic career, education has always been important to her. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, where she gained insight into the business side of sport, and a Master’s degree in International Management, which broadened her global perspective and prepared her for responsibilities beyond the court.

Representing Germany has been one of the highlights of her career. She played for the national team in both 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball, competing at the highest international level. She won seven national titles and five German Cups, and in 2024 won Olympic gold with the German 3x3 team at the Paris Olympic Games.

Following her playing career, she moved into a managerial role at ALBA BERLIN, combining her sporting experience and academic background to support the development of professional basketball. She is also committed to promoting equality and empowering women in sport.

Biography

Born in Barcelona, Alex Ferrer Kristjansson studied Business Administration at the Universitat de Barcelona and Háskóli Íslands, and holds a postgraduate degree in Marketing and Sports Management from Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia.

After a short period in the automotive industry at the German firm Robert Bosch, he has developed his career in professional sport since 2004 at Euroleague Basketball (EB), the organisation that manages the premier competitions in European club basketball.

At EB, he has been involved in a range of initiatives, mainly in marketing, before being appointed Chief Marketing Communications Officer. In this role, he leads the organisation’s strategic marketing, brand, media and content operations. 

Biography

Jaime Lamboy is Head of Legal and General Counsel at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), where he leads the organisation’s legal strategy across governance, regulatory affairs, dispute resolution, player transfers and eligibility, disciplinary frameworks, integrity-related matters, relations with professional leagues and clubs, as well as competition and commercial matters.

Prior to joining FIBA, he spent 20 years in his private practice, building extensive expertise in international sports law and advising sports organisations on governance, regulatory compliance and institutional relations in complex international environments.

He has also held senior roles within the Olympic Movement, including serving as President of the Legal Commission of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and as High Performance Director of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee.

Biography

Ben McLean is Associate Vice President and Senior Associate Counsel (EMEA) at the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he oversees legal operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a particular focus on regulatory, commercial and strategic development, including the NBA and FIBA’s exploration of a league in Europe.

He brings a strong background in sports law and international business. Prior to joining the NBA, he served as Corporate Counsel at Pentland Brands, working across major global sports brands including Speedo, Mitre and JD Sports.

Before transitioning into law, he was a professional modern pentathlete, representing Great Britain in international competitions for over a decade, including World Cups and World Championships.

He holds a law degree from Cardiff University and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from BPP Law School, and has further specialised in EU competition law at King’s College London.

Biography

Georg Häusler is currently the Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport in the European Commission (DG EAC). Prior to that, he was Director in another Commission department for seven years.

He joined the Commission in 1999 and has had several senior posts including as Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, from 2009 to 2014.

Before he began his Commission career, he was Secretary General of an EU-wide NGO. He studied law (PhD in 1993).