Our Team
Leadership Team
Alistair Starling
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Alistair Starling is a former UK Diplomat, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, FCO, where he assisted companies to trade and invest internationally for 10 years. He is multilingual, and levers his 20 year private sector / 10 year government sector, Business Development, Design and Innovation experience to achieve results within 1st, 2nd and 3rd sector organisations.
Alistair's native language is English, he is also fluent in Italian and German, plus intermediate French. Alistair worked in the founding teams of other start-ups, in the recruitment sector (The Cambridge Hub), internet design sector (IconMedialab), and therefore understands the pace and focus of the commercial sector.
Alistair led complex government sales development across Europe and Africa for a world famous brand - Cambridge. He has two Master degrees (one from the University of Cambridge), and an Undergraduate Degree in the creative industries.
Alistair is a confident public speaker, has presented numerous times on TV, and fosters active communities of contacts across Europe.
Daniela Abentung
Co-Founder
Daniela is a trained journalist and a political and communication scientist with a focus on international communication and EU affairs. During her 20 years' professional experience she has been diving deep into the miracles and wonders of political environments. She has a strong international network in politics and journalism, in Brussels but also in Germany, Italy and the Middle East, from previous positions.
In her government and stakeholder relations / communication roles for ifo Institute, Allianz SE Europe, Bavarian State Parliament and the European Commission (DG International Cooperation and Development/Joint Research Centre (JRC)), she has developed a strong understanding of outreach communication (internal/external), international change communication, EU affairs, regulatory monitoring and real-life policy-making procedures. Her focus lies on science, international cooperation and development and financial affairs.
Daniela has a big appetite for agile and innovative solutions. Her customer orientation and stakeholder rapport building skills are outstanding. She has a Master degree in European Studies from the University of Bologna and loves complex, international environments. Daniela's native language is German and she is also fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch - and Eurospeak.
Apart from being an excellent writer, she's a confident public speaker and has physically and virtually addressed a variety of audiences.
Tim Nieminen
Director of Business Development
Dynamic leader with 15+ years of experience, including as Executive Manager at the Finnish-Estonian Chamber of Commerce. Proven track record in driving financial growth, doubling revenue, and increasing gross profit by 200%. Achieved AAA credit rating (2017-2019) and boosted customer satisfaction (NPS 3.2 to 4.6). Skilled in leadership, cross-cultural communication, and strategic networking. Committed to sustainable development, integrating UN SDG and ESG principles into business practices since 2020.
Kai Takkis
Operations Manager
Kai is a project manager with working experience both in public and private sector. With her qualification in English Philology, Teacher Training and Translation, she has years of experience in operating and managing her own translation company. Her former employment in the government sector in the field of education has left her with a passion for education, pedagogy, and languages. Combined with her detailed knowledge of private sector operations, she proves to be a valuable addition to the team.
Michal Gawryl
Co-Founder
Michal Gawryl is qualified in Business Administration with a focus on marketing, planning and innovation management. In his first professional role he worked as Headhunter. Because of this, Michal is well versed in personal and cold calling, as well as negotiating, network building, the care of existing customers and supporting of projects.
He knows how to identify the relevant contacts and how contact should be implemented. In his other professional positions, he worked as a Recruiter in the private and public sectors. This means that Michal fully comprehends the inner workings of governments from his first-hand experience and is able to lever that for our clients.
Michal speaks German and Polish as native languages and is fluent in English, plus is building up his French language skills.
Organisational complexity and the management of multifaceted projects are core competences which Michal also possesses.
Dirk Bornschein
Future of Migration Leader
Dirk is a political scientist, author, editor of regional publications and communication expert. After his Doctorate Degree, he worked in Guatemala at the Latin American Faculty for Social Science (FLACSO), an inter-governmental institute operating in most countries of the region. Throughout these 10 years Dirk did research on migration and development and facilitated relationship-building between academic institutes, government institutions and civil society organisations, especially in Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, the United States and the broader Latin American region. Furthermore, he worked as a consultant for the Japanese Cooperation in Guatemala and currently advises FLASCO in the development of the “Migration and Development” programme. Dirk’s regional expertise, communication experience and strong analytical skills make him an invaluable addition to the team.
Melisa Baykut
Head of Government Affairs
Melisa is a political scientist specialising in EU affairs, diplomacy, and international relations. Since late 2024, she has supported policy research, strategic communication, and B2G engagement at European Diplomats, focusing on EdTech, AI governance, and education policy.
Melisa combines her academic background in Political Science from the University of Minho with studies in Psychology, and English and American Literature and Linguistics in Germany.
She brings practical experience from youth mobility organisations, international summits, and advisory roles, providing valuable insight into European institutional processes and public sector strategy.
Fluent in Turkish, English, and German (advanced), and Portuguese (upper-intermediate), Melisa is also a lifelong writer with strong interests in journalism, political psychology, international relations, and cybersecurity.
Her three years teaching English and German have significantly deepened her understanding of language acquisition and assessment, enriching her policy work. Known for bridging linguistic and political expertise, Melisa is a confident public speaker and delivers nuanced analysis with effective communication across multicultural settings.
Markus Christensen
Partner - Tallinn, Copenhagen
Markus Christensen is a multilingual strategist and business development partner with a strong track record in helping organisations expand into new markets and navigate complex international environments. With experience spanning the education, technology, and localisation sectors, Markus brings a unique blend of commercial insight, digital innovation, and cross-cultural fluency to European Diplomats’ work in government relations and export strategy.
Over the past decade, Markus has supported both startups and established organisations in entering new geographies, improving operational efficiency, and localising their offerings for impact. He has led quality assurance and project management for major localisation projects, including work with some of the world’s largest technology firms, and has co-founded ventures focused on growth, financial operations, and systems strategy. His advisory work is informed by a deep understanding of machine learning systems, multilingual data annotation, and the digital tools needed to support scalable, tech-enabled engagement with international partners.
Markus is passionate about the interface between government, innovation, and education—supporting public-private partnerships and building bridges for exporters seeking to work with ministries, multilaterals, or regional initiatives. He speaks six languages, holds a Bachelor's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and is based in Tallinn, Estonia.
Associates
David Sorrentino
Associate - Brussels, Rome, Washington DC
David Sorrentino is a strategic leader at the intersection of policy, business, and education with two decades’ experience delivering innovative digital solutions to a global market. Bridging the gap between educational technology and real-world implementation, he has advised ministries of education, multilateral organisations, and edtech institutions on scalable solutions for language learning, teacher development, and digital assessment.
He played a pivotal role in the development and global rollout of Aptis, the British Council’s flagship digital English assessment tool, helping to redefine how governments and institutions measure language proficiency at scale. His leadership has extended to initiatives in language reform, digital credentialing, and international research initiatives, moving education and project innovation from concept to implementation. His current consultancy work supports organisations in designing and delivering scalable, tech-enabled solutions—ranging from AI-driven education tools to cross-border sustainability initiatives.
Based in Brussels, Belgium, David holds an MSc in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh and advanced certifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Tamara Sekhniashvili-Lengi
Policy Associate
Tamara is a training specialist and project coordinator with years of experience in education in the private and public sectors, where she has led team development, organisational development, and learning initiatives with an emphasis on change management.
Her Master’s degree in Educational Innovations and Leadership is the reason behind her emphasis on education. After obtaining her degree she managed educational initiatives and learning and development programmes in the public and private sectors. These experiences have allowed Tamara to establish solid collaborations with international stakeholders in the field of education.
Tamara speaks English, Russian, and Georgian fluently.
Carol Scandolara
Education & Educational Technology Policy Associate
Meet our Consortium Facilitator: A skilled and dedicated professional who brings harmony and effectiveness to collaborative efforts. With their exceptional communication and organization skills, they ensure seamless coordination, encourage active participation, and drive meaningful outcomes. Trust this experienced facilitator to guide your consortium towards success on the day.
Eliza Raduca
Education & Educational Technology Policy Associate
With a strong background in teaching and assessing English as a second language and a passion for professional development, Eliza has honed her skills as an ESL teacher, international speaker, and teacher trainer. Her diverse educational background, including a BA in Philology and a MSc in Political Science, combined with her CELTA certification, affiliations with reputable organizations and a certificate from the University of Oxford, Department for Continuing Education and Oxford University Press, demonstrate her dedication to continuous learning and growth in the field.
Through her participation in the Oxford Teachers’ Academy Masterclass and her affiliation with BETA and TESOLGreece, she has demonstrated a commitment to staying at the forefront of educational trends and techniques. With a keen interest in the integration of technology and effective teaching methods, she is determined to make a significant impact on the future of education by continuously seeking improvement and innovation in her professional practice.
