Vanina is the head of our Education Practice and partner for the India, Middle East, and Africa region.
With more then 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has expertise in both consulting and academia across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Vanina is a leading education strategist and a recognized associate professor. She possesses a profound understanding of education from multiple perspectives, enabling her to design and implement transformative projects that drive meaningful change.
In her consulting career, Vanina has collaborated with governments to shape national education agendas, partnered with private equity firms on strategic investments, and guided educational providers through comprehensive strategy redesigns. This multifaceted experience equips her to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the education landscape, combining deep academic insights with practical, results-driven consulting expertise.
Passionate about future-ready skills and workforce development, she believes deeply in higher education as well as technical and vocational training to bridge skills gaps. She also feels strongly that collaboration among institutions is essential for creating a workforce that can thrive in the future economy.
Education is my life's calling, and I believe in its power to transform lives. In the GCC, where governments are dedicated to enhancing the education system, we have a unique opportunity to shape a brighter future for generations to come, a future where knowledge unlocks endless opportunities
She is currently an honorary senior visiting fellow at City St George's, University of London (formerly Cass Business School) in the United Kingdom and holds a PhD in business management from the University of Bologna and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as an executive MBA from London Business School.
A strong advocate for continuous learning and development, she channels this commitment into her work with various nonprofit initiatives to connect talented undergraduate students with mentors to help them make informed career choices.
Outside of work, Vanina brings the same passion and dedication she is known for in her career to her personal interests. A lifelong lover of movement and discipline, she was selected by the prestigious Italian National Academy of Ballet at just 13 years old, a testament to her talent and perseverance. Today, she channels that same energy into tennis, yoga, and surfing — finding balance and strength on the court, the mat, and the waves. Above all, what truly matters to her is cherishing meaningful moments with family and friends, where laughter, connection, and shared experiences take center stage.