Rise Women in Broadcast | EU Mentees and Mentors

About the Rise Mentoring Programme

Our award-winning Rise Mentoring Programme is a coveted six month programme to support women working in, or aspiring to work in the media technology sector.

The 2023 Mentoring Programme sees a variety of experienced broadcast media technology sector industry leaders, at a diversity of levels of seniority, ready to offer expertise, knowledge and guidance to our female Mentees.

A special thank you goes to our industry sponsors for 2023/24 as the programme is only made possible due their generous support.

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MATHILDE BONINO

Mathilde arrived in Brussels in 2019 and worked as International Project Manager for Memnon the previous 2 years, a company specializing in the digitalization, migration and preservation of audiovisual archives assets. She currently support Proximus Media House by analysing business needs in order to increase efficiency toward viewers and customers. She is passionate about exploration and has already travelled the world from Polynesia, New Zealand, Tokyo, Shanghai, Nepal and around Europe and also simply enjoys the good life with friends around a fresh glass of beer or wine.

MENTOR: Noëlle Prat, Co-Founder and Senior Consultant at MEDIAKERN

EMILIE LEMIERE FERET

Emilie has more than 15 years of experience in audiovisual and was an account manager in post-production for features and VFX. She was the Manager of the trailer department and Account manager mastering DCP. She has very good knowledge of post-production. She has played a role in the technical development and organization of processes. She also worked for two years at Eclair to improve the management of the DCP service on organization and finance. Emilie is passionate about her job and loves working on improving processes and difficult points to develop in an organization.

MENTOR: Benoît Rousseil, Sales Director SEUR at ROSS Video

ANNA BURGANOVA

Anna is an experienced professional in the fields of sports and broadcasting. She is looking for new challenges and is motivated to leverage multicultural professional experiences. Originally coming from Russia but has lived in 6 different countries, currently residing in Spain. She is passionate about sports in her professional and personal life, and is preparing for the Chicago marathon 2023.

MENTOR: Delphine Calvini, Manager of Broadcast Technology Soultions at BelN Sports

ASSUNÇÃO LOUREIRO

For over 20 years, Assunção Loureiro has dedicated her journey to the creation and management of brands, with a focus on content, entertainment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability. After graduating in Communication Sciences and working in PR and Strategy agencies for a couple of years, in 2005 she was challenged to launch FOX International and National Geographic Channels in Portugal (now The Walt Disney Company). It was a 10-year journey of building and leading one of the most competitive and profitable operations globally from scratch, with an amazing high-performing team, also responsible for the Portuguese speaking territories in Africa. In 2013, she founded Innpossible Dreams, the owner company for InnPossible Lisbon Hostel. Assunção then worked as a consultant for media groups with international operations before co-founding Beta-i in 2018, where she served as COO and focused on internationalizing the organization and enhancing its structure for transformative initiatives. In April 2020, Assunção took on the role of Director of Business Development and Sustainability at Oceanário de Lisboa, where she aimed to build a new business / brand dedicated to the ocean and sustainability. As the founder and CEO of SeaTheFuture since 2022, Assunção leads a platform that connects individuals with scientists, activists, enthusiasts, and volunteers involved in impact-driven, science-backed ocean conservation projects worldwide. She has also been actively mentoring various impact-driven startups addressing social and environmental challenges.

MENTEE: Johanna Posch, HR Business Partner at Bitmovin

BENOÎT ROUSSEIL

Benoit is an experienced sales professional with a solid experience in small and large organisation in the broadcast industry. Originally from Britany – France, he starts his carrier in Paris as Cameraman and video editor and moved to a sales role after an international trade schooling and an accounting and business management training at ESSEC business school. Passionate about fostering collaboration and achieving tangible outcomes, Benoit thrives in leading and motivating teams, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to organizational success. He firmly believes in cultivating long-term partnerships based on trust, mutual benefit, and customer service.

MENTEE: Emilie Lemiere Feret, Account Manager at Deluxe

DELPHINE CALVINI

Delphine Calvini is working in the broadcast domain since 1995 and had several positions in her carrier. Starting with an technical associate degree, she later obtained in 2016 a master of science in management granted in background from professional activities. Either on the vendor side when working for AVID, Philips, CANAL+ TECHNOLOGIES, EventIS or Broadpeak; either on the customer side when working CANALSATELLITE, CANAL or TV5MONDE, she has developed a wide technology knowledge but also some strong management skills. She even pursued an activity as an independent project manager for 2 years. Formerly CTO of beIN France in Paris, she moved in 2022 to the Head Quarter of the GROUP located in Qatar to participate to the Football World Cup. She is now leading the Broadcast engineering and support teams at a pivot moment when the domain is moving to cloud or hybrid architecture, and when the skills transition of the broadcast teams is crucial.

MENTEE: Anna Burganova, Customer Services and Booking Manager at Eurovision Services

DUSHI THANGARAJAH

Business leader, with hands-on operational service delivery experience to an array of entertainment clients. Underpinned by commercial, operational, transformation and delivery experience built during a career spanning automotive and aerospace engineering, consultancy, broadcast and the entertainment industry. Driver for diversity and inclusion within teams with a strong focus on positive collaborative engagement to deliver continuous improvement and excellent results.

MENTEE: Leora Glasgow, Production Manager at Red Bee Media

KATTY VAN MELE

Dynamic strategic & business development key executive with 20+ years of experience gained from working and living in Europe, Asia and the US. A history of generating fast revenue growth, enhancing global market share and developing innovative & comprehensive technology solutions. An enthusiastic, driven, proactive team leader with proven ability to build strong strategic relationships with both industry powerhouses and promising start-ups. Introducing new business models to the technology industry, negotiating favourable agreements / IPR licences, and leveraging a unique combination of executive, communication, networking, customer-oriented, and hands-on expertise. Previous to joining intoPIX and the Broadcast industry 13 years ago, Katty joined the technology industry in key roles in Business Development with video traffic detection algorithm specialist Traficon (later acquired by Teledyne FLIR) and as Director Strategic Alliances for Semiconductor IP licensing with the Belgian ESD technology division of Sarnoff Corporation (now SRI). However, she started her career outside of the technology sector in International Sales and Marketing after graduating with an MA in International Relations & Economics from The Johns Hopkins University – SAIS. “I had the unique chance of working with a few very seasoned executives in different European countries when I first hit the “international sales” job market. They took me by the hand and shared their experience, not minding I was the first female to dip my toes in their closely-knit all-boys world. Not a day goes by where I do not benefit from their wisdom and tutoring, allowing me to find my own passion and voice. I am excited to join the RISE Program as a Mentor, and hope to make a difference for a new generation of women in our exciting technology industry, and in turn help them to find their passion too”.

MENTEE: Linda Toukabri Chibani, Product Owner/Manager

LARISSA GÖRNER-MEEUS

Larissa Görner-Meeus is Chief Technology Officer at Proximus Media House, a 100% affiliate of Proximus group, the largest Telco in Belgium. She joined the broadcasting industry in 2001 and started her carrier as R&D engineer at IRT, the R&D institute of the public broadcasters in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In this role, she was an active contributor in standardization at EBU and SMPTE and later took on the role as General Manager for contracted research. In 2014, she joined Net Insight where she has been part of the CTO team developing strategic solutions and products with a major focus on WAN applications such as remote production, distributed production and cloud production. She joined Grass Valley in 2019 as Director for Advanced Live solutions and further as Senior Director of Product Management for Grass Valley’s Cloud platform AMPP, Playout and Asset Management. For more than 18 years she has been an active freelancer in live-production and technical operation at national and international sport productions and events, like the Olympic Games or the Eurovision Song Contest. She holds a master degree in electrical engineering and a MBA and has been an active member of the board of directors of AIMS – Alliance for IP Media Services and of FKTG, has been the Co-Chair of the SMPTE Advisory Board for Media in the Cloud and became the honour of becoming a SMPTE fellow in 2022. She holds several awards, like the “ARD ZDF Award for Women in Technology” and the “Technology Women to Watch” Award. Larissa initiated the the Rise Program to Europe in 2022 and is Program Manager and Member of the European Rise board. Next to that, Larissa has contributed numerous articles and papers and is a frequent speaker at Industry Events. She is a strong advocate for diversity and rejuvenation of the broadcast sector and is proud to be mentor for the Rise Mentoring Program since 2022.

MENTEE: Tanja Tix, Digital Asset Coordinator at Moonbug Entertainment

MACIEJ BRAL

Creative leader & strategist always at the forefront of rapid expansion or change, driven by market dynamics, or M&A. Experienced in managing both business and consultancy in media (incl. diverse business lines: licensing – consumer products, publishing, theatrical), FMCG, ceramic tile, banking, waste management and retail sectors. Passionate about neurodivergence within workforce. International exposure and strong focus on people & talent – teams of up to 98% retention rate, high efficiency: 150% vs. other regions – 20 nationalities, 3 continents, 16 countries, 7 locations: Warsaw, London, Johannesburg, Bucharest, Dubai, Budapest, Istanbul, Moscow.

MENTEE: Margarita Ilina, Programme Planner at Viaplay Group

MARIANNE CARPENTIER

Marianne Carpentier is currently Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Newen Studios, Group TF1, where she has worked since 2015. She has a strong background in innovation and digital transformation in the media and entertainment markets, having previously worked in IT business, Media & Publishing companies, Animation & Video Game production. At Newen Studios, Marianne played a key role in the implementation of innovative projects, such as the deployment of a Media Asset Management system, a data management platform for productions or advanced filming technologies using AI. She also led the creation and launch of the first European audiovisual metaverse at the Cannes Film Festival 2022. Marianne is passionate about innovation and the impact of technology on society. She is a member of several think tanks on the subjects of web3, metavers and AI, and regularly speaks at conferences on these subjects. Marianne is also invested in promoting gender equality and diversity in the technology and media industry, as a member of the Fifty-Fifty committee of the TF1 Group and as a founding sponsor of the Immersion cinema operation in Marseille (promotion of diversity on screens).

MENTEE: Sarah Méligne, Business Development & Innovation Director at Bedrock Streaming

MARLENE NEUBERGER

Marlene Neuberger was born in 1982 in Göttingen, Germany. She studied film, theater and media studies at the universities of Erlangen and Mainz. From 2008-2014, she worked as a freelance TV production manager for ZDF and SWR in Mainz and simultaneously studied cultural and media management by distance learning at the Hamburg University of Music and Drama. In 2016, she became a permanent production manager at SWR. In 2018, Marlene took over as head of post-production in Mainz. Since 2020, she has headed the main Event and Acquisition department within the Directorate of Technology and Production. Her main department combines the areas of camera, the technical staff in SWR's regional and foreign studios, as well as the areas of event technology, make-up, costume and props. She leads the team of five department heads in times of digital transformation of the SWR media house.

MENTEE: Jin Soon Brancalhao, Sr. Technical Marketing Manager at G&L

MÄRTA RYDBECK

Märta Rydbeck is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in the media and tech industry. Märta's journey in the media sector began at Eurosport in Paris where she started as Distribution Affiliate Manager for the Nordics and Poland. She was promoted Managing Director of Eurosport in the Nordic region in 1996, a role she held for 11 years, and led the development of the channel including localised language versions, marketing and affiliate sales. From early 2007 she joined TV4 as Director of Distribution taking the affiliate sales revenues of TV4 to a whole new level. After having spent one year at Red Bee Media (formerly Ericsson Broadcast Services) she launched her own consulting company in 2013. Since then Märta has held various executive positions in the content, localisation and more tech driven businesses, whether large corporations or smaller startups. Most recently she integrated with Clipsource, a SaaS platform for B2B PR/Communications. Her ability to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities has led to significant business growth and success. With her forward-thinking mindset, she successfully led teams through complex technological advancements, paving the way for new business models and revenue streams. Her leadership style, characterized by a strong focus on collaboration and fostering a culture of creativity, has been instrumental in building high-performing teams and driving organizational success. Märta's accomplishments extend beyond her professional roles. She has actively contributed to industry associations and advisory boards, sharing her expertise and shaping industry standards. In addition to her career achievements, Märta is known for her commitment to mentorship and talent development. She has supported and mentored aspiring professionals, helping them navigate their own career paths and achieve their goals. With her extensive experience in the media and tech business, Märta Rydbeck continues to be a respected figure in the industry. Her strategic insights, ability to embrace change, and passion for innovation make her a valuable asset to any organization she is a part of.

MENTEE: Jihane Lammate, Software Engineer at Accedo

MICHAEL GAMBÖCK

I am working with Adobe video partners worldwide. I do liaise directly with them to develop a strategic partnership to drive value for our joined customers. I do consult closely with Adobe product management, engineering, sales, marketing, and management to support the growth of Creative Cloud Video products. I actively working on upcoming products and services with the support of our partners. I am in the industry since 1994 in sales, marketing and management roles at organizations including Bavaria Film, Studio Babelsberg TMT, Annova, Getty Images, Avid, P+S Technik and others and have a deep understanding of all aspects of the Media and Entertainment industry. I managed several big innovative projects before and was a managing director for one of the biggest post-production facilities in Germany before joining Adobe. I am passionate about the Media industry, especially the people. Working within my network of creativity, technology & businesspeople is extremely rewarding. As the father of an eleven-year-old girl, I want to help to change things actively. That’s why I am a board member of Rise and of Adobe diversity team. I am passionate about diversity, inclusion, and creativity. Teams can only be successful if they are making these to their priorities.

MENTEE: Filippa Norrbin, Global Channel Partner Program Manager at Net Insight

NOËLLE PRAT

Noëlle PRAT is a veteran media industry professional with 20+ years’ International Technology Sales Management experience, spanning system integrators, service providers and global leading Tech brands, selling strategic solutions and services to major Broadcast, Media & Entertainment Players internationally. She co-founded France based consultancy MEDIAKERN 5 years ago, through which she supports Media Technology Solution Vendors in their growth plans and go to market activities. She also consults for End Users as they try to find their ways in the maze of changing Business Models. In an industry transforming at fast pace, she defines herself as playing a Dot Connector’s role facilitating Technical and Business Change. In 2022, she joined the RISE European initiative to broaden RISE’s spectrum in continental Europe, as one of the founding members of the European Advisory Board and as such she leads the onboarding of Technology Partners & Sponsors.

MENTEE: Mathilde Bonino, Business Analyst / Project Manager at SteepConsult / Proximus Media House

REMI ABAYOMI

Remi Abayomi is a seasoned senior executive in IT, Broadcast Operations, and Engineering management. With a successful career spanning several prestigious organisations, Remi has consistently delivered exceptional results in project management, team leadership, and cost-saving initiatives. Throughout his professional journey, Remi has spearheaded operations for TV networks across Europe, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. He has a strong track record of modernising and streamlining business operations while fostering highly skilled and motivated teams. Remi's intrapreneurial spirit has been a driving force in his career. He has been at the forefront of innovative technologies, such as VPN technology for centralising software applications, digital media asset management, and 'channel in a box' transmission technology in the broadcasting industry. In addition to his operational expertise, Remi has extensive experience in client-facing roles, in sales, negotiations, and building valuable international industry contacts. His skills in team leadership, international management, cost-saving strategies, negotiation, and budgetary control are complemented by his resilience, resourcefulness, and dynamic approach to corporate opportunities. Currently, Remi serves as a media consultant and acts as the Chief Technology Officer for SEE Space Arena, where he is leading the development of the first in-orbit space studio. He also engages in international business development for Inn-Media, securing a multi-year contract with the British Film Institute, and advises Lounges.TV, a new live-streaming platform. Throughout his career, Remi has held prominent positions in renowned companies. As the Senior Director of Operations at A+E Networks UK, he successfully reorganised operations, and built stronger supplier partnerships. At Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), Remi served as the VP of Technical Services, overseeing a wide range of functions, including engineering, application services, infrastructure, and support services. Remi's career also includes significant roles at MTV International, Nickelodeon UK, FOX KIDS EUROPE, and the NETHOLD Group. At each organisation, he achieved milestones, such as launching new channels, implementing digital asset management and VPN technologies, together with reducing operational costs through innovative solutions. In addition to his professional achievements, Remi is actively involved in various initiatives. He co-founded Yomita LLP, an online leave management system, and organised technology networking events as part of Technology Pathfinders. He has provided technology and digital advice to the Notting Hill Housing Trust and has been a voluntary mentor for international MBA students at Westminster University. Outside of work, Remi enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing his interests in sailing, photography/art, cinema, reading, and travel. His diverse experiences, passion for innovation, and dedication to continuous learning have shaped him into a versatile and accomplished professional in the media industry.

MENTEE: Sanna Tornivaara, Head of mediatechnology at YLE

SERGE VAN HERCK

Serge Van Herck (representing a BV) holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Ghent and an MBA degree from the Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School in Belgium. Serge has more than 25 years of experience in the broadcast and satellite industry and over 10 years of experience as CEO, having worked for various market leading companies such as Newtec, Accenture and Belgacom (now Proximus). Before joining Newtec in 2003 he served for two years as Senior Manager in the Communications and High Tech practice of Accenture in Brussels. In 2003, he became Newtec’s Director Business Development for Asia and General Manager of Skyware, a former subsidiary of Newtec in Germany. He was appointed CEO and Chairman of the Board of Newtec on March 1st 2006 and left the company in 2017. He transformed and successfully grew the company from a regional niche player selling broadcast modulators to a widely recognized industry leader setting standards and selling complex satellite network solutions across the globe. In 2008, he joined the WTA (World Teleport Association) and ESOA (European Satellite Operator Association) as a board member. He also served as a board member at VOKA (Flanders' Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Agoria (Belgium's largest employers' organization and trade association).

MENTEE: Catherine Stroobants, Program Manager at intoPIX

STEPHAN HEIMBECHER

Stephan Heimbecher (born 1967) has joined SWR Südwestrundfunk in November 2021 and is leading the new ARD Competence Center Production & Infrastructure. Since June 2021 he also acts as the chairman of the EBU Strategic Programme Smart Media Production. Previously, Stephan Heimbecher was Founder & Managing Director of his own consultancy firm, Heimbecher – In media’s res. Before that he was at Imagine Communications as Senior Director Advisory Services EMEA & APAC looking after Imagine Advisory Services, which stand by broadcast clients as a partner during technical and non-technical business transitions – e.g. in the context of IP Migration. From 2002 to 2018 he was working at Sky Deutschland (formerly Premiere) as Director Innovations & Standards in Technology, where he took care of representing Sky on national and international committees, technical work with major Hollywood studios plus technical innovation management tasks within Sky Deutschland. At Sky Stephan Heimbecher has significantly been involved in the launch of some technical innovations including Sky+ (PVR), Sky HD, Sky 3D and at last Sky UHD. The electrical engineering graduate began his career as research associate at the Institut für Rundfunktechnik (IRT) where he worked on audio coding. Since 1997 he has dedicated his work at IRT to the standardisation of Digital TV before joining Top5 MediaConnection in 2001 (a company of the former KirchGruppe) as manager within the consulting department. In the course of his career Stephan Heimbecher was active in different Industry Groups and Standards Bodies and also chaired various working groups, amongst others DVB (Member of the Steering Board), German TV Platform (Member of the Board, working group chairman), FAME (Co-chairman) and UHD Alliance (Chairman of the Broadcast Group).

MENTEE: Kerstin Ebert, Sr Software Quality Engineer at Adobe

MARIE-LOUISE HANNING

Experienced Senior Manager with focus on enabling customer success for Operators in deployments of Net Insight's synchronization solution in 5G networks. Contributes on accounts as trusted advisor with great interest in a broad range of areas: 5G rollout, Network assurance, Cloud production, IP network operation, service-development, automation, software adoption and technical leadership.

MENTEE: Kärt Künnapas, Acquisition Manager at TV3 Group

STEFAN WEIDNER

Stefan is a seasoned, internationally experienced, Sales leader with 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry under his belt. His career has been built of a strong technical background and took him through various different roles all the way from operational roles through Tech support and Project Management to Sales. He started his career back in 1992 at a public broadcaster from where he transitioned to Avid Technology Central Europe taking on a role as Technical Support Engineer. Stefan spent 11 years at Avid where he, amongst other roles, built up the Professional Services Team before he led the Enterprise Sales Team for Central Europe. Next steps in his career included Sales leadership position at Harris Broadcast which is Imagine Communications today as well as Rohde & Schwarz where he held a global Sales position.x

MENTEE: Annika Kimpel,Partner Manager at Arvato Systems Digital

Become a Rise Member

Membership to Rise is free and is open to everyone working across, or aspiring to work in, the broadcast and media technology sector.

As part of our community, you will be invited to all of our networking events / conferences / panels, as well as be asked to nominate your colleagues in our annual Rise Awards.

Each member is invited to apply for our annual Mentoring Programme and we are always looking for volunteers for our Rise Up Academy programme and for contributors to our reports too.

Please follow our social media channels for the most up to date and relevant news – we can’t wait to see you soon!

ABOUT RISE

EVENTS

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

UK MENTEES AND MENTORS 2023

EU MENTEES AND MENTORS 2023

NA MENTEES AND MENTORS 2023

APAC MENTEES AND MENTORS 2023

ANZ MENTEES AND MENTORS 2023

RISE C-SUITE PROGRAMME

RISE ACADEMY

EU Mentees and Mentors 2023

About the Rise Mentoring Programme

Apply to join the global 2024 cohort of the Rise Mentoring Programme

EU Mentees 2023

JOHANNA POSCH

JIN SOON BRANCALHAO

CATHERINE STROOBANTS

LINDA TOUKABRI CHIBANI

MATHILDE BONINO

KERSTIN EBERT

LOUISE LINDBERG

KÄRT KÜNNAPAS

SANNA TORNIVAARA

EMILIE LEMIERE FERET

SARAH MÉLIGNE

TANJA TIX

LEORA GLASGOW