Meet the Visionaries Shaping the Future of Our Region

Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
4th President of the Republic of Croatia (2015–2020) 

Inaugural Session: Reflections on the vision and achievements of the Three Seas Initiative
Keynote Speaker – Inauguration Speech

Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović served as the 4th and first female President of the Republic of Croatia from 2015 to 2020. With a distinguished career in diplomacy, politics, and security policy, she previously held roles as Croatia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (2003–2008) and as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy (2011–2014)—becoming the highest-ranking woman in the Alliance’s history at the time.

President Grabar-Kitarović is an independent member of the International Olympic Committee and Chair of the Future Hosts Commission for the Olympic Games. She advises governments and the private sector on geopolitics, security, and defense, and serves on boards including the Atlantic Council, GLOBSEC, Halifax Forum, and Concordia. She co-chairs the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board and is Chair Emerita of the Council of Women World Leaders.

A co-founder of the Three Seas Initiative, she is also a Fulbright Lifetime Achievement laureate and has studied at institutions including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, GWU, and the University of Zagreb.

Rafał Brzoska
Founder & CEO, Integer Capital Group

Fireside Chat: The Symbiosis of New Technologies and Logistics in Processes
Fireside Chat 

Rafał Brzoska is a Polish inventor, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Integer Capital Group—Europe’s leading last-mile e-commerce delivery platform, operating over 82,000 pick-up and drop-off points across nine markets. A passionate advocate for innovation and enterprise, he serves as Chairman of the Polish Council of Entrepreneurship and represents Corporate Connections Global. As a member of the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board, he supports transatlantic cooperation by promoting strategies that connect economic growth with regional stability and technological progress.

Rafał leads the “SprawdzaMy – Entrepreneurs for Poland” initiative, aiming to develop policy proposals focused on deregulation and ease of doing business. A committed philanthropist, he founded the Rafał Brzoska Foundation to support talented, hardworking young individuals pursuing education at top global institutions including Yale, Oxford, MIT, and Cambridge. He is also the creator of TOP CHARITY, the largest charity auction in Europe, which exemplifies his belief that giving back is a pillar of modern business.

General (Ret.) Edward M. Daly
Chairman, Virtus 9 Corporation; CEO, Daly Consulting & Logistics

Fireside Chat: The Symbiosis of New Technologies and Logistics in Processes
Fireside Chat – Eastern Region

General (Ret.) Edward M. Daly is Chairman of Virtus 9 Corporation and CEO of Daly Consulting & Logistics, LLC. A four-star U.S. Army General, he retired in 2023 after 36 years of distinguished service, most recently as the 20th Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. In that role, he led 190,000 personnel and managed a $50 billion annual budget, overseeing global logistics, foreign military sales, and support for Ukraine. A West Point graduate, he holds advanced degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Studies. As the only career logistics 4-star General to graduate from West Point, he is recognized for transformational leadership and expertise in supply chains, manufacturing, and defense infrastructure. Through Virtus 9, he supports the Three Seas Nations in enhancing energy, infrastructure, and security capabilities. Ed also sits on multiple corporate boards and advises on strategic innovation and organizational performance across multiple sectors

Gediminas Varvuolis
Ambassador-at-Large for Connectivity and the Three Seas Initiative, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania

Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis serves as Lithuania’s Ambassador-at-Large for Connectivity and the Three Seas Initiative since 2021. A career diplomat, he has held high-ranking positions within Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1995. He was previously the Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan (2018–2021), also accredited to Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN nations. From 2013 to 2018, he served as Ambassador to Belgium, with accreditations to Luxembourg and Algeria. His earlier roles include Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO, Director of Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy, and postings in France and Western Europe. Ambassador Varvuolis holds degrees from Vilnius University and Sciences Po Paris. A recognized expert in transatlantic relations, regional security, and diplomatic strategy, he plays a leading role in shaping Lithuania’s connectivity agenda and advancing regional cooperation through the Three Seas Initiative.

Ion Sterian
Director General, Transgaz, Romania

Investments in transmission infrastructure / interconnectors in the Three Seas region – opportunities and threats
Keynote Speaker

Ion Sterian is the Director General of Transgaz, Romania’s national gas transmission company, and a prominent figure in the European energy sector. Appointed to the company’s leadership in 2013 and as Director General since 2017, he oversees the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects worth over €9 billion—transforming Romania’s energy landscape. A graduate of the Oil and Gas University of Ploiești and the University of Bucharest, Mr. Sterian holds two Master’s degrees in management and rural development. He previously served in executive roles in Romanian government institutions, including State Under-Secretary at the Ministry for Regional Development and Tourism. With expertise spanning corporate governance, international relations, and energy diplomacy, Mr. Sterian is a respected speaker on sustainable development, financing, and energy diversification in Europe. Under his leadership, Transgaz has become a key actor in enhancing regional energy security and integration within the Three Seas framework.

Dr Frederik Doyé
Senior Vice President, Hub Europe, Siemens Energy AG

Clean Energy Transition: Building Sustainable Energy Sources for the European Union
Keynote Speaker

Dr Frederik Doyé is Senior Vice President of Hub Europe at Siemens Energy AG, overseeing operations across 40 countries including Germany and the UK. Siemens Energy, a global leader in energy technology, serves customers in over 90 countries and generated €31 billion in revenue in 2023. With over 16 years of experience in the energy and industrial services sectors, Frederik has held various senior roles at Siemens AG and Siemens Energy since 2011, including Vice President of Global Service Operations for Steam Turbines and Generators. His background spans commercial operations, corporate strategy, and international consulting across Denmark, Spain, Brazil, Venezuela, India, and Germany. Appointed SVP in July 2024, he now leads efforts in supporting Europe’s energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development. Based in Munich, Dr Doyé is also a certified tennis coach and passionate advocate for community sports

Dr Sławomir Dębski
Visiting Professor, European Interdisciplinary Studies Department, College of Europe (Natolin Campus)

Dr Sławomir Dębski is a distinguished foreign policy expert and strategist with over two decades of experience advising successive Polish governments. Known for his leadership in building institutions and fostering interagency communication, he has significantly shaped Poland’s voice in international affairs. He served as Director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs during two terms (2007–2010, 2016–2024) and as Director of the Centre for Polish-Russian Dialogue and Understanding (2011–2016).

As a scholar and practitioner, Dr Dębski has authored and edited multiple publications on European security and diplomacy, including Europe Whole and Free: Vision and Reality (co-edited with Dr Daniel Hamilton), and a seminal study on Soviet-German relations (1939–1941), which received the “Historical Book of the Year” award from the Society of History Book Publishers. At the College of Europe, he brings academic insight into the realities of policy-making at the intersection of European and transatlantic cooperation.

Marek Magierowski
Director, “Strategy for Poland” Program, Freedom Institute

Connecting Europe: Developing an Efficient and Sustainable Aviation Industry
Moderator

Marek Magierowski is a seasoned diplomat and foreign affairs expert with over three decades of experience across journalism, government, and international relations. He served as Poland’s Ambassador to both Israel and the United States, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson to the President of Poland. He currently leads the “Strategy for Poland” Program at the Freedom Institute in Warsaw, where he focuses on shaping long-term policy directions for the country.

Mr. Magierowski is widely recognized for his insight into U.S. politics, transatlantic relations, the Middle East, and Central European security. A prolific writer, he is the author of Exhausted, a commentary on the European financial crisis, and the novel Twelve Photographs of the President. He has delivered lectures at institutions including UC Berkeley, American University, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and is fluent in Polish, English, Spanish, and Hebrew.

Marjut Falkstedt
Chief Executive, European Investment Fund (EIF)

Innovative models of financing infrastructure - the attractivness of the region for international investors
Panelist

Executives Roundtable: Financial & development challenges with development banks
Speaker

Marjut Falkstedt is the Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund (EIF), where she leads initiatives to strengthen Europe’s innovation and investment landscape. She rejoined the EIF following seven years at the European Investment Bank (EIB), where she served as Secretary General. Prior to that, she held the role of Deputy Chief Executive at the EIF and spent 17 years at the European Commission’s DG ECFIN, focusing on economic and financial affairs.

Marjut began her career in the private sector as a loan officer and internal auditor at Dresdner Bank in Germany. She brings a deep understanding of finance, European policy, and institutional leadership. A strong advocate for diversity, gender balance, and participatory leadership, she champions a modern and inclusive corporate culture.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Hagen and is fluent in Finnish, German, and English, with conversational proficiency in French​

Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka
Former President, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK); Co-creator, Three Seas Investment Fund

Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka is a senior financial executive and strategic leader with over 30 years of experience in the banking sector. From 2016 to 2024, she served as President of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), Poland’s state development bank. Under her leadership, BGK became a key financial institution in the CEE region, multiplying its capacity to mobilize capital for sustainable development, international expansion, and EU fund deployment. During her tenure, the bank’s balance sheet grew from PLN 40 to over PLN 280 billion, with profits increasing tenfold.

She is the initiator and co-creator of the Three Seas Investment Fund (3SIIF), the region’s most ambitious financial project aimed at enhancing EU cohesion through investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

A trusted advisor to public institutions, she serves on the College of the President of Poland for International Policy and is a member of the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board. A pilot and passionate advocate for innovation, she is also a decorated leader, honored with national and international awards for her contributions to economic diplomacy and regional cooperation

Ian Brzezinski
Principal, Brzezinski Group; Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council

3 seas countries as a hub for international Trade in comodities and Agriculture Products 

Ian Brzezinski is Principal of the Brzezinski Group, LLC, where he advises commercial and government clients on international security, political risk, government relations, and defense strategy. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and its Europe Center, contributing thought leadership on transatlantic defense and strategic affairs.

From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Brzezinski served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO Policy. His portfolio included NATO enlargement, force transformation, and Allied operations in the Balkans, Mediterranean, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He previously spent seven years in the U.S. Senate, working on national security issues for the Senate Finance and Foreign Relations Committees.

In the private sector, he held a principal role at Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting U.S. combatant commands and allied defense establishments. He is a recognized voice in transatlantic defense policy and a leading advocate for regional security cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.

Petr Novotný
Chief Executive Officer, Škoda Group

Petr Novotný is the Chief Executive Officer of Škoda Group, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of electric rail vehicles and mobility solutions. Before assuming the CEO role, he served as President of the Group’s Components & Bus Mobility division, where he led the strategic integration of these segments to enhance operational efficiency and business growth.

Since becoming CEO, Novotný has focused on expanding Škoda Group’s footprint in the European transportation sector. In 2024, he signaled the company’s interest in exploring industrial integration with Spanish rail manufacturer Talgo—demonstrating a proactive vision for cross-border cooperation. His leadership emphasizes innovation, sustainable mobility, and strategic partnerships that position Škoda Group as a key player in shaping the future of green transport across the continent.

Juraj Šedivý
Chief Executive Officer, CETIN Group

Juraj Šedivý is the Chief Executive Officer of CETIN Group, a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider operating across Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. With an engineering degree from the University of Nitra and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Šedivý brings both technical and strategic expertise to the rapidly evolving telecoms sector.

He was appointed CEO of CETIN Czech Republic in 2019 and became CEO of CETIN Group in 2020, leading its regional expansion and infrastructure modernization. Under his leadership, the Group has strengthened its role as a key enabler of digital connectivity and innovation in the region. Šedivý is recognized for his forward-looking approach to network development and his contribution to building a robust, secure, and future-ready digital backbone for Central and Eastern Europe.

HAYASHI Nobumitsu
Governor, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

Innovative models of financing infrastructure - the attractivness of the region for international investors
Panelist

Special Announcement by JBIC regarding initiative for the Three Seas region
Speacial Guest

HAYASHI Nobumitsu is the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a position he has held since 2022. With over four decades of experience in international finance, public policy, and economic diplomacy, he is one of Japan’s most respected financial leaders. He previously served as Deputy Governor and COO at JBIC, where he led global operations supporting infrastructure, energy, and export financing.

Earlier in his career, he held multiple senior posts within Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF), including Director-General of the Financial Bureau, Commissioner of the National Tax Agency, and Deputy Vice Minister for International Affairs. He also served as Executive Director at the World Bank and as Executive Assistant to the Prime Minister of Japan.

Governor Hayashi holds an LLB from the University of Tokyo and began his public service in 1980. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing financial stability, development cooperation, and international economic dialogue.

André Küüsvek
President and CEO, Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)

Exclusive Roundtable: Financial & development challenges with development banks

André Küüsvek has served as President and CEO of the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) since 2021. NIB is the international financial institution of the Nordic and Baltic countries, with a balance sheet of EUR 45 billion and a mission to finance projects that enhance productivity and support environmental sustainability across the region.

Prior to joining NIB, André spent 25 years at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where he held senior leadership roles including Managing Director and Director for Capital Markets and Local Currencies. He also served as Country Head for Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and was a member of the institution’s key strategic and financial committees.

He began his career in commercial banking in Estonia and Germany, and has served on more than 30 supervisory boards across the financial and infrastructure sectors. A graduate of Tallinn University of Technology, Estonian Business School, and the Stockholm School of Economics, André currently chairs the Supervisory Board of Tallinn Airport.

Manlio Di Stefano
Senior Strategic Advisor & Director for EMEA, Axiom Space

Space as a new frontier for the development of central Eastern Europe 

Manlio Di Stefano is Senior Strategic Advisor and Director for EMEA at Axiom Space, where he plays a key role in strengthening the company’s international presence and strategic partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to joining Axiom, he served in the Italian Parliament from 2013 to 2022, including as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister Delegate for Trade.

During his tenure at the Foreign Ministry, he oversaw international trade and investment promotion, energy cooperation, innovation, digitalisation, and international space initiatives—representing Italy at G7 and G20 summits. He also led the Five Star Movement in the Foreign Affairs Commission and contributed to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, chairing the Sub-Committee on Refugee and Migrant Children and Young People.

A graduate in Computer Engineering from the University of Palermo, Manlio began his career in IT and business consulting with Accenture. He is also active in development cooperation, having volunteered in Africa and Central America with the Italian NGO Amka Onlus.

Pete Giambastiani
Vice President, Global Government Relations, GE Aerospace

Pete Giambastiani is Vice President of Global Government Relations at GE Aerospace, a global leader in jet and turboprop engines and aircraft systems, employing over 45,000 people worldwide. He leads the company’s engagement with the U.S. government—including Congress, federal agencies, and think tanks—as well as with European institutions through GE Aerospace’s Brussels operations. He also heads the company’s Washington, D.C. office.

Prior to joining GE Aerospace in 2021, Pete served as Vice President of Washington Operations at Textron Inc., advising senior leadership and overseeing the company’s government affairs strategy. Earlier, he held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, including Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, where he managed high-level legislative campaigns and Senate confirmations.

A former U.S. Navy officer and congressional chief of staff, Pete is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an MBA from George Mason University. He is a recipient of the Defense Department’s Medal for Distinguished Public Service

Konstantin Eggert Hon MBE
Russian Affairs Analyst, Deutsche Welle

Konstantin Eggert Hon MBE is a prominent Russian affairs analyst at Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, where he also hosts Trending, a Russian-language interview program. With a career spanning international journalism, media leadership, and strategic communications, he is a recognized voice on Russian politics and global affairs.

Previously, he served as a host and commentator at TV Rain—Russia’s leading independent television channel—and as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Kommersant FM radio. From 1998 to 2009, he worked for the BBC World Service, including seven years as Moscow Bureau Chief for the BBC Russian Service. He also held a corporate role as Vice-President for Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Russia.

Konstantin began his career in print media in the early 1990s and is a summa cum laude graduate of the Moscow University Institute of Asian and African Studies. He was awarded the MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merits by President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania