Global Board of Directors of EO

Table of the board


Name Role Chapter Key Highlights
Jamie Pujara Global Board Chair EO Kenya Co-founder of BuyRentKenya; EO's first African Global Chair; focuses on entrepreneurial growth in Africa.
Julie Vergara Global Board Director EO Philippines South Over 20 years in EO; focuses on entrepreneurial development; led workshops and disaster relief projects.
Rom LaPointe Global Board Director EO Detroit CEO of Capricorn Leadership; specializes in executive coaching and organizational culture.
David Nilssen Global Board Director EO Seattle CEO of DOXA Talent; co-founder of Guidant Financial; expert in global talent strategies.
Alan Cheung Global Board Director EO Hong Kong Founder of GreenAcre Capital; developed Blink Community co-working spaces; promotes North Asia entrepreneurship.
Dave Parker Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ex-Officio 30+ years of startup experience; author of "Trajectory"; leads EO's global operations.
Joaquín Cordero Global Board Chair-Elect EO Guatemala Founder of Lumen; extensive startup experience; leads entrepreneurial initiatives in Latin America.
Chang Ng Global Board Director EO Netherlands CEO of Constrive; advocates for conscious leadership; has founded multiple companies.
David Loaney Global Board Director EO Arizona Founding partner of Fresh Start Funding; extensive leadership in EO's finance strategies.
Taunya Renson-Martin Global Board Director EO Belgium Founder of Mach Media; former actor; expertise in strategic communications and marketing.
Steve Benitez Global Board Director EO Philippines CEO of Bo's Coffee; promotes Philippine coffee and culture; international entrepreneur.


Jamie Pujara

 

Jamie Pujara, a distinguished Kenyan entrepreneur, has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Kenya chapter since 2015. In July 2024, he made history by becoming EO's first Global Board Chair from the African continent, leading a network of over 19,000 entrepreneurs across 86 countries. 

Before ascending to this global role, Pujara served as EO Kenya's chapter president during the 2017-2018 term. He later became the regional chair for EO's Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa (MEPA) chapters. In these capacities, he focused on bolstering smaller chapters, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and initiated a regional leadership academy in Kenya to nurture leadership skills among members. 

Pujara's entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding BuyRentKenya, a prominent real estate platform that connects users with verified agents, private sellers, and landlords across Kenya. After successfully steering the company, he and his partner sold it in 2017. Subsequently, Pujara managed his family's Tin Tin Restaurant, Nairobi's oldest Chinese eatery, adapting its business model to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape. Following the restaurant's closure due to the pandemic, he ventured into real estate development with projects like Aspire Heights, a 65-unit apartment complex in Riruta.

In recognition of his dedication, Pujara received the 2021 EO Mark Lincoln Volunteer of the Year Award, honoring his exemplary volunteerism and leadership during challenging times. 

Born and raised in Nairobi to a family of Indian and Chinese descent, Pujara's multicultural background has significantly influenced his leadership approach and entrepreneurial vision. 

 

Julie Vergara

 

Julie Vergara is a seasoned entrepreneur and a pivotal member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), having joined the EO Philippines South chapter in 2001. Her extensive experience and dedication have significantly contributed to the organization's growth and influence in the region.

In her capacity as a leader within EO, Vergara has been instrumental in organizing events that foster learning and development among entrepreneurs. Notably, she played a key role in bringing global business growth expert Jack Daly to Cebu for a workshop aimed at enhancing sales strategies for local business owners. This initiative underscored EO's commitment to providing valuable learning opportunities to its members and the broader business community. 

Beyond her organizational roles, Vergara has demonstrated a strong commitment to social entrepreneurship. She was involved in a MyEO Engage project that partnered with the Ayala Foundation to support families displaced by Typhoon Ondoy. This initiative focused on creating sustainable livelihoods for affected communities, reflecting Vergara's dedication to leveraging entrepreneurial efforts for social good. 

Vergara's leadership extends to her role as Conference Chair for EO's 27th Global Leadership Conference held in Singapore in April 2024. Her efforts were pivotal in convening a diverse lineup of speakers and experiences, contributing to the event's success in connecting and inspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Through her various roles and initiatives, Julie Vergara continues to exemplify the values of EO, fostering entrepreneurial growth and making a positive impact on both the business community and society at large. 

Rom LaPointe

 

Rom LaPointe is a seasoned executive coach and the founder and CEO of Capricorn Leadership, a firm dedicated to guiding CEOs, leadership teams, and boards toward achieving optimal performance and fostering healthy organizational cultures. With over three decades of experience, LaPointe has a proven track record in strategic thinking, execution planning, and leadership development, assisting leaders in translating vision into tangible results. 

Throughout his career, LaPointe has served as the CEO of ten privately held companies, providing him with a unique and practical perspective that he leverages in his coaching practice. His approach is characterized by authenticity and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by business leaders, enabling him to offer tailored guidance that drives growth and success. 

In addition to his professional endeavors, LaPointe is an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), a global network of leading entrepreneurs. His involvement with EO includes serving in various leadership roles, where he has contributed to the organization's mission of fostering personal and business growth among entrepreneurs worldwide. 

LaPointe is also recognized for his thought leadership in areas such as delegation, team development, and company culture. He has authored articles and delivered workshops aimed at helping leaders cultivate effective teams and create positive workplace environments. His insights emphasize the importance of resilience, adaptability, and self-care in leadership, particularly in navigating constant change. 

Through Capricorn Leadership, LaPointe continues to impact the business community by empowering leaders to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth. His commitment to excellence and authentic coaching has made him a trusted advisor to many in the corporate world.  

David Nilssen

 

David Nilssen is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with a significant impact on global talent acquisition and small business financing. He is the CEO of DOXA Talent, a company that assists businesses in building and scaling high-performing, borderless teams by leveraging global talent. Under his leadership, DOXA Talent has expanded its operations across Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, emphasizing a people-first approach that prioritizes the growth and success of team members, clients, and the community. 

Prior to founding DOXA Talent, Nilssen co-founded Guidant Financial, an industry leader in small business financing. Through Guidant Financial, he has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs secure more than $7 billion to start or buy businesses across the United States. His efforts have been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which named him the National Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007. 

Nilssen is also an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), serving on its Global Board of Directors. In this role, he contributes to EO's mission of supporting entrepreneurs worldwide through shared experiences and collaborative learning. 

As an author, Nilssen has shared his insights on entrepreneurship and business leadership. His upcoming book, "The Borderless Leader," set to release in 2024, addresses accelerating business trends and the necessity for companies to adapt swiftly to remain competitive. The book delves into the growing talent scarcity crisis, demographic shifts, the rise of remote work, and the integration of artificial intelligence, offering strategies for building a world-class culture within distributed teams. 

Through his ventures and thought leadership, David Nilssen continues to influence the business landscape by promoting innovative talent strategies and supporting entrepreneurial growth on a global scale.

For more insights from David Nilssen, you might find this interview enlightening:

 

Alan Cheung

 

Alan Cheung is a distinguished entrepreneur and a dedicated member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). His journey with EO began in 2009 with the Hong Kong chapter. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he founded and presided over both the EO Tokyo Metropolitan and EO Greater China Bridge chapters, and he continues to be an active member of all three. 

Within EO, Cheung has held significant roles, including serving as the Regional Chair for North Asia. His contributions have been instrumental in expanding EO's presence and fostering entrepreneurial growth across the region. 

Professionally, Cheung is the founder of GreenAcre Capital Management Ltd., a property fund specializing in real estate development across Asia, Japan, the U.S., and the U.K.  He also established Blink Community, a leading international co-working space and business services provider with locations in Tokyo, Japan. 

Cheung's entrepreneurial ventures extend to the apparel industry. In 1996, he founded Grandion Industrial Ltd., an apparel supply chain solution provider with production facilities in China and Hong Kong. In 2015, he launched the innovative industrial project TML (To Make Locally), which integrates advanced technologies and smart supply chain solutions to support local fashion designers and re-establish the "Made in Hong Kong" brand. 

Cheung is multilingual, fluent in English and Chinese, with proficiency in Japanese.  His diverse linguistic abilities and extensive experience across various industries underscore his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation on a global scale. 

Dave Parker

 

Dave Parker is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with over three decades of experience in founding and guiding startups and learning organizations globally. In May 2024, he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), a global network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs. 

As CEO, Parker leads EO's fully remote team of more than 160 full-time professionals across 20 countries, serving nearly 19,000 members worldwide. He also holds an Ex-Officio Director position on EO's Global Board. 

Parker's entrepreneurial journey includes founding five technology startups, successfully selling three, and closing two. Notable ventures include Trajectory Media, OneAccord Partners, and License Online. His leadership extends to roles such as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Programs and People at UP Global (now part of Techstars), where he organized events like Startup Weekend and Startup America, impacting over 74,000 founders in 120 countries. 

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Parker has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Washington Technology Industry Association, Guidant Financial Group, Find Ventures, AudiencePoint, and Code Fellows.  He is also an author, with his book "Trajectory: Startup—Ideation to Product/Market Fit" offering insights into the startup process. 

Parker resides in Seattle with his family and is an avid traveler, having visited 46 countries and conducted business in 20.  His extensive experience and passion for entrepreneurship continue to drive EO's mission of supporting and connecting entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Joaquin Cordero

 

Joaquín "Quini" Cordero is a distinguished Guatemalan entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience in founding and leading startups. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and completed the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT. Throughout his career, Cordero has established more than eleven successful startups, some with international reach. 

In 2009, Cordero founded Grupo Lumen, a communications company that addresses various brand communication and creative needs. The company began as a production house and expanded to include media commercialization, a 360-degree advertising agency, and BTL, print, and point-of-purchase services. Under his leadership, Lumen has grown into a comprehensive service provider in the communications industry. 

Cordero's involvement with the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) began in 2012 as a member of the EO Guatemala chapter. He served as President for Latin America and the Caribbean starting in 2021 and was elected to the Global Board of Directors for the 2023–2026 terms.  In July 2024, EO members elected him as Global Chair-Elect for FY2024/2025, making him the second Latin American to hold this top leadership position in EO's 36-year history. 

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Cordero is an avid traveler and rock climbing enthusiast. His passion for exploration and adventure complements his dynamic approach to business and leadership. 

Through his extensive experience and dedication, Joaquín Cordero continues to make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape in Guatemala and the global community. 

Chang Ng

 

Chang Ng is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a rich background in founding and managing multiple companies. He is the Founder and CEO of Constrive, a company dedicated to conscious business practices, where he oversees the organization's purpose, mission, and values. 

In addition to his role at Constrive, Ng has been an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) since 2012, representing the Netherlands chapter. His commitment to EO's mission led to his election as a Global Board Director, where he contributes to the organization's strategic direction and growth. 

Ng's entrepreneurial journey began in his youth, assisting in his family's restaurant in the Netherlands. This early exposure to business operations ignited his passion for entrepreneurship, leading him to establish and manage multiple ventures across various industries. 

Beyond his business endeavors, Ng is dedicated to fostering conscious leadership and sustainable business practices. He serves as a Steward at B for Good Leaders, aiming to unite business leaders committed to transforming markets and behaviors for a better world. 

Ng's educational background includes studies at Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Financial Economics. He has also participated in executive programs at institutions such as the London Business School and Harvard Business School, further enhancing his leadership capabilities. 

Through his various roles, Chang Ng continues to make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting innovation, conscious leadership, and sustainable business practices.

 

Dave Loaney

 

David Loaney is a seasoned entrepreneur and a dedicated member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). He has been an EO Arizona member since 2008 and has held various leadership roles within the organization. In December 2022, Loaney was elected to a three-year term on EO's Global Board of Directors, beginning in the fiscal year 2023-2024. 

Professionally, Loaney is a founding partner of Fresh Start Funding, a company that provides loans for legal services throughout the United States. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding multiple companies, showcasing his commitment to innovation and business development. 

Within EO, Loaney has served in various board positions and is currently in his fourth year on the Standing Finance Committee, having concurrently served as US West Regional Finance Director. His extensive experience in finance and leadership has been instrumental in guiding EO's financial strategies and supporting its mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Loaney's dedication to entrepreneurship and his contributions to EO highlight his commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community and supporting the growth and success of business leaders globally. 

Taunya Renson-Martin

Taunya Renson-Martin is an accomplished entrepreneur and communications strategist, serving as the Founder and Managing Partner of Mach Media, a global marketing and strategic communications firm. Under her leadership, Mach Media has expanded its operations to the United States, opening an office in 2016.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Renson-Martin relocated to Belgium in 2000. Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures, she pursued a career in acting, performing on television and in theater in the U.S. Notably, she appeared in the television series "Homicide: Life on the Street" and was involved with the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C.

In Belgium, she founded Belusa Theatre Company, producing and starring in productions such as "The Lover," "Metamorphosis," and "Death and the Maiden." Her acting career in Belgium includes appearances in the Flemish television mini-series "Het Goddelijk Monster," "Cordon," and the long-running soap opera "Thuis."

Renson-Martin's leadership extends to the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), where she has been a member since 2015. She served as President of EO Belgium from 2020 to 2021 and as Member Experience Director in Europe from 2021 to 2022. Her contributions led to her election to EO's Global Board of Directors, where she continues to support and inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.

Fluent in English, with intermediate proficiency in Dutch and French, Renson-Martin exemplifies a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the business community. Her journey from the performing arts to entrepreneurship highlights her adaptability and dedication to impactful communication and leadership.

Steve Benitez

Steve Benitez is a distinguished Filipino entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Bo's Coffee, the Philippines' largest homegrown specialty coffee chain. Established in June 1996 in Cebu City, Bo's Coffee has expanded to over 100 branches nationwide and internationally, including locations in Qatar and Dubai.

Benitez's journey into the coffee industry began during his time as a law student at Ateneo de Manila University. To support his studies, he managed his family's business, Ric's Barbeque, in Cebu City. His passion for coffee and entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the first Bo's Coffee outlet in Ayala Center Cebu.

Under Benitez's leadership, Bo's Coffee emphasizes the richness of Philippine coffee culture by sourcing beans from local farmers in regions such as Sagada, Mountain Province; Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon; Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato; and Mount Apo. This commitment not only delivers high-quality coffee to customers but also supports local agricultural communities.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Benitez is an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Philippines, where he has served as president. He has also pursued executive education programs at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Wharton School of Business, enhancing his leadership and business acumen.

Through his dedication to promoting Filipino coffee and culture, Steve Benitez has significantly contributed to the Philippines' coffee industry, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and coffee enthusiasts.