In the fast-evolving landscape of digitalization and technology policy, these distinguished individuals stand as beacons of expertise and influence within the European Union and the broader global arena. As thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates, they collectively contribute to the dialogue and decisions that will define the digital era for Europe and beyond. Explore their profiles below to gain insight into their remarkable contributions to the digitalization and technology policy landscape. Return to the main list here.
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl – Director General of DIGITALEUROPE
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl is the Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, the leading trade association shaping Europe’s digital transformation. With over 25 years of ICT industry experience, she plays a vital role in various European Commission forums and initiatives. She is a key member of the Stakeholder Cybersecurity Certification Group of ENISA and serves on the Board of Directors of Gaia-X. Cecilia’s global impact extends to her role in NATO’s Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies and the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence. In 2023, she received the Ukraine Peace Prize for DIGITALEUROPE’s support during the conflict.
Tasos Stampelos – Head of EU Public Policy at Mozilla
A notable figure in digital public policy and government relations, currently leading Mozilla’s EU-level efforts. Tasos brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked for prominent organizations like the LEGO Group and Delivery Hero, where he played pivotal roles in shaping global public policy agendas and representing these companies. His expertise spans diverse fields such as innovation, technology, data protection, FinTech, and sustainability. Tasos is undoubtedly a key player in shaping the regulatory landscape at the intersection of technology, business, and government.
Angeliki Dedopoulou – Public Policy Manager at Meta
Angeliki leads the charge in policy and government affairs for Artificial Intelligence and Fintech within Meta’s EU Affairs team. Her passion lies in advancing innovation and the societal impact of AI, and she actively collaborates with a diverse array of stakeholders, from policymakers to industry associations, civil society, and academia, to advocate for a balanced and supportive policy framework. Angeliki also serves on the Board of the Hellenic Blockchain Hub and contributes to the Education and AI Ethics Group at AI4EU, Europe’s AI-on-Demand Platform, where she helps develop and promote best practices and initiatives in AI and blockchain. With her extensive expertise and dedication to technology and policy, Angeliki Dedopoulou is a key figure in shaping the future of AI and Fintech in Europe.
Dimitar Lilkov – Senior Research Officer at Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies
On the digital frontier, Dimitar delves into topics like emerging European regulations in the online sphere, privacy, countering disinformation, and technological competition with the People’s Republic of China. Notably, Dimitar wears the hat of the host for the Martens Centre’s influential Brussels Bytes podcast, where he engages with key stakeholders and experts on technology and EU policy. With a background that includes roles in the EU Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament, Dimitar brings a wealth of experience to the table. He holds a Master’s Degree in Politics and Government in the EU from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in International Relations from Sofia University. Currently, he is working toward a PhD at the European Studies Department of Sofia University, with a specific research focus on the decision-making dynamics within the Council of the EU.
Roberto Viola – Director General at DG CONNECT European Commission
A highly accomplished professional with a rich background in electronic engineering and telecommunications. He plays a key role in shaping European policies in electronic communications. Before joining the European Commission, Roberto was Secretary General of AGCOM, Italy’s media and telecom regulator, from 2005 to 2012. He has also chaired and been a member of several European regulatory groups. His extensive experience as well as academic achievements highlight his significant contributions to the telecommunications and digital policy landscape in Europe.
Victoria de Posson – Secretary General at European Tech Alliance
Victoria de Posson’s role at EUTA involves leading policy and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting European tech innovation, investments, and competitiveness. Victoria is also responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations. Prior to her current position, she worked with CCIA Europe and FTI Consulting, where she collaborated with Fortune 500 companies on EU public policy strategy. Her diverse professional background includes roles at Samsung Electronics, Burson Marsteller and the European Parliament. She is actively involved in projects dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women.
Andrea Renda – Director of Research at Centre for European Policy Studies
Distinguished expert in global governance, regulation, innovation, and the digital economy. As a Senior Research Fellow, he leads the CEPS Unit on these critical topics. Andrea is also an Adjunct Professor of Digital Policy at the European University Institute, where he teaches courses on emerging technologies and AI policy. He actively contributes to executive training programs and research projects, including blockchain and the future of work. His insights are valued globally, with advisory roles for institutions like the European Commission, the European Parliament, the OECD, and the World Bank.
Luca Cassetti – Secretary General at Ecommerce Europe
Secretary General of the European umbrella association representing more than 25,000 companies in Europe selling products and/or services online to consumers. With over 9 years of experience in the Ecommerce field, he plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating the association’s public affairs team and activities. He is a graduate of the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, with a specialization in European Policies and Management.
Iverna McGowan – Secretary General & Director and Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe
Iverna McGowan is a distinguished human rights and gender equality advocate, currently serving as the Secretary General & Europe Director at the Centre for Democracy & Technology. She has earned recognition as one of the most influential women in EU policy and law making, known for amplifying the voices of human rights victims in Brussels. She is a respected commentator on technology’s impact on society, human rights, EU foreign policy, and gender equality, contributing to media outlets such as Euronews, CNN, BBC, RTE, and Reuters. She advocates for incorporating international human rights standards into technology-related law and policy.
Aida Ponce Del Castillo – Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute
A certified privacy professional and Data Protection Officer (DPO) at ETUI since 2018, Aída combines her legal acumen with strategic foresight to offer legal and regulatory analyses of various emerging technologies, including AI, workplace algorithms, blockchain, nanotechnology, and the convergence of Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno technologies. Her research within ETUI’s Foresight Unit delves into strategic foresight and the legal, ethical, social, and regulatory dimensions of emerging technologies. Aída actively contributes to shaping policies on nanomaterials as a member of the Competent Authorities Sub-Group under the European Commission. She is also engaged in OECD’s important initiatives, participating in the Working Party for ‘Bio, Nano, and Convergent Technologies’ and ‘AI Governance.’
Gonçalo Carriço – Head of Digital Public Policy, EU Corporate Affairs at Grupo Santander
Gonçalo is a professional with a strong passion for the convergence of politics and digital technology. His educational background includes studies in Computer Engineering in Lisbon and EU Policy-Making in Brussels. Prior to his current position, Gonçalo represented AT&T in Brussels and worked as a Political Adviser at the European People’s Party. He has authored works on topics such as The EU’s Digital Transformation, The Free Flow of Data, Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence, and Artificial Intelligence.
Raquel Jorge Ricart – Technology, Digital and Cyber Policy Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute
Raquel Jorge Ricart specializes in technology and digital policy as well as global affairs. Her career spans various roles where she has actively contributed to the fields of technology, digital policy, and cybersecurity. She played a pivotal role in the planning process of the National Strategy on Technology and Global Order, which marked Spain’s first-ever approach to technology diplomacy. She has served as an independent expert consultant for the European Commission, where she mapped strategic technology policies across the EU. She specializes in the European Union’s digital agenda, the impact of disruptive technologies on the power dynamics between the EU, China, and the United States, and the adaptation of multilateralism and multi-stakeholderism in the modern technological era.
