Strategic Advisory Board
Independent Geostrategic and Geopolitical Advisor
Lt. General (Ret.) Konstantinos Loukopoulos
Lt. General (Ret.) Konstantinos Loukopoulos has held a wide range of command and staff positions during his distinguished career in the Hellenic Army, both in Greece and within NATO structures.
From 2001 to 2004, he served as Instructor and Course Director at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, where he organized and delivered multiple NATO training courses and led Mobile Training Teams in Algeria, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Russia, training more than 3,000 students. Expertise in NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Security Architecture.
He subsequently served at NATO HQ/ International Military Staff as Defense Planning Coordinator and Chief of the Capabilities Policy Section (2006–2009). In this role he worked at the highest levels of Allied defense planning, acquiring deep expertise in capability development. He regularly chaired the Military Committee Working Group for NATO Capabilities, overseeing the drafting and coordination of numerous key MC documents.
In Greece, Lt. General (Ret.) Loukopoulos held several strategic positions, including Press Officer to the Chief of Defence and Director of the International Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Defence / General Secretariat for Armaments. He also represented Greece as Acting National Armaments Director in NATO and European Defence Agency forums.
He is a graduate of the Higher Staff College and the National Defense College, and he has completed postgraduate studies in Strategic Security Studies.
Following his retirement, he has remained active as a defense and security expert, publishing analyses and commentary in journals as well as in the daily and weekly press and is a frequent television and radio commentator on matters of international security.
Areas of Expertise: Euro-Atlantic Security, NATO, Great Power Competition, Military Security, International Conflict, International Security.
Lt. General (Ret.) Konstantinos Loukopoulos has held a wide range of command and staff positions during his distinguished career in the Hellenic Army, both in Greece and within NATO structures.
From 2001 to 2004, he served as Instructor and Course Director at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, where he organized and delivered multiple NATO training courses and led Mobile Training Teams in Algeria, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Russia, training more than 3,000 students. Expertise in NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Security Architecture.
He subsequently served at NATO HQ/ International Military Staff as Defense Planning Coordinator and Chief of the Capabilities Policy Section (2006–2009). In this role he worked at the highest levels of Allied defense planning, acquiring deep expertise in capability development. He regularly chaired the Military Committee Working Group for NATO Capabilities, overseeing the drafting and coordination of numerous key MC documents.
In Greece, Lt. General (Ret.) Loukopoulos held several strategic positions, including Press Officer to the Chief of Defence and Director of the International Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Defence / General Secretariat for Armaments. He also represented Greece as Acting National Armaments Director in NATO and European Defence Agency forums.
He is a graduate of the Higher Staff College and the National Defense College, and he has completed postgraduate studies in Strategic Security Studies.
Following his retirement, he has remained active as a defense and security expert, publishing analyses and commentary in journals as well as in the daily and weekly press and is a frequent television and radio commentator on matters of international security.
Areas of Expertise: Euro-Atlantic Security, NATO, Great Power Competition, Military Security, International Conflict, International Security.
Independent Naval & Defence Advisor
Rear Admiral (ret.) Giuseppe Fabrizio AUFIERO
Rear Admiral Giuseppe Fabrizio AUFIERO brings to the Corridor's Advisory Board nearly four decades of distinguished service in the Italian Navy, spanning operational command, defence policy, strategic communications, and cutting-edge technology sectors.
Throughout his career, Admiral AUFIERO has held command responsibilities in the field of Naval Air Defence, overseeing complex multi-domain operations and contributing to Italy's integrated air and maritime defence architecture. His operational record includes real-time naval command in active mission environments, providing him with first-hand understanding of the challenges and dynamics of modern conflict and crisis management.
At the institutional level, Admiral AUFIERO has served as a senior liaison between the Armed Forces and Italy's highest political and legislative bodies, including Parliament, developing a rare ability to bridge the gap between military requirements and policy-making processes. His experience also encompasses NATO and EU diplomatic frameworks, where he represented Italy in multinational settings and contributed to alliance-level strategic planning.
As former Director of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) for Combined Maritime Forces, he has extensive expertise in shaping narratives and managing information in complex operational theatres — a competence of growing relevance in today's hybrid warfare environment.
Admiral AUFIERO commanded Italy's Joint ICT and Cyber Defence Institute, where he oversaw personnel selection, professional training, and advanced education in cybersecurity, Space Satellites management, digital resilience, and information systems. Under his leadership, the Institute operated the UNAVOX cyber range, a key national capability for cyber defence exercises and operator certification.
Beyond his military career, Admiral AUFIERO is an active member of the Scientific Committee of the Polo Nazionale Droni (Italy's National Drone Centre) and holds certifications as a VDS ultralight aircraft pilot and open-sea skipper. His direct involvement in drone development and autonomous systems policy places him at the forefront of Italy's emerging aerospace and defence innovation ecosystem.
Admiral AUFIERO joins the Advisory Board as Italy's Independent Naval Advisor, contributing a unique combination of operational authority, institutional gravitas, and technological expertise to the Corridor's mission of strengthening UK-EU-Ukraine defence innovation.
Rear Admiral Giuseppe Fabrizio AUFIERO brings to the Corridor's Advisory Board nearly four decades of distinguished service in the Italian Navy, spanning operational command, defence policy, strategic communications, and cutting-edge technology sectors.
Throughout his career, Admiral AUFIERO has held command responsibilities in the field of Naval Air Defence, overseeing complex multi-domain operations and contributing to Italy's integrated air and maritime defence architecture. His operational record includes real-time naval command in active mission environments, providing him with first-hand understanding of the challenges and dynamics of modern conflict and crisis management.
At the institutional level, Admiral AUFIERO has served as a senior liaison between the Armed Forces and Italy's highest political and legislative bodies, including Parliament, developing a rare ability to bridge the gap between military requirements and policy-making processes. His experience also encompasses NATO and EU diplomatic frameworks, where he represented Italy in multinational settings and contributed to alliance-level strategic planning.
As former Director of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) for Combined Maritime Forces, he has extensive expertise in shaping narratives and managing information in complex operational theatres — a competence of growing relevance in today's hybrid warfare environment.
Admiral AUFIERO commanded Italy's Joint ICT and Cyber Defence Institute, where he oversaw personnel selection, professional training, and advanced education in cybersecurity, Space Satellites management, digital resilience, and information systems. Under his leadership, the Institute operated the UNAVOX cyber range, a key national capability for cyber defence exercises and operator certification.
Beyond his military career, Admiral AUFIERO is an active member of the Scientific Committee of the Polo Nazionale Droni (Italy's National Drone Centre) and holds certifications as a VDS ultralight aircraft pilot and open-sea skipper. His direct involvement in drone development and autonomous systems policy places him at the forefront of Italy's emerging aerospace and defence innovation ecosystem.
Admiral AUFIERO joins the Advisory Board as Italy's Independent Naval Advisor, contributing a unique combination of operational authority, institutional gravitas, and technological expertise to the Corridor's mission of strengthening UK-EU-Ukraine defence innovation.
Independent Defence Advisor
Rear Admiral Massimo Esposito, Italian Navy (Ret.)
Massimo Esposito joined the Italian Naval Academy in 1983 and, following that, spent several years on board Italian Navy warships as Anti Submarine Warfare, Operations and Executive Officer.
In addition to his Command assignments, he has served in a variety of senior positions at single service, joint and international levels, including:
- Maritime Operations Center Manager at NATO Naval HQ.
- Directing Staff, Teacher and Senior Researcher at the Italian Joint Staff College.
- Executive and Military Assistant to the Commanding Officer of the Italian Naval Staff
College.
- Plans Section Head and Military Cooperation Team Leader at NATO Joint Forces Command, Brunssum.
- Director of the Centre for Maritime studies at the Italian Naval Staff College.
- Branch Head and Military Assistant at the Italian Military Delegation, NATO HQ.
He retired from the Italian Navy in 2021, and following that, has served at NATO HQ Brussels as a Senior Analysts in the Joint Intelligence and Security Division, with a focus on new technologies and their impact on future warfare.
From September 2024 he is serving as AFCEA International Vice President and General Manager AFCEA Europe.
He earned a Master of Arts in Defense Studies from King’s College, London (UK) and in International, Strategic and Military Studies from LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome (Italy). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Lecce (Italy), a Bachelor of Science in Naval and Maritime
Science from the University of Pisa (Italy) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Trieste (Italy). He has also successfully attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC4) at the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC), Shrivenham (UK).
Massimo Esposito joined the Italian Naval Academy in 1983 and, following that, spent several years on board Italian Navy warships as Anti Submarine Warfare, Operations and Executive Officer.
In addition to his Command assignments, he has served in a variety of senior positions at single service, joint and international levels, including:
- Maritime Operations Center Manager at NATO Naval HQ.
- Directing Staff, Teacher and Senior Researcher at the Italian Joint Staff College.
- Executive and Military Assistant to the Commanding Officer of the Italian Naval Staff
College.
- Plans Section Head and Military Cooperation Team Leader at NATO Joint Forces Command, Brunssum.
- Director of the Centre for Maritime studies at the Italian Naval Staff College.
- Branch Head and Military Assistant at the Italian Military Delegation, NATO HQ.
He retired from the Italian Navy in 2021, and following that, has served at NATO HQ Brussels as a Senior Analysts in the Joint Intelligence and Security Division, with a focus on new technologies and their impact on future warfare.
From September 2024 he is serving as AFCEA International Vice President and General Manager AFCEA Europe.
He earned a Master of Arts in Defense Studies from King’s College, London (UK) and in International, Strategic and Military Studies from LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome (Italy). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Lecce (Italy), a Bachelor of Science in Naval and Maritime
Science from the University of Pisa (Italy) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Trieste (Italy). He has also successfully attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC4) at the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC), Shrivenham (UK).
Independent Defence Advisor
British Army Colonel (Ret.) Seb Pollington
Colonel Pollington brings extensive operational and strategic experience, including in senior international defence engagement roles such as Defence Attaché and most recently with NATO.
His expertise and international perspective adds a valuable dimension to the development of the Corridor, particularly in strengthening its engagement across the global defence and security landscape.
We look forward to working together to advance meaningful collaboration in support of defence innovation and international partnership.
Colonel Pollington brings extensive operational and strategic experience, including in senior international defence engagement roles such as Defence Attaché and most recently with NATO.
His expertise and international perspective adds a valuable dimension to the development of the Corridor, particularly in strengthening its engagement across the global defence and security landscape.
We look forward to working together to advance meaningful collaboration in support of defence innovation and international partnership.
Public Affairs Advisor
Stephen Hoffman, director of Stephen Hoffman Consulting Ltd.
Stephen is an experienced and successful expert in events, fundraising marketing, public affairs and research. He has coordinated campaigns backed by over 450 MPs, over 275 Peers, over 500 Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, businesses, numerous public figures, and thousands of activists. He has run impactful marketing campaigns for businesses, non profits and private clients. He produces high quality work for businesses, grassroots campaigners and social enterprises in wide-ranging industries that have helped tell their story, ensure they are heard by policymakers and gain the investment they need. Stephen Hoffman Consulting Ltd was established on October 27 2017 and its LinkedIn page can be found below.
Stephen is an experienced and successful expert in events, fundraising marketing, public affairs and research. He has coordinated campaigns backed by over 450 MPs, over 275 Peers, over 500 Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, businesses, numerous public figures, and thousands of activists. He has run impactful marketing campaigns for businesses, non profits and private clients. He produces high quality work for businesses, grassroots campaigners and social enterprises in wide-ranging industries that have helped tell their story, ensure they are heard by policymakers and gain the investment they need. Stephen Hoffman Consulting Ltd was established on October 27 2017 and its LinkedIn page can be found below.
Branding Advisor
Kyrylo Sukhatskyi,
Entrepreneur, brand consultant, designer, and CEO of Brightmedia, a value-creation agency operating at the intersection of strategy, design and entrepreneurship.
He has delivered over 200 projects for businesses of all sizes: from promotions and websites to comprehensive brand design and communication strategies. His portfolio includes collaborations with well-known brands such as Toyota and Renault.
Areas of expertise:
• Strategic branding for business owners
• Visual branding as a tool for building trust and increasing profits
• Consultancy on new product launches and rebranding
• Building reputation through design and brand values
Entrepreneur, brand consultant, designer, and CEO of Brightmedia, a value-creation agency operating at the intersection of strategy, design and entrepreneurship.
He has delivered over 200 projects for businesses of all sizes: from promotions and websites to comprehensive brand design and communication strategies. His portfolio includes collaborations with well-known brands such as Toyota and Renault.
Areas of expertise:
• Strategic branding for business owners
• Visual branding as a tool for building trust and increasing profits
• Consultancy on new product launches and rebranding
• Building reputation through design and brand values
Naval Advisor
Jordi Bonet Albalat,
Lieutenant Commander (Spanish Navy, Ret.)
Naval Advisor specialising in Maritime Security, Operational Resilience, Engineering Integration and Integrated Defence Systems
Lieutenant Commander (Spanish Navy, Ret.)
Naval Advisor specialising in Maritime Security, Operational Resilience, Engineering Integration and Integrated Defence Systems
Tech Connecta Vertex Ltd
London, UK
Strategic & Government Relations, UK Innovation Access & Market Entry
Strategic & Government Relations, UK Innovation Access & Market Entry