ABOUT IFD
IFD was established in 2021 by a team of professionals passionate about education, innovation, and sustainable development. With decades of diverse experience across academia, business, and international projects, the founders set out to build a bridge between education, industry, and strategy.
Today, IFD operates as a global consultancy with presence in Dubai and Barcelona, supporting clients and partners in education, cultural exchange, real estate, healthcare, organizational development, and AI-driven marketing.
Our core mission is to identify and address gaps in education, skills, and strategic development—especially in emerging industries such as art, tourism & hospitality, urban development —to ensure sustainable industry growth and workforce readiness.
Through our network of international experts, IFD delivers cutting-edge advisory, research, and training programs that integrate the latest knowledge, technologies, and global best practices.
VISION
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE CHALLENGES OF TOMORROW
At IFD, our vision is to become a leading advisor and education provider in emerging industries which depend on educational support, know-how exchange, special skill training and R&D.
MISSION
ACCELERATE THE FUTURE. DISCOVER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION IN EMERGING INDUSTRIES
At IFD, we aim to support and unite future leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs in equipping them with practical skills, tools and knowledge in order to cope with fast-changing environment, implement innovations and increase their business performance
IFD TEAM
Dr. Montserrat Peñarroya
Expert, Digital Marketing & AI
Dr. Montserrat Peñarroya is a leading expert in digital marketing, business innovation, and tourism strategy with over 20 years of experience. A senior academic and consultant at La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull, she has advised UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) and trained more than 6,000 professionals worldwide on digital transformation in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Vladyslava Yakopow
Project & Marketing Manager
Vladyslava Yakopow oversees educational and business development projects at IFD, specializing in marketing strategy and program implementation. With experience across Europe and the Middle East, she supports the launch of international academic initiatives and partnership programs.
Dr. Edith M Szivas
Partner, Tourism & Hospitality
Dr. Edith Szivas is a globally recognized strategist and advisor specializing in tourism, hospitality, and cultural development. With over 25 years of international experience, she has led esteemed projects for the UNWTO, World Bank and others across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Dr. Oliver Loisel
Expert, Entrepreneurship & Digital Innovation
Dr. Oliver Loisel is an expert in strategy, digital innovation, and data-driven business models. With extensive experience in academia and entrepreneurship, he has held senior roles at MODUL University Dubai, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, and WU Vienna, and advises organizations on business model transformation and future technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain.
Angelina van Blijswijk
International Relations Manager
Angelina van Blijswijk holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Salzburg, specializing in international relations and comparative politics. At IFD, she connects European universities with institutions across the Middle East, building strategic academic partnerships and advancing international cooperation.
Dr. Vitaly Kokhanenko
Partner, Real Estate & Development
Dr. Vitaly Kokhanenko is a Doctor of Economics and Partner at IFD, specializing in real estate and investment strategy. With over 30 years of experience across Middle East and the CIS, he advises on land development, privatization, and cross-border investment initiatives.
Asia Bingyols
Partner, Art & Culture
Asia Bingyols is an international art curator, and founder of the First Armenian Auction House and Bingyol’s Art Galleries in Dubai and Los Angeles. With a mission to promote art education globally, she bridges culture, technology, and creative entrepreneurship through innovative exhibitions, auctions, and education initiatives.
Tomas Vuiosevic
Program Admission Manager
Tomas Vuiosevic coordinates students’ academic journeys at IFD, guiding applicants toward professional programs that align with their goals. With experience across public and private institutions, including the tourism and diplomatic sectors, he combines his passion for education, art, and culture to support student growth and engagement.
