Dorian Kronenwerth
Benelux
Global Design Network
Our international representatives
The German Design Council is strengthening its international presence with a growing network of representatives worldwide. This targeted approach fosters exchange and networking in key markets. For our members, it creates direct access to business contacts and collaborations. A clear value that sustainably enhances competitiveness within the global design-driven economy.
The International Presence of the German Design Council
Our international network connects markets, people and design expertise. For enquiries or to initiate contact with our representatives, please reach out to: international[@]gdc.de.
international[at]gdc.de
Dorian Kronenwerth represents the German Design Council network across the Benelux countries. With extensive experience in business diplomacy and a strong network in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, he enables companies to increase their visibility in Brussels and strengthen their international competitiveness.
Dorian Kronenwerth represents the German Design Council network across the Benelux countries. With extensive experience in business diplomacy and a strong network in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, he enables companies to increase their visibility in Brussels and strengthen their international competitiveness.
Lei Wang
China
international[at]gdc.de
Since 2019, Lei Wang has been leading the German Design Council’s Shanghai office, promoting exchange and collaboration in the Chinese design market. He bridges German design excellence with the needs of local partners, positioning German brands as visible German Brands in China.
Since 2019, Lei Wang has been leading the German Design Council’s Shanghai office, promoting exchange and collaboration in the Chinese design market. He bridges German design excellence with the needs of local partners, positioning German brands as visible German Brands in China.
Marie Hemdal
Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden
international[at]gdc.de
Marie Hemdal Thryselius supports companies entering the Nordic design markets, with a focus on furniture, interiors and design. With expertise in marketing, sales, project management and industry associations, she helps businesses connect with the right audiences and establish strong market positions across Scandinavia.
Marie Hemdal Thryselius supports companies entering the Nordic design markets, with a focus on furniture, interiors and design. With expertise in marketing, sales, project management and industry associations, she helps businesses connect with the right audiences and establish strong market positions across Scandinavia.
Michael Scherpe
France
international[at]gdc.de
For decades, Michael Scherpe has been strengthening Franco-German business relations. His deep expertise in market strategies and brand development is complemented by an extensive network across industries. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic.
For decades, Michael Scherpe has been strengthening Franco-German business relations. His deep expertise in market strategies and brand development is complemented by an extensive network across industries. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic.
Valentina Santus
Italien
international[at]gdc.de
Valentina Santus represents the German Design Council in Italy. Her focus lies on internationalisation, market entry and strategic business development. She advises companies on building sustainable partnerships, supporting M&A projects, and addressing legal, tax and sales-related topics.
Valentina Santus represents the German Design Council in Italy. Her focus lies on internationalisation, market entry and strategic business development. She advises companies on building sustainable partnerships, supporting M&A projects, and addressing legal, tax and sales-related topics.
Ines Ben Youssef
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania and Malta
international[at]gdc.de
For more than 14 years, Ines Ben Youssef has been the voice of the German Design Council in the Maghreb region. She supports companies with trade fair participation, export projects and business matchmaking, and leads workshops and masterclasses on design trends. Her intercultural expertise fosters long-term partnerships between Europe and North Africa.
For more than 14 years, Ines Ben Youssef has been the voice of the German Design Council in the Maghreb region. She supports companies with trade fair participation, export projects and business matchmaking, and leads workshops and masterclasses on design trends. Her intercultural expertise fosters long-term partnerships between Europe and North Africa.
Mr. Skander Negasi
Eastern, Western and Southern Africa
international[at]gdc.de
Skander Negasi represents German trade fair organisations across key industries such as construction, consumer goods, textiles and mobility. He organises exhibitions, delegations and sector events, bringing long-standing expertise in brand development. For the German Design Council, he opens up market access in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Skander Negasi represents German trade fair organisations across key industries such as construction, consumer goods, textiles and mobility. He organises exhibitions, delegations and sector events, bringing long-standing expertise in brand development. For the German Design Council, he opens up market access in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Piotr Łukaszewicz
Polen
international[at]gdc.de
Piotr Łukaszewicz combines strong expertise in market strategies, brand management and design. He enables companies to access Polish and international markets. More than a thousand firms have already benefited from his extensive network and experience.
Piotr Łukaszewicz combines strong expertise in market strategies, brand management and design. He enables companies to access Polish and international markets. More than a thousand firms have already benefited from his extensive network and experience.
Sonia Denisse Prinz
South America, Central America, Mexico
international[at]gdc.de
Sonia Prinz builds sustainable business connections through her international network. With many years of experience in marketing and sales, she advises companies on internationalisation and export strategies. Her approach combines creativity and practical insight to effectively help brands access global markets.
Sonia Prinz builds sustainable business connections through her international network. With many years of experience in marketing and sales, she advises companies on internationalisation and export strategies. Her approach combines creativity and practical insight to effectively help brands access global markets.
Sungchul Yang
South Korea
international[at]gdc.de
With 18 years of international experience as an industrial designer, Sungchul Yang bridges the design industries of Korea and Germany. He supports companies with market entry and innovation projects between Europe and Asia, and teaches Industrial Design at Hongik University in Seoul.
With 18 years of international experience as an industrial designer, Sungchul Yang bridges the design industries of Korea and Germany. He supports companies with market entry and innovation projects between Europe and Asia, and teaches Industrial Design at Hongik University in Seoul.
Johanna Schlegel
USA
international[at]gdc.de
Johanna Schlegel strengthens Germany’s economic presence in the United States. She supports companies with hands-on consultancy and a network of more than 1,000 member firms at the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest.
Johanna Schlegel strengthens Germany’s economic presence in the United States. She supports companies with hands-on consultancy and a network of more than 1,000 member firms at the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest.