John Chapman is a British national with over 25 years experience working with multinational organisations and European institutions in Brussels. Specialising in ICT, European defence policy and financial services, John is currently editing and writing for several publications in Belgium and the UK. He also has many years experience of project management, primarily in the area of introducing collaborative ICT systems across multinational organisations. Between 2002 and 2005, John chaired the Continental European Council of the NUJ (the UK’s National Union of Journalists).

Elisabeth (Libby) Danson has worked in the field of information, communication and image awareness for over 25 years. She has extensive experience in the establishment of international communications strategies and the subsequent planning, coordination, administration and evaluation of worldwide programmes on a country-by-country basis. Libby’s track record in building global brand reputations has been complemented by her three-year tenure with the European Commission as DG Information and Communication Asia Desk Officer. She has considerable field experience, having undertaken communication audits and executed PR campaigns in countries such as Romania, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam and Pakistan.

Nigel Griffiths has over 25 years of experience as a writer, principally in Brussels, reporting on EU policy developments, with particular emphasis on the environment, R&D, financial services, technology and entrepreneurship. He also has extensive expertise in developing and designing high-impact web-based communications. Previously Nigel worked as a senior partner for the Eurocommunications Group, a public relations/public affairs consultancy specialised in multinational communications programmes and as an editor and writer for the sister publications Europe Environment and Europe Energy.

Hannah Pearce is a journalist and communications specialist who has reported all facets of the environmental and sustainability agendas in the UK, European and US media for nearly two decades. Since 1992, she has been a regular correspondent for Environment Watch Europe, for many years the only specialist newsletter for European business leaders, policy makers and lobbyists, offering detailed coverage and analysis of green issues from Brussels and each EU Member State capital. From her base in London, Hannah also works regularly for small and large organisations in the private and not-for-profit sectors, delivering public affairs consultancy, events, campaign reports or other information materials intended to inform debate and change opinion, policy or business practice.

llze Raath is a professional communications trainer with more than 10 years experience in developing and executing training programmes for the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of Europe and multinational organisations and companies. In addition, she has worked in corporate communication, strategic planning, publishing (books, newspapers, multimedia and advertising), investor relations and financial services. A South African citizen, Ilze is fluent in English, Dutch, Afrikaans and German, and has a working knowledge of French.

Dianna Rienstra is a communication specialist with more than 25 years experience in journalism, the public sector and government. She has a broad knowledge of European public affairs, particularly in the areas of IT, innovation, corporate social responsibility, financial services, transport and energy, employment and social affairs and development. Before moving to Brussels 10 years ago, Dianna spent eight years as a full-time journalist in print and electronic media, five years as communications director in the public sector and four years in government. She is a Canadian national and fluent in English and French.