I am at the helm of Project ARIEN, a three-year initiative focused on harnessing Artificial Intelligence in fighting illicit drugs production and trafficking. This undertaking demands a profound level of responsibility and expertise. Notably, I have assumed the role of coordinator for the Slovenian consortium. Concurrently, I hold the position of Head of the Brand Protection Department at ICS.

As a strategic advisor to the Board of Directors, I proactively shape the company's course in line with its vision and objectives. Leveraging my extensive knowledge of illicit trade and industries dynamics, I remain vigilant about various trends, enabling me to contribute to the development of highly impactful strategies that foster our shared success.Furthermore, I am involved in Project ATTENTION!, a groundbreaking initiative focused on building an AI-empowered system for the detection and persecution of illicit trade. My active engagement and expertise in this project combined with RisikoTek strengths are contributing to the generation of innovative solutions aimed at tackling the challenges associated with illegal trade practices.

My specialised area of expertise covers a wide range of advice, from effective brand protection to active involvement in the prevention of illicit trade and counterfeiting. We take an in-depth approach to managing intellectual property challenges and ensuring lasting brand protection.

Established and led the Center of Expertise on global, regional, and local investigations for Philip Morris International. Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of business needs and collaborated with all relevant departments to streamline processes, establishing efficient procedures and guidelines for project management. Provided coaching, training, and full support in areas such as recruitment, project management, and external consultant handling.Key Achievements:Center of Expertise Establishment: Created and developed the Center of Expertise focused on global, regional, and local investigations for Philip Morris International, ensuring a centralized and efficient approach to investigations.Process Streamlining: Collaborated with relevant departments to understand business needs and streamline processes, establishing effective procedures and guidelines for project management.Coaching and Training: Provided valuable coaching and training to team members, enhancing their skills in recruitment, project management, and external consultant handling.Full Support: Offered comprehensive support in various areas, ensuring the smooth execution of key processes and initiatives.

Results-oriented professional entrusted with the responsibility of managing projects aimed at reducing illicit trade with tobacco products in highly affected regions within the EEMA (Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa) area. Collaborates closely with international organizations, local entities, and other relevant bodies dedicated to combating counterfeiting and illegal trade. Led a pioneering pilot project at PMI that employed a holistic approach, integrating investigation techniques and fostering comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Recognized with the prestigious PMI Recognition for Excellence Award for exemplary performance and outstanding contributions.Key Achievements:Project Management: Successfully managed projects targeting the reduction of illicit trade in tobacco products, addressing critical areas within the EEMA region.Collaborative Partnerships: Fostered close working relationships with international organizations, local entities, and other relevant stakeholders committed to combating counterfeiting and illegal trade.PMI Pilot Project: Led a groundbreaking pilot project at PMI that employed a holistic approach, incorporating investigation techniques and engaging a wide range of stakeholders.Stakeholder Engagement: Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to engage stakeholders at all levels, ensuring their active involvement in combating illicit trade.Recognition for Excellence: Received the prestigious PMI Recognition for Excellence Award in recognition of exemplary project leadership and outcomes.

Experienced professional leading a high-performing team responsible for delivering accurate and actionable intelligence data to enable effective law enforcement interventions. Directly managing projects across multiple countries, including Bulgaria, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey. Demonstrated expertise in conducting comprehensive trainings that enable local law enforcement to detect counterfeit cigarettes, having trained over 500 participants in Greece in 2013. Spearheaded a strategic project aimed at curbing illicit container inflow from Asia and China to Europe, managing a cross-functional team across Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Morocco, and the UAE. Previously based in Belgrade, Serbia from 2009 to 2011, combating illicit trade in the broader Balkans region.Key Achievements:Head of a team delivering accurate and actionable intelligence data for law enforcement agencies, facilitating effective operations.Successfully managed projects across multiple countries, ensuring seamless coordination and achieving project objectives.Conducted comprehensive trainings for over 500 local law enforcement participants in Greece, enhancing their ability to identify counterfeit cigarettes.Led a strategic project aimed at curbing the inflow of illicit containers from Asia and China to Europe, overseeing a cross-departmental team spanning multiple locations.Established a strong presence in Belgrade, Serbia, contributing to the fight against illicit trade in the wider Balkans area.

Results-driven executive with a proven track record of leading and managing global operations in the largest Duty Free border shops business. Expertly orchestrated the successful transformation and closure of the business following Romania's accession to the European Union in 2006. A strategic thinker with a strong focus on setting and achieving objectives, driving sales volumes, and surpassing financial targets. Demonstrates exceptional analytical acumen and leverages expert market knowledge to implement corrective measures in response to competitive activities. Established and enhanced business reporting functions on a global scale, earning recognition with the prestigious PMI Recognition for Excellence Award.Key Achievements:Led the global operations of the largest Duty Free border shops business, overseeing diverse functions and ensuring seamless execution.Orchestrated the transformation and closure of the business following Romania's accession to the European Union, demonstrating effective change management and strategic decision-making.Developed and executed strategic objectives to drive sales volumes and exceed financial targets.Leveraged in-depth market knowledge to implement corrective measures and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.Established and enhanced business reporting functions for the Duty Free Department, optimizing operational efficiency and decision-making processes.Recognized with the esteemed PMI Recognition for Excellence Award, highlighting exceptional performance and contributions to the organization's success.***In 2002, I became a part of PMI Slovenia within the Duty-Free organization. Over the years, I took on diverse roles in Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. In recognition of my contributions, I was promoted in 2005 to the role of Supervisor Business Support at PMI's Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.