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GROHE X Panel Talk – Stronger together
Partnering to tackle the Global Sanitation &
Hygiene Crisis
Going to the toilet, washing our hands – these are daily routines that we don't think much about. For most of us, having sanitary facilities with clean water is a matter of course. However, for , two billion people across the globe - who lack access to sanitation, it isn’t as simple. And the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these vast inequities in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. In 2018, UNICEF and LIXIL, whose iconic brand portfolio also includes the GROHE brand, created a bold, new partnership called “Make a Splash!” with the aim to tackle the sanitation and hygiene crisis. In this thought-provoking conversation, you will learn more about how UNICEF and LIXIL are combining their respective strengths to support underserved communities and improve the quality of life for millions.
Carla Haddad Mardini
Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF
Carla Haddad Mardini is Director of UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships since January 2021. In this role she leads the organization's global strategy and work with the private sector to generate sustainable income for UNICEF and drive partnerships for children worldwide. From 2018 to 2021, Carla was UNICEF’s Director of Public Partnerships. Prior to joining UNICEF, Carla had served at the International Committee of the Red Cross in Switzerland, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia over a period of 17 years. Born and raised in Lebanon, Carla studied in Lebanon and the United States.
Jin Montesano
Director, Executive Officer and Chief People Officer, LIXIL
Jin Montesano is Director, Executive Officer and Chief People Officer of LIXIL Corporation. She joined the company in 2014 to build a global communications and corporate responsibility strategy for the company. She also championed the creation of SATO, the award-winning social enterprise tackling the challenges of global sanitation and hygiene. LIXIL expanded Jin’s remit in 2019 to include HR. Today, Jin continues to enable LIXIL’s transformation from a people and culture perspective. Jin grew up in Honolulu and was educated at Columbia and Princeton universities. She has lived and worked in Brussels, Singapore, Bangkok and now Tokyo.
Susanne Schöne
Moderator & Journalist
Susanne Schöne draws on her extensive experience of over 1,800 events and show presentations and 8 years broadcasting for Germany’s foremost live news channel (N24/Welt) as well as Germany’s best known entertainment channels PRO7 & Sat.1. What is the key to her natural and engaging presentation style? “Intense preparation is vital for a successful show. When I’m familiar with the precise wishes, interests and goals of the client can I (re)present them convincingly.” Susanne Schöne studied journalism and psychology at the TU Dresden.