World Trade Centers Association Names Robin van Puyenbroeck as Executive Director-Business Development
NEW YORK, NY – June 3, 2020 – The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), an international non-profit trade association with member “World Trade Centers” around the world, has named Robin van Puyenbroeck as its new Executive Director-Business Development.
Mr. van Puyenbroeck has more than 20 years’ experience in international business development, corporate strategy, and non-profit leadership. He most recently served as Vice President-Business Development for Ethan Allen Global, based in Danbury, Connecticut, where he effectively managed and grew a network of international licensees and developed strategies for building B2B contact business.
Previously, Mr. van Puyenbroeck was a partner at Strategy XXI Partners and Executive Director of Global Partnerships Forum in New York, International Coordinator for The Pearl Initiative in the United Arab Emirates, and a corporate banker for the ING Group, where he worked in a variety of management and analyst positions in New York, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Toronto. Mr. van Puyenbroeck began his career as an attorney for the Ernst & Young law firm in Brussels, and he holds J.D. and LL.M degrees in international law from Ghent University and Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.
Mr. van Puyenbroeck has leadership experience in the IGO/NGO sector, including his current roles as Under-Secretary-General for the EUCLID Intergovernmental Organization, and as Executive Vice President & Treasurer of the United Nations Association of New York. He speaks five languages (Dutch, English, French, Spanish and German) and has traveled extensively on business in Europe, the Middle East, Central and Greater Asia, and North America.
WTCA’s Chairman, John E. Drew, said the association selected Mr. van Puyenbroeck “based on his successful experience in developing effective global business operations and licensing partnerships, including working with project developers, and implementing innovative strategies for expanding and promoting an international global brand.” Mr. Drew said Mr. van Puyenbroeck “has an excellent track record in creating partnerships, and supporting and growing a network of international licensees, which will help ensure the WTCA’s continuing relevance in the ever changing world of international trade and project development.”
“I am excited about joining the association’s global team and working with its Board of Directors and Regional Advisory Councils to strengthen and expand the WTCA’s network of members; there is tremendous potential,” said Mr. van Puyenbroeck. “I have long been familiar with ‘World Trade Center’ as a trusted global brand facilitating international business connections. I believe that now, more than ever, the mission and role of the WTCA and its members are critical for promoting international trade and investment in our global economy.”
Founded in 1969, the World Trade Centers Association has grown from 15 original members to more than 320 members who are licensed by the WTCA to operate “World Trade Center” branded facilities in more than 90 countries.
Mr. van Puyenbroeck will assume his Executive Director-Business Development responsibilities on June 15 at WTCA’s headquarters in New York. He will join Arun Manansingh, WTCA’s Executive Director-Corporate Services, and Joanne Thelmo, WTCA’s Corporate Counsel, in leading the Headquarters and regional staff operations.
MEDIA CONTACT:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org
About World Trade Centers Association
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 325 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more visit www.wtca.org.