The Team

Vanessa is a Communications expert specialising in the development of integrated communication strategies. With a strong background in media relations, her focus is now on digital communication, building campaigns and social media strategies for a variety of clients and providing insights on the best tools and platforms to achieve a successful digital presence and outreach.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Vanessa built a 10+ year experience in PR, corporate communications, events and social media management. During her career she gained in-depth knowledge of industrial and manufacturing environments after working for companies such as Bridgestone and DuPont Sustainable Solutions managing their local and European external communications strategies.

She holds a Master’s Degree in European Affairs from the Sorbonne University in Paris. Vanessa is a French, American and Venezuelan national and native English, French and Spanish speaker.

Ivet is part of the digital team at SEC Newgate EU, specializing in content creation, visual storytelling and strategic communications. She helps clients unleash their creative potential and supports them in developing multi-media content. 

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Ivet gained insights as a journalist and digital communications assistant in think tanks and international humanitarian NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders.

Ivet graduated in Journalism and Humanities at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. She is a native Catalan speaker, fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Giovanni is a policy specialist focusing on the tech, agri-food and sustainability sectors. He supports and advises clients in the digital and agri-food sectors in keeping trace of regulatory developments and building effective EU affairs strategies.

Prior to joining SEC Newgate EU, Giovanni gained experience in public affairs in another Brussels-based consultancy. He also carried out a traineeship at the European Parliament.

Giovanni graduated in law at the University of Milan with a thesis in parliamentary law and followed a course in corporate communications and public affairs at the 24ORE Business School in Rome.

In addition to his native Italian, Giovanni is fluent in English and has an intermediate level of French.

Giuseppe is part of the public affairs team. As a policy specialist, he supports and advises clients operating in tech.​

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Giuseppe carried out a traineeship at the EPP group in the European Parliament​ and conducted research on the legal framework for lobbying in the EU as visiting researcher at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Giuseppe holds a master’s degree in EU Law from the University of Bologna.

Giuseppe is a native Italian speaker, fluent in English and French.

With over 10 years of experience in public affairs, communications and project management, Laura provides hands-on association and event management services to a wide variety of clients.

Laura has worked with industry, governments, associations and research centres in Colombia, France and Belgium, focusing mainly on foreign policy, healthcare and circular economy.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas. In addition to her native Spanish, she’s fluent in English and French and speaks a little Danish.

Ismérie assists the association management team in comprehensive association and event management services to a diverse range of clients.

Ismérie was formerly a Schuman Trainee and most recently served as a Regional Development and Standardisation Assistant at the International Union of Railways (UIC). She also interned in Berlin at the German League for Human Rights, managing their network, and contributing to event organisation.

A French national, Ismérie is fluent in French, English, and German. She possesses basic knowledge of Dutch.

She holds a bilingual Master’s degree in European and International Law from the University of Paris X.

Josef Cutajar supports the Digital Communications team at SEC Newgate EU. He assists and advises clients to implement successfully their digital media objectives.

Prior to SEC Newgate EU, Josef worked in communications, with Medicines for Europe and carried out a communication traineeship at the European Commission. Josef is a Maltese national and while in Malta he wrote in the ‘Times of Malta’ and co-produced and presented a TV show on ‘Television Malta’ focusing on EU affairs.

Josef holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications (Hons.) with European Studies from the University of Malta and has a keen interest in new media and journalism. Besides his native Maltese, Josef speaks English and has knowledge of German and Italian.

Ali is part of the communications team at SEC Newgate EU, where he works on conceptualising and running communications campaigns that help clients achieve their goals and gain insights on their performance.

Before joining SEC Newgate, Ali worked as a communications assistant at a sustainability advocacy institution, and as a journalist for different Spanish and Arabic media outlets.

Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and two master’s degrees: one in Political Analysis from UOC University and another in European Union Studies from UNED University.

He is a native speaker of Spanish, Arabic, and Amazigh, and he is also fluent in English and French.

Enrolled in a Master’s degree in Communication Strategies at the University of Padua, Camilla is helping clients navigate the European media landscape as part of the media relations team.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Camilla worked as a Junior Account at our offices in Italy, contributing to Community Relations and local Public Affairs for energy stakeholders. She also recently completed an internship with an international trade association, supporting their Communications and Public Affairs team.

In addition to being a native Italian speaker, Camilla is fluent in English and French.

Javier is a public affairs professional with several years of experience providing strategic counsel and building advocacy campaigns for various clients. Having a keen interest and expertise in sustainability policies, at SEC Newgate EU he focuses on the energy and environment sectors.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Javier worked at a Brussels-based consultancy, where he managed a portfolio of clients across a variety of sectors including transport, environment, agri-food. Before becoming consultant, he began his career working in the policy department of two  EU-level NGOs and completed and internship at the European Parliament.

Graduated in Law, Javier holds a Master’s Degree in European Studies from the RWTH Aachen University. Besides his native Spanish, he speaks English, German and Italian and has good knowledge of French.

Sarah is a communications professional with a passion for digital communications and sustainability. At SEC Newgate, she supports EU trade associations through strategic policy communications campaigns to help our clients take root as leaders in their sectors.

Before joining SEC Newgate, Sarah accumulated nearly a decade of experience in communications and marketing. Her roles included Content Management Assistant with a focus on communications and HR, Marketing Assistant, and Global Communications Team Leader for companies in the health sector. She also has experience in the tech, retail, and service industries.  Additionally, Sarah currently works at the European Parliament’s visitors’ center, where she gains valuable insights into event planning, exhibitions, and communications.

Sarah is completing her BA in International Communications and Media at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, majoring in Public and Corporate Affairs.

A Canadian national, Sarah is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, speaks French, has a good command of Dutch, and is currently learning Bulgarian.

Prior to joining SEC Newgate EU, Marco carried out an internship at another consultancy with a focus on consumer rights. With a passion for environmental policy and a particular interest within the circular economy, Marco supports our chemical clients with navigating the EU policy on sustainability, gathering the views of stakeholders and clarifying regulatory developments.

Marco holds a master’s degree in European Public Affairs from Maastricht University and an interdisciplinary Liberal Arts & Sciences degree from University College Maastricht. In addition to his native Norwegian, Marco is also fluent in Spanish and has a basic understanding of German.

Sophia is part of the communications team at SEC Newgate EU, where she crafts engaging campaigns to position clients as leaders within their respective industries.

Prior to SEC Newgate EU, Sophia gained experience creating integrated communications strategies for the packaging industry. She also gained insights into public relations and stakeholder management by implementing EU publicly funded programmes and supporting the negotiation of NATO communication strategies.

She holds a Master’s degree in international conflict and security with European foreign policy from the Brussels School of International Studies (University of Kent) as well as a BA degree in international studies from Dickinson College.

Sophia is a native English and French speaker and is fluent in Spanish.

Juliette is a European public affairs specialist with a keen interest in environmental policy. At SEC Newgate EU, she is part of the public affairs – sustainability team, focusing on the energy, chemicals and water sectors.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Juliette gained experience at the European Commission (DG REGIO) and with two European NGOs as a policy and project officer in water, energy and agri-food.

Juliette holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and European Governance from Leiden University (The Netherlands), as well as in environmental policy from Sciences Po Paris (France). In addition to her native French, Juliette speaks fluent English and has an excellent command of Spanish and German.

Alice is part of the sustainability team, with a keen interest in circular economy and sustainability issues. Alice has experience in regulatory affairs, notably health, sustainability  & consumers issues.. She also operated as a Policy and Communication Assistant for a trade association related to agri-food policies.

She holds a MA in International Relations from the University of Turin, and an Advanced Master in EU studies from the University of Brussels. Next to her Italian mother tongue, Alice is also fluent in English and Spanish, and has an intermediate level in French.

Antonio is supporting the trade and external relations practice, helping clients navigate the European political and media landscape.

Prior to joining SEC Newgate EU, Antonio gained insights in the trade and economic sectors at the European Parliament, the Embassy of Italy in the United States, and the Milan Chamber of Commerce.

He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of Milan, with a specialisation in international trade. Native Italian, he is fluent in English and has a basic knowledge of French and German.

Julia is part of the media team at SEC Newgate EU, supporting governments, corporates and associations to better understand the European media space.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Julia fostered her skills at the Office of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in Washington D.C. and the Confederation of British Industry in Brussels.

Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bath.

Julia is a native Polish speaker, fluent in English and with a basic understanding of Japanese.

Lila is part of the public affairs team, focusing on sustainability.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Lila worked as a researcher in a Brussels-based consultancy primarily focusing on the energy and construction sectors. She also gained experience as an EU Policy Officer in a trade association and completed a Schuman traineeship in public relations.

Lila holds a Master’s degree in Policies of International Cooperation and one in European Public Affairs. Native French, Lila also speaks fluent English and basic Italian.

Daniele has joined the support team as a receptionist, bringing a warm, professional presence to daily office operations. He ensures a welcoming environment for both visitors and staff while fostering organization and clear communication. His passion for helping others, combined with his diverse experience, makes him a great asset to the team.

Previously, Daniele worked as an Office Manager at SEC Newgate EU, where he honed his skills in event planning, administrative coordination, and system management. Following this, he contributed to Europ Assistance Belgium by managing car, home, and travel emergencies, streamlining processes, and developing digital solutions. These experiences highlight his problem-solving abilities and capacity to handle varied responsibilities with efficiency.

A freelance sworn translator and interpreter since 2020, Daniele holds a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Translation from the FTI-EII (UMONS). Fluent in six languages — English, French, Italian, Arabic, Dutch, and Spanish — he leverages his linguistic expertise and communication skills to support the team and build strong relationships.

Jie-Yi is a senior HR Generalist. She advises the company on engaging, growing, and retaining talents by creating and nurturing a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and rewarding employee work experience.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Jie-Yi was Head of HR of a Public Affairs and Communications consultancy, providing strategic and operational guidance to the leadership team and managing the entire employee life cycle for offices in Brussels, Paris and Berlin. Previously, she worked in a European brand design consultancy, setting up and leading their HR department in Brussels and Sofia.

Jie-Yi holds a Master degree in Corporate Communications from the Free University of Brussels (ULB). A Belgian and Taiwanese national, she speaks English, French, Mandarin Chinese and has an intermediate level in Dutch.

Kristin is part of the sustainability team at SEC Newgate EU, where she supports clients in the chemical, mobility, and energy sectors. With a keen interest in public policy, Kristin provides assistance in the improved understanding of sustainability developments, as well as in the analysis of stakeholder views.

Prior to joining SEC Newgate EU, Kristin gained experience in the intersection between the public and the private sectors through her position as a Creative Director at an organization, connecting universities, public authorities, and businesses. Further, Kristin explored her interest in societal inequalities and developed her event management skills through her active participation in non-profit initiatives.

Kristin is graduating with a BA in European Studies from The Hague University of Applied Sciences with a strong specialization in the field of European Union policy-making. In addition to her native Bulgarian, Kristin speaks fluent English, has a good command of German, and a basic understanding of Russian.

As part of the Association Management team, Zeynep provides comprehensive association and event management services to a diverse range of clients, leveraging over seven years of experience in public affairs, communications, and association management.

Before joining SEC Newgate EU, Zeynep worked at a consultancy specialising in EU funding and supported various clients with EU funding mechanisms and government relations. She also has experience in an international trade association in a role focused on public affairs, communications, and technical committee management.

She holds an MA in European Political & Administrative Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges and an Executive Masters in Governance & Development Studies from the CERIS-ULB Diplomatic School of Brussels. In addition to her native Turkish, she is fluent in English and French