Meet our speakers

With an international Executive Master of Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Economics Nives brings over 20+ years of experience in the international industrial environment. As a highly qualified professional with vast background in finance, business development, sales, and procurement, she excels in high-paced environments with unique challenges. 

Currently serving as a Global Category Manager for Indirect Procurement at KION Group, one of the world’s leading providers of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment as well as supply chain solutions, Nives oversees Real Estate, Facility Management, and Energy categories, managing a spend of €300 million. One of her most notable achievements in KION is the successful centralization of the energy category across EMEA, transitioning from a traditional model to a market-driven strategies, which has enhanced sustainability and optimized cost efficiency with a budget of €80 million.

A native of Slovenia, Nives now resides and works in Germany. Fully conversant with procurement, finance, sales, management, and business principles, Nives continues to make significant contributions to the field. 

Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, running, and is passionate about sailing.

Marinela Paida is Head of Indirect Procurement Corporate, Digital & Sustainability at Coca-Cola HBC across the 29 countries. Her focus is sustainable supply across raw and pack materials and is very passionate about green innovation in the energy sector. With her team they have designed the 3^rd Party Sustainability & Scope 3 Emissions Management Program and feel very proud of CCH being No 1 in the DJSI Sustainability Index.

Marinela has more than 25 years of experience at Pan-European level and has worked in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece. She is a Chemist from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds an MSc in Food Science & Technology from Reading University and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors with her four beloved pets, exploring exotic places and exploiting every chance to go for scuba diving.

Orrin Cook is focused on unlocking private sector demand to aid in the development of clean energy markets globally. An expert in corporate climate and renewable energy solutions, Orrin has established new partnerships, programs and pilot projects to advance clean energy and power resiliency in Asia and the Americas.

Orrin is the Managing Director and Founder of Apala Group, a market intelligence and energy procurement services firm dedicated to accelerating the energy transition across Asia and Latin America. Founded in 2020 in San Francisco, California, Apala Group works with global organizations to design and implement high-impact programs, including PPAs and supply chain renewable energy programs.

Previously, Orrin led international market development engagements at Center for Resource Solutions, supporting REC and tracking system infrastructure in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and other ASEAN and Latin American markets. Orrin also launched the Resilient Schools Collaborative, aimed at bringing storage and microgrid solutions to public schools.

Orrin holds a BSc from UC Berkeley in Natural Resource Management and MA from University of Leeds (UK) in Environmental Consultancy.

Away from Apala Group, Orrin enjoys being a soccer dad to his son and daughter, playing chess, and sprinting.

Benedict graduated as a Master in Philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven. Writing a thesis on the philosophy of Karl Popper applied to the science and politics of climate change sparked his interest in energy transition and energy markets.

He started his career in 2000 in sales at GfE, an energy & environmental consultancy where in 2004 he became the manager of the environmental consultants team.

In 2005 he co-founded E&C and his professional bio as of then obviously highlights the main events in the history of the company. Benedict started as an energy procurement consultant, practising the basics of negotiating contracts, helping clients to hedge and checking invoices. As the team grew, Benedict started to focus more on helping the ever larger clients to develop and implement energy procurement strategies, conceiving and finetuning E&C’s unique risk management approach.

He also became a globetrotter, travelling all over the planet to set up offices, develop business and service clients. After becoming the majority shareholder in E&C in 2019, he focused on making E&C a scale-up company, enthusiastically putting in place teal management principles.

He also translated his experience in energy markets in the making of the ePoint product, acting as a product owner in the first years of the ePoint 3 and eCore data platform project. Together with co-CEO Jens, an inspired management team, the partners and the whole E&C family, Benedict is currently gearing everything up to make the company a leading global energy services business.

The many insights gathered during his unique professional experiences and encounters can also be found in the many blog articles and white papers authored by Benedict.

When he’s not working he is a passionate angler, finding inspiration for energy markets and E&C and personal balance on the banks of small lakes. 

Dina Karamarko is a dynamic and results-driven energy professional who has been with E&C since 2015. Specializing in international energy procurement and energy transition, she has expertly managed both European and global accounts. In 2024, Dina took on the role of Lead Partner, where she drives the strategic development and deployment of E&C’s innovative energy transition services.

Dina is known for her creativity, strategic planning, and strong time management, balancing complex projects while delivering impactful, solutions-oriented results. She thrives on new challenges and fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving. At the core of her leadership is a deep commitment to motivating others and cultivating a positive attitude.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of consultants, Dina is equally dedicated to championing women in the energy sector. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, she believes in the transformative power of a diverse workforce and actively works to create opportunities for women to step into leadership roles within the industry.

Her academic background includes a master’s degree in business management from the University of Zagreb and a second master’s in sustainable development from the University of Utrecht. Dina’s international perspective is further enriched by living in several European countries. Now based in the Netherlands, she continuously seeks new travel experiences that inspire both her personal growth and professional endeavours.

Outside of her work in the energy sector, Dina finds balance in creative activities such as cooking, gardening, photography and interior design, passions that provide relaxation and fuel her drive for excellence.

Kamila Kazmierczak is a Consultant at E&C, where she serves as a country consultant and a market expert for Poland and France, overseeing the delivery of effective energy contracting and risk management services at the local level. In addition, she acts as a coordinating consultant for international clients, centralising communication between international stakeholders and country specialists. Kamila also brings substantial experience to decarbonisation and sustainability initiatives, with a particular focus on both on-site and off-site Power Purchase Agreements.

Currently based in London, UK, Kamila has lived and studied in Aberdeen, Scotland; Paris, France; and Wrocław, Poland. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Aberdeen, where her academic research concentrated on European electricity relations, specifically capacity markets. Fluent in Polish, English, and French, Kamila is a strong advocate for intercultural dialogue. Her professional interests are centered on European economic relations and diplomacy, particularly in the context of energy markets, while her personal passion lies in horse riding and sailing.

Jens Lievens is since 2024 co-CEO at E&C Consultants. While he defines the general strategy of the company together with Benedict, he supervises the daily operations with a focus on business development.

After securing a bachelor's degree in French and English in 2006, Jens pursued his childhood dream into the professional handball arena, playing in Germany, France, and as the captain of the Belgian National Team. Returning to Belgium in 2015, Jens seamlessly transitioned his knowledge of languages and competitive spirit into a role as international business developer at E&C.

In 2019 Jens became COO, joining forces with Benedict to steer E&C Consultants into an era of exciting expansion and innovation.

Jens is passionate about translating E&C’s visionary insights into clear and compelling presentations and messages. Whether he's addressing internal teams, a client's boardroom or a conference, Jens has become a sought-after speaker, leaving everyone both enlightened and uplifted.

When he's not shaping the future of E&C, Jens finds joy in spending quality time with his family. He also hits the gym a few times a week, embodying the same energy that he brings to the business arena.

David Luna is an International Coordinating Consultant at E&C, currently based in Düsseldorf, Germany. David supports our international clients, coordinating cross-functional teams and operations in multiple countries, as well as providing guidance on energy procurement and risk management strategies. At country-level, he specializes in the German-speaking (DACH) and Mexican markets, for which he additionally delivers in-depth local market insights. 

David holds a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City. Driven by a deep interest in financial and energy markets, he pursued a master’s degree in Energy Management at ESCP Business School in London, UK. This blend of technical expertise and business acumen is the basis of his approach to understanding the energy markets and tackling their challenges. 

With professional experience at some of the world’s largest energy suppliers, including Engie and E.ON, David has developed his skills across diverse roles in the energy sector. He has worked on consulting projects spanning North America and Europe—both Western and Eastern—in areas such as power markets, energy networks, and green hydrogen. His international exposure and multidisciplinary background have helped him to identify synergies across energy markets, applying insights from one region to unlock opportunities in another. He conducts business in four languages, which helps him thrive in multicultural environments. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is a coffee lover, an avid traveler, and an enthusiastic salsa dancer. He also has a passion for sports, particularly squash and padel.

Emma Nocquet-Wass is an Energy Consultant specialized in Regulatory and Decarbonization and based in Paris, France.

Armed with a diverse educational background which brought her to study in France and in Germany, she completed her Humanities studies in Classe Préparatoire before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in environmental governance from Sciences Po Bordeaux.

During these years, she was an active member of associations focusing on sustainability and entrepreneurship, where she had the opportunity to strengthen her knowledge and to participate to podcasts and to the organization of conferences.

At E&C, Emma’s key areas of focus, alongside the French and Belgian markets, are the evolution of regulatory frameworks and decarbonization tools. She shares her interest in the energy transition and the challenges faced by businesses through articles and workshops related to these topics. Bridging policies and practice, she will bring to GEC a cross-disciplinary expertise and will enthusiastically answer questions on energy procurement.

Ricardo Paz is a Financial Controlling Coordinator at E&C and also serves as a Financial Controller for several markets, including Italy, Portugal, and Brazil. He specializes in designing tailored energy budgets for multinational companies, delivering detailed financial invoice analysis based on in-depth knowledge of non-commodity components such as distribution, transport, and taxes to support strategic decision-making.

After graduating as an Economist from the Central University of Venezuela, Ricardo built over a decade of experience in consultancy and financial markets, focusing on economic research, financial analysis, and business strategy. Since joining E&C in 2019, he has dedicated his efforts to understanding and mapping the structure of non-commodity components for the markets he serves, providing valuable insights to clients navigating complex energy landscapes.

Ricardo also offers support as a Team Coach, mentoring and training colleagues to foster their professional development. His work across diverse markets has enriched his ability to adapt, communicate, and deliver impactful solutions in multicultural environments.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, Ricardo leverages his multilingual skills to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues around the world.

With a Bachelor of Science degree under her arm, Kathleen Peters started her journey at E&C Consultants 8 years ago. Primarily focusing on the Dutch and German markets, she extended her portfolio to the UK and Ireland clients after only one year as a result of her impressive performance. Over these 8 years, Kathleen has made impressive strides in the roles and tasks she has undertaken. Starting as a country consultant, Kathleen stepped up to coordinate international clients before expanding and intensifying her expertise in green energy. She led the first PPA tender for Germany, and, since 2023, has embraced a full-time focus on energy transition at E&C.

This interest in sustainability is reflected in the part Kathleen plays in the execution of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, an area in which Kathleen is constantly innovating to introduce initiatives aimed, on a smaller scale, at reducing our negative impact on the planet.

German native, Kathleen lives in The Netherlands, where she enjoys spending her time hiking.

Cyriel serves as E&C’s IT Product Owner, blending his extensive knowledge of energy markets with a passion for technology to guide the IT team in developing impactful software solutions tailored to large energy consumers.

After earning his second master’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Ghent, Belgium, Cyriel joined E&C as an energy consultant in 2017. Over five years, he supported clients across the Benelux, UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Australia. In 2022, he transitioned to the IT team, where, alongside Zhanna, he played a pivotal role in scaling the team to five times its original size. Together, they’ve spearheaded the development of innovative software tools that enhance E&C’s offerings for its clients.

Outside of work, Cyriel channels his creativity and energy into refereeing rugby games, playing golf, woodworking, and experimenting with microcomputers to design intricate escape room puzzles. Simply put, he embraces his inner nerd with enthusiasm!

Juan Rios is a seasoned energy procurement consultant, team coach, and lead partner at E&C, recognized for establishing the company’s footprint in the APAC region since 2018. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Juan blends his expertise in Geology and a Master’s in Energy Systems from the University of Melbourne to deliver high-impact solutions in some of the world’s most complex and dynamic energy markets.

Over the past seven years, Juan has spearheaded E&C’s growth across APAC, providing strategic market insights and precision guidance that have enabled clients to successfully navigate the region’s volatile energy landscape. His leadership has been instrumental in building E&C’s reputation as a trusted advisor, with a rapidly expanding client base across Australia, China, Japan, India, and beyond. 

Driven by a passion for business growth and innovation, Juan helped secure strategic partnerships with Shulman Advisory (Japan) in 2024 and Apala Group (Asia) in 2025, cementing E&C’s presence in the region. As the head of E&C’s AI team, he helps the team explore cutting-edge technologies to streamline processes, enhance client solutions, and drive efficiency within the organization. 

Originally from Colombia and now thriving in Melbourne, Juan’s interests go beyond his professional work. He enjoys playing golf, spending time with his dog Leo, and supporting his partner’s online business. His curiosity and growth mindset continue to fuel both his personal and professional achievements.

Zhanna Tarasko is an experienced IT & Data Team Leader with a diverse background in both technology and finance. She studied at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland before working at BDO, where she trained as an auditor (chartered), mainly working with global tech & media companies. With a deep expertise in data management and IT systems, Zhanna now leads a dynamic team, driving innovation and efficiency in her role. Her unique blend of technical skills and financial knowledge allows her to bridge the gap between complex data solutions and business strategy.

Zhanna has worked in three different countries—Russia, the UK, and Spain—giving her a global perspective on business and technology. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, exploring her passion for music, and travelling to new destinations.

Bart Verest has and educational background in International politics & diplomacy and Energy law at Ghent University, Belgium.

He has worked at E&C Consultants for more than 11 years as International energy procurement and sustainability consultant, coordinating European and global accounts. In the meantime he’s lead partner within E&C Consultants, responsible for energy policy and regulatory affairs. In this context, he’s involved in the ongoing regulatory evolution of the renewable and natural gas markets and the establishment of EAC’s for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO’s).

In addition, he is co-founder of Navitas, an energy cooperative based in Belgium.