Graduating from LSE with a degree in Geography, Marco was initially involved in a Parliamentary role within the Department of Environment & Urban Affairs. Marco took his experience and moved into the education sector helping transform the non-statutory funded provision at Canterbury College including apprenticeships and training programmes. In 2008 Marco was appointed as CEO at the International Visual Communication Association, where he established the Association as a key partner for UK government leading trade missions to UAE, Qatar, China, Germany, and India. His next role was as Chief Executive at the British Antiques Dealers’ Association, representing world leading art and antiques dealers. He led the association through legal and regulatory changes and navigated the transition to online. Marco’s combined knowledge of imports/exports together with his experience in education led Marco to the Institute of Export & International Trade, where he was appointed Director General in January 2020. The Institute has grown from a team of twelve to now over 160 international trade and customs experts, with membership growing from 2,000 to 7,000. IOE&IT is now a trusted partner for governments, international agencies, global businesses and MSMEs on every continent. In 2022 IOE&IT opened its first international office in Kenya followed in 2023 with offices in Brussels and Hong Kong to support the global trade agenda.