Ief Winckelmans is the founder of OCEAN IMPACT ALLIANCE, an organization that helps create a sustainable society by connecting visionary ‘ecopreneurs’ with world-class experts and investors.
Mr. Winckelmans is an internet-pioneer and former telecom entrepreneur. After selling his Venture Capital funded Telecom Software company in 2001, he became an investor and adviser to young entrepreneurs.
In 2005, Telecom OEM, Huawei Technologies approached Mr. Winckelmans to help develop its European business. As European Sales Director Mr. Winckelmans helped to grow Huawei’s revenue from $50 Million in 2005 to $1.1 Billion in 2008.
This success with Huawei opened many doors in China and led to the creation of Yuwen Marine, the first Chinese Yachting-Lifestyle company, aimed at introducing China’s wealthiest to Europe by bringing them on board some of the most exclusive superyachts in the Mediterranean.
Devastated by the immense pollution and destruction he witnessed around the globe, Mr. Winckelmans decided to use his business and investment expertise to help the global business community make the vital transition to a sustainable, ocean-friendly economy.
His philanthropic endeavours are focused on engaging the global business and investment community to help solve the pressing environmental problems, in particular those with a direct or indirect impact on the ocean. In this context, Mr Winckelmans is partnering with Mission Blue, Waterevolution, Blue Ocean Film Festival, IUCN’s WCPA- Marine and many others.