Charting Global Trade Careers: Interactive Panel with WTI Alumni and Experts

Date: Monday, 17. November, 2025  
Time: 15.30-18.00 (with an apéro)
Venue: Silva Casa Auditorium, World Trade Institute, University of Bern
Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/TPmhXrcwgM

This event is designed specifically for WTI master’s and doctoral students and open for all UniBe students to gain practical career insights, discover diverse post-graduation pathways, and engage directly with experts working in the private sector and at international organizations and leading international law practices.

Through open dialogue, students will have the opportunity to explore what it’s like to work in global trade and investment, ask candid questions about recruitment, skills, and transitions, and build valuable professional connections. More information about the speakers below. 

Moderated by: Prof. Dr. Isabelle Van Damme, Deputy Managing Director and Director of Studies of the WTI

Kholo Kugler, Head of Trade Law at Besso | PhD Candidate at University of Lucerne | Ex-ACWL

A graduate of the WTI in 2014 - Kholo Kugler is a South African attorney, Kholo Kugler works at the intersection of international trade, digital regulation, and AI compliance, helping clients and governments adapt to a rapidly evolving global economy.

Fernando Pierola | ACWL

A graduate of the WTI in 2001 - Fernando Piérola is a Senior Lawyer at the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) in Geneva, where he represents developing and least-developed countries in WTO dispute settlement and provides legal training on international trade law. A WTI MILE 01 graduate, he has extensive experience across trade remedies, market access, and services regulation.

Maxine Kennett | Hitachi Energy

A graduate of the WTI in 2002 - and an expert in geopolitics, trade, and crisis management, Maxine Kennett combines legal expertise with strategic leadership. She has advised governments, international organisations, and global corporations on navigating geopolitical risks and leading transformational change MILE 01.

Marianna Henud Chiusolo | On 

A graduate of the WTI in 2021 - Marianna Henud Chiusolo is a global trade leader with an entrepreneurial background and a human-centered approach to leadership. She heads Global Customs at On, designing sustainable and purpose-driven trade operations worldwide.

Daria Karman

A graduate of the WTI in 2019 - Daria Karman is an international trade and trade policy professional with experience in both the public and private sectort. She is responsible for the implementation of the WTO accession related projects in Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).