Our Team
Hicheme Lehmici
Geopolitical expert, author of the idea of Apéro Géopolitique, Secretary of the GIPRI, and lector at the SWISS UMEF and other Universities
Hicheme Lehmici is a geopolitical analyst specializing in energy security and economic intelligence. He worked for several years as a political advisor to French parliamentarians and heads of former ministers. Hicheme Lehmici is a regular columnist for several international media.
A native of Haute-Savoie, France, he holds two Master’s degrees in Contemporary History and Geography, as well as a DEA in Political Science from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Lyon. He also holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations, as well as a professional qualification in International Strategy Analysis from the Institut des Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS) in Paris.
Winner of the Egide grant from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has contributed to the research and analysis work of the CEDEJ (Centre d’études et de documentation économiques, juridiques et sociales) in Egypt.
Hicheme Lehmici worked for many years as a press and radio reporter in the Middle East and taught at the French section of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University in Egypt.
Brunson McKinley
Experienced political observer
With degrees from the University of Chicago and Harvard, and service in the U.S. Army, McKinley joined the American foreign service in 1971 as a political officer and served in posts around the world, including Rome, Beijing, Saigon, London, Berlin, and Sarajevo. He was ambassador in Port-au-Prince and held policy-level jobs in the Department of State. He then served ten years as Director General of the International Organization for Migration in Geneva, where he now lives.
McKinley participates in panel discussions at Apéro Géopolitique and actively supports its goals.
Malek M. El-Khoury
Experienced analyst
Malek M. El-Khoury is presently Board member of a Lebanese holding operating worldwide in a specialized engineering technique.
He has and still is leading seminars (mainly on socio-cultural understanding) about the Arab and the Muslim Worlds and has given numerous lectures (in universities, NGOs, multinational companies, public organizations) about the political situation in the area before and after the recent events.
Mr El-Khoury has participated in conflict resolution groups during the Lebanese civil war. He organizes important events in different fields such as culture, science and education in Lebanon and Geneva. Many on-going projects involve both Switzerland and Lebanon.
Anita Belloni
Senior Financial and Investment Expert
Anita Belloni is a dedicated Senior Financial and Investments Manager in the Geneva area, working internationally with Banks, Family offices and Ultra High Net Worth clients (UHNW). She is specialized in the management of private equity investments through Luxembourgish funds and wealth administration combining financial markets for individuals and companies.
Her professional motivation is to simplify complex concepts into strategic tools for rapid deployment with versatility and analytical rigor managing multiple projects concurrently. Driven by quality and creativity, Anita likes to improve business and financial plans, modeling or adapting the processes as the definitions, favoring a tailored solutions enhancing ownership, transparency and global control.
Anita attended several studies in Geneva starting as certified in Business and administration, then as Financial Analyst Portfolio Manager, followed by Project Manager and Financial Planning. In parallel, she still taking part to workshops and seminars in team building, transition leadership and neurosciences.
She is deeply interested by geopolitical finance, decorative art, botany and travelling to discover traditions with the natural wonders of the world. Benevolent in art galleries and for the smallest botanic garden of Switzerland, she also helps human associations by acting when the help is needed
Ecaterina Cojuhari
Moderator, and book author
Ecaterina Cojuhari was educated in Moldova and then graduated from the Brussels Academy (IHECS) and the Geneva Diplomatic School. In 20 years devoted to journalism, she wrote many articles, and scripts for author’s television programs and documentaries, films in which she acted as a host.
In 2022 she presented the book “Building Peace: Moldova-Switzerland” at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, focusing on the peacekeeping role of both countries associated with their neutral status. In 2024, she wrote the book “Sovereignty. Brief Manual” with Moldovan colleagues from the academic world.
Charlene Jaye
Expert in Information Management and Digital Content
Charlene is an experienced professional in information management, administration, and operational coordination. Educated in Canada, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and graduated program in Technology Governance. She specializes in aligning strategic objectives with technological choices.
As a Content Manager and Producer, Charlene has strong expertise in creating and managing digital content, including producing podcasts, videos, and e-commerce platforms. She also has experience in information management, compliance with standards (GAAP, IEC 27002), and protecting intangible assets.
Charlene, was a former Director of a Foundation in Canada and Influencer, has gained expertise in digital communication and responsible content creation. She is still active in the fight against online incivility and the promotion of a respectful and inclusive digital culture.
Aleksandr Belous-Tkachenko
Assistant
A current student at the University of Lausanne, the Faculty of Arts. A poet, and nominee for the literary award “Heritage”, who collaborated with the Odessa Literary Museum.