The Role of Innovation in the Transition

Marc is an internet pioneer that launched the very first broadband/fibre/fast internet in 7 European countries (with his own co-founded unicorn startup, Chello NV, funded by Liberty and Bill Gates/Microsoft) and also in the UK (as COO Broadband at BT). He also created and led a new investment bank boutique leader in Europe for technology (and ClimateTech) with over 450 fundings and M&A transactions. In particular he is behind the funding of fibre of Paris, 5G in Ireland, the 4 largest Electric Vehicle charging companies in Europe, first wind power large scale developer in Europe,… Marc is today leading a new startup (a $1.5bn public/private investment startup) that is developing the largest manufacturer and solar technology company in the west (USA, Canada, …) And he has an investment bank boutique office helping international ClimateTech companies and projects raise financing. He sits on the board and advisory board of a few deeptech and climatetech companies.

Andrea Castaño de la Torre is an Economist with a Master’s degree in Economics and Social Policy from the University of Oxford. She serves as a Gender Specialist in Inclusive Economics and Finance, and is the Global Coordinator for UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for the Private Sector. With over 15 years of experience in gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, Andrea previously worked as a consultant for the International Labour Organization (ILO), an advisor to the Colombian Minister of Labor, Minister of Social Protection and Health, and the Presidency of the National Congress in the "Legal Empowerment of the Poor" project.

With an 18 year career in Private Banking, both in Jersey and London, Michelle has gained significant technical expertise as well as a comprehensive network of industry connections. She has led teams and projects throughout her various roles and latterly headed the business development function for a large Private Bank across the Channel Islands. Michelle started True, a sustainability business, in 2020 and she brings this experience to her role as Director and Chief Sustainability Officer, partnering with corporate clients on their sustainability journeys.

Silvia advises institutional investors, corporates, and the public sector on sustainable finance, risk, resilience, and insurance market dynamics. She has 20 years’ experience in the financial industry in commercial, strategic and operational roles, with global mandate. An international career based in London, New York, Hong Kong, Zürich, and interest in economic, environmental, geopolitical, technological and societal issues, Silvia’s career spans from advising executive leaders of FTSE 100 companies on their top risks by structuring and negotiating risk mitigation and transfer programs; to structuring ecosystems and negotiating strategic partnerships in new products, new markets, and distribution channels. Recently, Silvia held leadership roles at Aon and at HSBC groups. At Aon, she built Aon Climate, a global venture focused on sustainability and climate adaptation and transition.