Biography

Robin van Puyenbroeck is an experienced and purpose-driven leader in international business development and partnerships strategy with a background in law, finance, and communications. He is a highly effective brand builder, networker and communicator who firmly believes in ethical leadership and in doing things right. He is respected as a credible voice in building successful partnerships and in international strategy. Mr. van Puyenbroeck is recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and as a creative and out-of-the-box thinker. Core strengths include his capacity to challenge the status quo, to bring complex matters into a coherent whole and to bring innovative perspectives and solutions to business challenges. He thrives sharing his experience in intercultural understanding.

Currently, as Executive Director Business Development at the World Trade Centers Association, an international trade association with over 300 WTCs in nearly 100 countries, Mr. van Puyenbroeck is responsible for growing the organization's global footprint and serves as its spokesperson. He led the successful creation of global partnerships with various organizations such as the U.S. Commercial Service, UN Global Compact and Afreximbank, and created earned media opportunities as a sought-after commentator on topics of international trade with recognized appearances such as on NASDAQ, CNBC Africa, Newzroom Afrika, Business Day TV, CCTV and FT’s fDi Intelligence. His current work centers around creating opportunities for SMEs with a strong pivot to Africa.

Previously, as Vice President, Mr. van Puyenbroeck led global business development and relationship management for Ethan Allen Global. During his time, he created commercial partnerships with Disney, Amazon and Margaritaville and was a driving force to develop the wholesale contract and hospitality business. Before joining Ethan Allen, he counseled on strategy that required a deep appreciation of global markets and geopolitical context. Earlier he rose through the ranks of ING Group’s Global Management Program transitioning from business management to finance. He began his career as an attorney with Ernst & Young Law. He speaks Dutch, English, French, Spanish and German.

He is passionate about sustainable business practices, global affairs and education and serves on several Boards of Directors including the United Nations Association NY, as EVP & Treasurer, the Klokhuis Dutch International School and on the Executive Board of Euclid University, where he is also a senior lecturer in global affairs. Mr. van Puyenbroeck currently serves on US EXIM Bank's Council on Small Business where he chairs the “Changing Perception” Subcommittee advising on the bank’s narrative. At home in New York, Mr. van Puyenbroeck is Co-Chair of World Trade Week, hosted by the NYC District Export Council and the USCS. He is also actively engaged with USAfrica Housing Finance, an organization focused on creating affordable housing opportunities in Africa.

Mr. van Puyenbroeck holds an LLM in International Law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and a Master of Law from Ghent University (Belgium). He holds Certificates in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School and in Global Affairs from New York University.