MEMBERS
Association Leadership
Laila Al-Mansouri
Director of Public Relations and Partnerships, Board Member
Laila Al-Mansouri is a recognized expert in communications, strategic PR, and corporate partnerships. Born and raised in Dubai, she earned her degree from Abu Dhabi University, specializing in marketing and international relations.
Her career began at ASDA’A BCW, one of the leading public relations agencies in the Middle East, where she managed campaigns for major international clients in the technology, finance, and fashion sectors, including Huawei, Visa, and Emaar. She later served as Head of Communications and PR at Chalhoub Group, the region’s leading luxury goods partner, where she developed communication strategies for global brands such as Sephora Middle East and other LVMH-affiliated labels, and led high-profile media and influencer campaigns across the GCC.
In her early years, Laila also worked as a freelance PR specialist for clients such as Bang & Olufsen, TECOM Group, and Aesop Middle East, focusing on brand storytelling and media outreach for luxury and innovation-driven brands.
At the Association, Laila is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, organizing high-profile events, and enhancing international visibility. Thanks to her efforts, the Association actively collaborates with global corporations, government entities, and industry leaders.
Her career began at ASDA’A BCW, one of the leading public relations agencies in the Middle East, where she managed campaigns for major international clients in the technology, finance, and fashion sectors, including Huawei, Visa, and Emaar. She later served as Head of Communications and PR at Chalhoub Group, the region’s leading luxury goods partner, where she developed communication strategies for global brands such as Sephora Middle East and other LVMH-affiliated labels, and led high-profile media and influencer campaigns across the GCC.
In her early years, Laila also worked as a freelance PR specialist for clients such as Bang & Olufsen, TECOM Group, and Aesop Middle East, focusing on brand storytelling and media outreach for luxury and innovation-driven brands.
At the Association, Laila is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, organizing high-profile events, and enhancing international visibility. Thanks to her efforts, the Association actively collaborates with global corporations, government entities, and industry leaders.
Rafael Moretti
Project Coordinator, Board Member
Rafael Moretti is a creative strategist and experienced cultural project coordinator with a strong background in the visual arts, curatorial practice, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Originally from Italy, he studied Art History and Cultural Mediation at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze and completed a Master’s in Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies at NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan.
His early career began at the renowned Galleria Continua, where he supported exhibition production and artist relations. He went on to curate solo and group shows for independent galleries and public spaces in Florence and Milan, collaborating on thematic exhibitions and community-driven art programs — including initiatives alongside Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and Milan Design Week.
From 2019 to 2023, Rafael served as Cultural Program Manager at Cariplo Factory, an innovation and creativity hub in Milan, where he developed cross-sector exhibitions, public engagement programs, and partnerships with artists, institutions, and international art fairs.
Since 2023, Rafael has been part of The AllianceTop Association, where he leads the coordination of major initiatives across culture, education, and business. Working alongside a diverse international team, he helps manage programs that include strategic collaborations, artistic residencies, knowledge exchange platforms, and interdisciplinary exhibitions. His work focuses on building sustainable bridges between sectors — demonstrating how creativity can drive innovation and global connection.
His early career began at the renowned Galleria Continua, where he supported exhibition production and artist relations. He went on to curate solo and group shows for independent galleries and public spaces in Florence and Milan, collaborating on thematic exhibitions and community-driven art programs — including initiatives alongside Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and Milan Design Week.
From 2019 to 2023, Rafael served as Cultural Program Manager at Cariplo Factory, an innovation and creativity hub in Milan, where he developed cross-sector exhibitions, public engagement programs, and partnerships with artists, institutions, and international art fairs.
Since 2023, Rafael has been part of The AllianceTop Association, where he leads the coordination of major initiatives across culture, education, and business. Working alongside a diverse international team, he helps manage programs that include strategic collaborations, artistic residencies, knowledge exchange platforms, and interdisciplinary exhibitions. His work focuses on building sustainable bridges between sectors — demonstrating how creativity can drive innovation and global connection.
Alexander Van der Meer
President of the Association, Board Member
Alexander Van der Meer is an experienced leader, strategist, and visionary who leads our Association. Originally from the Netherlands, he graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a specialization in international economics and business management.
Over the course of his career, Alexander has held senior leadership roles in several internationally respected organizations. He served as Partner and Head of Strategy at Elixirr, a London-based consulting firm known for its work with high-growth and innovation-driven companies. Prior to that, he was Vice President for Global Development at Verdane Capital, a leading European growth equity investment firm, where he oversaw international expansion initiatives and cross-border partnerships. He also worked with OC&C Strategy Consultants in Amsterdam, advising major clients on market entry, business optimization, and operational transformation.
After relocating to Dubai, Alexander focused on uniting talented professionals from various industries, creating a platform for innovation, partnerships, and growth. Under his leadership, the Association has become a premier hub for successful entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and representatives of the creative industries.
Over the course of his career, Alexander has held senior leadership roles in several internationally respected organizations. He served as Partner and Head of Strategy at Elixirr, a London-based consulting firm known for its work with high-growth and innovation-driven companies. Prior to that, he was Vice President for Global Development at Verdane Capital, a leading European growth equity investment firm, where he oversaw international expansion initiatives and cross-border partnerships. He also worked with OC&C Strategy Consultants in Amsterdam, advising major clients on market entry, business optimization, and operational transformation.
After relocating to Dubai, Alexander focused on uniting talented professionals from various industries, creating a platform for innovation, partnerships, and growth. Under his leadership, the Association has become a premier hub for successful entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and representatives of the creative industries.
Honorary Members of the Association
To meet the members of the association, just pick the right hub based on their field of work!
