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Meet our core team

Acacia-square

With a background that spans writing, speaking and consulting, Acacia has become a pivotal figure in delivering insights that assist a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 CEOs to boutique agencies. Her expertise is rooted in a profound understanding of Asian consumers, which she leverages to guide clients in launching insight-driven innovations.

Over the past seven years, her journey has taken her across more than 20 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. During this time, she has delivered over 100 keynotes and workshops.

In her current role as Asia Lead for TrendWatching, Acacia oversees all APAC trend content from her base in Singapore.

Acacia Leroy

Acacia Leroy
Asia Lead

With a background that spans writing, speaking and consulting, Acacia has become a pivotal figure in delivering insights that assist a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 CEOs to boutique agencies. Her expertise is rooted in a profound understanding of Asian consumers, which she leverages to guide clients in launching insight-driven innovations.

Over the past seven years, her journey has taken her across more than 20 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. During this time, she has delivered over 100 keynotes and workshops.

In her current role as Asia Lead for TrendWatching, Acacia oversees all APAC trend content from her base in Singapore.

Alex-Square

Alex, our dynamic Content Intern, excels at spotting and analyzing fresh trends and business opportunities. Born and raised in Germany, Alex is currently honing his skills through a Bachelor’s program in 'Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle' at Fontys in Tilburg. With a deep passion for art, culture, and music, Alex often spends his leisure time exploring thrift shops or immersing himself in the vibrant offerings of museums, soaking up inspiration. 

Alexander Breuer

Alexander Breuer
Content Intern

Alex, our dynamic Content Intern, excels at spotting and analyzing fresh trends and business opportunities. Born and raised in Germany, Alex is currently honing his skills through a Bachelor’s program in 'Trend Research & Concept Creation in Lifestyle' at Fontys in Tilburg. With a deep passion for art, culture, and music, Alex often spends his leisure time exploring thrift shops or immersing himself in the vibrant offerings of museums, soaking up inspiration. 

Caitlin-square

Caitlin grew up in London, with Australian roots. She studied at Central Saint Martins and took part in various exhibitions and artist residencies. As a Trend Analyst, Caitlin brings her passion for textiles, research and innovation to the team. With an open mind and a big smile, she is always eager to discover music from around the globe — Brazil and Uganda being her current favourites.

Caitlin Hughan

Caitlin Hughan
Trend Analyst

Caitlin grew up in London, with Australian roots. She studied at Central Saint Martins and took part in various exhibitions and artist residencies. As a Trend Analyst, Caitlin brings her passion for textiles, research and innovation to the team. With an open mind and a big smile, she is always eager to discover music from around the globe — Brazil and Uganda being her current favourites.

Erick-square
Erick is one of our Senior Trend Analysts who works across the intersection of trend intelligence, business opportunities and strategic direction. A Dutch-Belgian hybrid, Erick combines his academic background in innovation research and concept development with his love of getting into the nitty gritty of the new and the next; helping our clients unlock their purpose-potential.

Erick Smet

Erick Smet
Content Director
Erick is one of our Senior Trend Analysts who works across the intersection of trend intelligence, business opportunities and strategic direction. A Dutch-Belgian hybrid, Erick combines his academic background in innovation research and concept development with his love of getting into the nitty gritty of the new and the next; helping our clients unlock their purpose-potential.
Franziska-square
Our Research Lead Franzi scours the globe for purpose-driven business thinking and opportunities. German-Hungarian, and based in Amsterdam, she's an internationally-educated Industrial Business Manager first and a Fashion Business & Development BA graduate second. Franzi excels in combining right and left-brain thinking to inspire our clients to take meaningful action for people and the planet.

Franziska Füsting

Franziska Füsting

Research Lead

Our Research Lead Franzi scours the globe for purpose-driven business thinking and opportunities. German-Hungarian, and based in Amsterdam, she's an internationally-educated Industrial Business Manager first and a Fashion Business & Development BA graduate second. Franzi excels in combining right and left-brain thinking to inspire our clients to take meaningful action for people and the planet.
Gaby-square-1

Gaby is our Head of Finance, handling all finances and admin behind the scenes. A true Amsterdammer, born and raised, she’s been in finance management in the arts sector for more than 10 years. Gaby is passionate and committed to contributing to raising diversity and equity in our society, and raising awareness of locally and sustainably sourced food.

Gaby Pian

Gaby Pian
Head of Finance

Gaby is our Head of Finance, handling all finances and admin behind the scenes. A true Amsterdammer, born and raised, she’s been in finance management in the arts sector for more than 10 years. Gaby is passionate and committed to contributing to raising diversity and equity in our society, and raising awareness of locally and sustainably sourced food.

Giulia-Square

Born in Brazil and based in Barcelona, Giulia coordinates our Training & Methodology team, while also heading up our Events team. She has an M.Sc. in Strategic Design focusing on social innovation and believes that trends are a powerful tool for designing better futures. In her free time, you can find her chasing the sun with Gringo, her Norwegian dog with a Latin soul.

Giulia Bolzan

Giulia Bolzan

Coordinator of Training & Methodology

Born in Brazil and based in Barcelona, Giulia coordinates our Training & Methodology team, while also heading up our Events team. She has an M.Sc. in Strategic Design focusing on social innovation and believes that trends are a powerful tool for designing better futures. In her free time, you can find her chasing the sun with Gringo, her Norwegian dog with a Latin soul.

Jemma-Square-New
Jemma heads up our Client Success team. She firmly believes excellent communication is key to the success of any relationship. Born and raised in the UK, Jemma now lives in Rotterdam. She studied Textiles in Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on the impact of change within urban spaces. In her spare time, she can be found on a beach, regardless of the weather.

Jemma Betterton

Jemma Betterton
Client Success Manager
Jemma heads up our Client Success team. She firmly believes excellent communication is key to the success of any relationship. Born and raised in the UK, Jemma now lives in Rotterdam. She studied Textiles in Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on the impact of change within urban spaces. In her spare time, she can be found on a beach, regardless of the weather.
Liesbeth-Square
Liesbeth curates and writes TrendWatching Daily. A Dutch-Canadian hybrid, Liesbeth has worked for start-ups and scale-ups, including Urbanbite and Springwise. More recently, she’s taken a hands-on interest in organic agriculture, working as a vegetable farmer when not covering the latest innovations and consumer insights.

Liesbeth den Toom

Liesbeth den Toom
Senior Editor
Liesbeth curates and writes TrendWatching Daily. A Dutch-Canadian hybrid, Liesbeth has worked for start-ups and scale-ups, including Urbanbite and Springwise. More recently, she’s taken a hands-on interest in organic agriculture, working as a vegetable farmer when not covering the latest innovations and consumer insights.
Liv-square2
Livia heads up our Training and Methodology team, as well as our LatAm activities. She is also one of our presenters and workshop facilitators, having worked with clients in Spain, Norway and Ecuador. She previously worked as a Trend Researcher and Innovation Consultant in Brazil (where she’s originally from).

Livia Fioretti

Livia Fioretti
Director of Insights
Livia heads up our Training and Methodology team, as well as our LatAm activities. She is also one of our presenters and workshop facilitators, having worked with clients in Spain, Norway and Ecuador. She previously worked as a Trend Researcher and Innovation Consultant in Brazil (where she’s originally from).
Mate-square
Máté is our Junior Marketing Manager who is currently completing his Master’s degree in Management. Born in Hungary, he has gained international experience by living and studying in Australia, the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Máté is passionate about art, design, and fashion. He loves to be active in his free time: playing sports, exercising, and supporting Chelsea FC and Max Verstappen.

Máté Orbán

Máté Orbán

Junior Marketing Manager

Máté is our Junior Marketing Manager who is currently completing his Master’s degree in Management. Born in Hungary, he has gained international experience by living and studying in Australia, the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Máté is passionate about art, design, and fashion. He loves to be active in his free time: playing sports, exercising, and supporting Chelsea FC and Max Verstappen.
Nikki-square-1
Nikki is our Dutch Head of Design who has adopted London as her home base for the last 8 years. She joined TrendWatching after graduating in Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins and has been owning many of our content and products ever since, ensuring they look as engaging as possible with fresh visual funkiness!

Nikki Ritmeijer

Nikki Ritmeijer
Head of Design
Nikki is our Dutch Head of Design who has adopted London as her home base for the last 8 years. She joined TrendWatching after graduating in Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins and has been owning many of our content and products ever since, ensuring they look as engaging as possible with fresh visual funkiness!
Phoebe-square
Phoebe was born and raised in the US and is currently based in Amsterdam, studying Business Innovation. Phoebe is committed and driven by her passion for contributing to a more purpose-driven economy by finding meaningful opportunities to build our product portfolio and Amplify service, our trend intelligence platform.

Phoebe Hoes

Phoebe Hoes
Product Manager
Phoebe was born and raised in the US and is currently based in Amsterdam, studying Business Innovation. Phoebe is committed and driven by her passion for contributing to a more purpose-driven economy by finding meaningful opportunities to build our product portfolio and Amplify service, our trend intelligence platform.
Raymond-Square
Raymond is one of our Senior Trend Analysts, bringing 20+ years of experience in researching and analyzing consumer and industry trends to the team. He is a frequent presenter and facilitator at in-house trend sessions and industry events and has been quoted in media including the New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and the South China Morning Post. In his free time, Raymond is busy turning his garden into an urban oasis or exploring new places.

Raymond Kollau

Raymond Kollau

Senior Trend Analyst

Raymond is one of our Senior Trend Analysts, bringing 20+ years of experience in researching and analyzing consumer and industry trends to the team. He is a frequent presenter and facilitator at in-house trend sessions and industry events and has been quoted in media including the New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and the South China Morning Post. In his free time, Raymond is busy turning his garden into an urban oasis or exploring new places.
Reinier-square
Reinier founded TrendWatching in Amsterdam in 2002. He is convinced that the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy is one of the biggest, most meaningful business opportunities ever.

Reinier Evers

Reinier Evers
Founder
Reinier founded TrendWatching in Amsterdam in 2002. He is convinced that the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy is one of the biggest, most meaningful business opportunities ever.
Riz-square
Riz is our Head of Product who now oversees our Platform and digital strategy. After growing up as a true global citizen, from Sri Lanka to Singapore to the Netherlands, he keeps expanding his all-round business acumen, channelling it towards empowering the purpose-driven economy in every possible way. When he's not trying to better the world in some way, you might catch a glimpse of him in some high-altitude mountain or catching a surf in Sri Lanka.

Riz Razak

Riz Razak
Head of Product
Riz is our Head of Product who now oversees our Platform and digital strategy. After growing up as a true global citizen, from Sri Lanka to Singapore to the Netherlands, he keeps expanding his all-round business acumen, channelling it towards empowering the purpose-driven economy in every possible way. When he's not trying to better the world in some way, you might catch a glimpse of him in some high-altitude mountain or catching a surf in Sri Lanka.
Robbie-Square

Having covered LGBTQ+ issues, travel and lifestyle trends as a writer and editor at The Telegraph and SUITCASE Magazine, Robbie joined TrendWatching after becoming curious about how businesses can build a better tomorrow – one in which profit and purpose harmoniously coexist. When he’s not exploring innovations from his home office in London, Robbie enjoys scoping out the city’s less-obvious running routes.

Robbie Hodges

Robbie Hodges
Senior Trend Analyst

Having covered LGBTQ+ issues, travel and lifestyle trends as a writer and editor at The Telegraph and SUITCASE Magazine, Robbie joined TrendWatching after becoming curious about how businesses can build a better tomorrow – one in which profit and purpose harmoniously coexist. When he’s not exploring innovations from his home office in London, Robbie enjoys scoping out the city’s less-obvious running routes.

Sanya_Square

Sanya is our Junior Designer. She moved countries from Austria, to study Film at the WDKA - building on her previous design degree. She loves creating playful work that tells a story. In her free time, she likes to hunt for treasures at the thrift store.

Sanya Gurung

Sanya Gurung
Designer

Sanya is our Junior Designer. She moved countries from Austria, to study Film at the WDKA - building on her previous design degree. She loves creating playful work that tells a story. In her free time, she likes to hunt for treasures at the thrift store.

Urmi-Square

Urmi, originally from the United States and currently studying in the Netherlands, contributes her international perspective as a Marketing and Client Success Intern at TrendWatching. In this role, she collaborates closely with both teams to craft insightful and impactful content. Beyond work, Urmi is an avid explorer, finding inspiration in activities that connect people and stories, such as camping and knitting her latest creations.

Urmi Vallassery

Urmi Vallassery
Marketing and CS Intern

Urmi, originally from the United States and currently studying in the Netherlands, contributes her international perspective as a Marketing and Client Success Intern at TrendWatching. In this role, she collaborates closely with both teams to craft insightful and impactful content. Beyond work, Urmi is an avid explorer, finding inspiration in activities that connect people and stories, such as camping and knitting her latest creations.

Vicki-square
Victoria is our Head of Trends. An experienced presenter, Victoria has delivered empowering keynotes, internal strategy sessions and innovation workshops for brands across the globe, and is passionate about helping businesses to understand, validate and apply trends. 

Victoria Loomes

Victoria Loomes
Head of Trends
Victoria is our Head of Trends. An experienced presenter, Victoria has delivered empowering keynotes, internal strategy sessions and innovation workshops for brands across the globe, and is passionate about helping businesses to understand, validate and apply trends.