Deborah Ponzio - Business Development, Export & Sourcing Consultant

Q: Where is Deborah based?

Deborah is based in Milan, Italy and prefers 100% remote projects.

Q: What languages does Deborah speak?

Deborah speaks the following languages: English (Native), Italian (Native), French (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Deborah have?

Deborah has at least 32 years of experience. During this time, Deborah has worked in at least 29 different roles and for 37 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 9 months . Note that Deborah may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Deborah's latest experience?

Deborah's most recent position is VP Business Development - Europe & Asia at KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts .

Q: What companies has Deborah worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Deborah has worked for KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts , Refuresh , Luxury For You , Asian Insiders , and NEARMOTION .

Q: Which industries is Deborah most experienced in?

Deborah is most experienced in industries like Food and Beverage , Fashion , and Information Technology . Deborah also has some experience in Manufacturing , Energy , and Professional Services .

Q: Which business areas is Deborah most experienced in?

Deborah is most experienced in business areas like Business Intelligence , Sales , and Investments and M&A . Deborah also has some experience in Marketing , Research and Development , and Strategy .

Q: Which industries has Deborah worked in recently?

Deborah has recently worked in industries like Professional Services , Media and Entertainment , and Cosmetics .

Q: Which business areas has Deborah worked in recently?

Deborah has recently worked in business areas like Marketing , Sales , and Strategy .

Recommended expert

Milan, Italy

Experience

Jul 2025 - Present

9 months

Boston, United States

VP Business Development - Europe & Asia

KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts

B2B business development of herbal extracts ingredients for food supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

May 2025 - Present

11 months

Kensington Park, Australia

Country Manager Italy

Refuresh

B2B market entry and business development services for innovative pet grooming accessories

Apr 2025 - Present

1 year

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Supplier Sourcing & Business Development Manager - Italy & France

Luxury For You

B2B sourcing of suppliers and business development for international fashion luxury marketplace

Jan 2025 - Present

1 year 3 months

Milan, Italy

Associate Partner Italy

Asian Insiders

Italian representative and point of access to Asian Insiders' unique expertise across Asian markets

Dec 2024 - Present

1 year 4 months

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Business Development Manager - Europe

NEARMOTION

B2B business development and partner search for high-tech wayfinding technologies for large buildings and events in Europe

Jun 2024 - Dec 2024

7 months

United States

Sourcing Consultant

Lady Adireh

Sourcing of Italian and European product suppliers and manufacturers.

Dec 2023 - Apr 2024

5 months

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Business Development Consultant - Europe

Jaguar (Private) Limited.

Market research, lead generation, unique selling proposition and go-to-market strategy and execution for private-label casual wear, leisure wear, night wear, underwear, baby wear.

Nov 2023 - Mar 2024

5 months

Hong Kong

Business Development Consultant

Vialux - Jewellery, Accessories, and Hardware

Business development and market research for metal components and hardware for luxury bags.

Apr 2023 - Sep 2024

1 year 6 months

Milan, Italy

Business Development Consultant

Genoma

Advisory and consulting on B2B operational projects for Genoma's clients.
Business development, partner search, lead generation, market research, profile assessment and enhancement, unique value proposition.

Oct 2022 - Nov 2023

1 year 2 months

Italy

Business Development Consultant Coal Division - Europe

Incaphyto E.I.R.L.

Market research, partner search and business development for anthracite coal.

Oct 2022 - Nov 2022

2 months

Newport Beach, United States

Advisor Brand Relations - Europe

BRANA Designs

Management of marketing and relationships with interior design brands for a social media communication project.

Aug 2022 - Sep 2023

1 year 2 months

Mumbai, India

Business Development Manager Europe

Crest Designs and Supplies

Advisory on business development, client targeting and relationships for handmade couture embroideries.

Jul 2022 - Present

3 years 9 months

Rishon LeZion, Israel

Business Development Consultant - Europe

Mial Impex

Market research and business development for Medjoul dates

Mar 2022 - Nov 2023

1 year 9 months

Padua, Italy

Export Consultant Europe

Collerock

Export sales strategy and identification of opportunities in the European markets for made in Italy truck parts.

Mar 2022 - Sep 2023

1 year 7 months

Basel, Switzerland

Business Development Advisor

DRiiBE

Advisory and research on B2B business development strategy and market opportunities for sustainable and innovative travel bags.

Jan 2022 - Nov 2022

11 months

Opole, Poland

Business Development Consultant - Italy

Harventi Vision

Business development for vision technologies and innovation at the service of agritech: Camvio H100.

Dec 2021 - Mar 2022

4 months

Malmö, Sweden

Sourcing Consultant

Kaffekassan

Consulting, research and negotiations with EU suppliers of coffee and related food snacks and accessories.

Oct 2021 - Feb 2022

5 months

Yerevan, Armenia

Business Development Consultant - Italy

Greenframe LLC

Market research and scouting of B2B opportunities for design of residential and business PV projects.

Sep 2021 - Nov 2022

1 year 3 months

Opole, Poland

Business Development Consultant - Italy

QZ Solutions

Business development for satellite data technologies and innovation at the service of agritech: RSP Alert and Harventi/Camvio H100.

Sep 2021 - Dec 2021

4 months

Newport Beach, United States

Advisor Supplier Relations - Europe

BRANA Designs

Management of relations and negotiations with European furniture design brands and shipping companies.

Jul 2021 - Present

4 years 9 months

Boston, United States

VP Business Development - Italy & Switzerland

KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts

Business development of herbal extracts ingredients for food supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

Jun 2021 - Mar 2024

2 years 10 months

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Advisor International Relations and Sourcing

Noura Sulaiman Est.

Relations advisory and sourcing of textile manufacturers.

Feb 2021 - Jul 2022

1 year 6 months

Italy

Business Development Consultant

CDT Service

Company profiling and business development services for hospital automation and efficiency, tracking and safety technology services.

Feb 2021 - Apr 2021

3 months

Fowler, United States

Business Development Consultant - Italy

Palogix International USA

Market research and consulting on value proposition.
Identification of B2B leads.
Reach-out strategy and execution for circular economy and logistic services for agriculture.

Dec 2020 - Jan 2021

2 months

Israel

Business Development Consultant - Italy

Binrad Software Ltd.

Market research and consulting on value and sales proposition.
Generation of B2B leads.
Reach-out strategy and execution for modelling and simulation software for EMS-shielding.

Oct 2020 - Nov 2020

2 months

Udine, Italy

Business Development Consultant

Addi.fit

Business development consulting.

Oct 2020 - Nov 2020

2 months

Udine, Italy

Business Development Consultant

Friuli Innovazione

Business development consulting for startups.

Oct 2020 - Nov 2020

2 months

Udine, Italy

Business Development Consultant

Signally

Consulting on unique value proposition and B2B business development.

Sep 2020 - Nov 2021

1 year 3 months

France

Business Development Consultant Italy

Bluetens

Market research and consulting on value proposition.
Identification of B2B leads.
Reach-out strategy and execution for home-fitness, sports training and well-being technology medical device and app.

Jun 2020 - Oct 2020

5 months

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Business Development Consultant Italy - Corporate Clients

Sitly

Business development, targeting and relationship building with Italian corporate HR for Sitly's innovative staff welfare service platform.

Jan 2020 - Present

6 years 3 months

Milan, Italy

B2B Business Development, Marketing and Sourcing Consultant

Linkamy

B2B business development, market entry in Italy and Western Europe, public affairs, management of relations with key stakeholders and institutions - government and industry.
Cross-cultural negotiation and representation.
Promotion of innovation, technology transfer and R&D collaboration.
In-market research and analysis.
Sourcing of Italian suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Marketing and trade for Australian and Asian suppliers and buyers targeting EU markets.
Food and beverage (including agricultural commodities), clean energy and renewables, innovation including AI - artificial intelligence, software - SAAS, nanotechnology and advanced materials, health and medical, textiles (fabric and yarn), wool, leather and skins, jewellery, cosmetics, luxury goods, IT and telecommunications, media and publishing, visual and performing arts, design, innovative services.

Dec 2019 - Present

6 years 4 months

Italy

International Business Development Consultant

The Mentors of Design

Overseas business development advisory, market and partner search

May 2017 - Nov 2019

2 years 7 months

Milan, Italy

Senior Investment Manager & Team Leader

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Western Europe team leader agrifood and agritech.
Engaged with international and Australian companies, industry associations and government agencies.
Advanced the Australian government's investment and trade policy agenda by attracting international investment into Australia, with a focus on food and beverage, agriculture and renewable energy.

Nov 2016 - Dec 2021

5 years 2 months

Italy

Professional Member

Federazione Relazioni Pubbliche Italiana

Professional member of the Italian Federation of Public Relations (FERPI).

Sep 2011 - May 2017

5 years 9 months

Milan, Italy

Investment Manager & Team Leader

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Western Europe team leader nanotech and agrifood.
Attraction of productive investment into Australia, with a focus on clean technology, renewable energy, nanotechnology, advanced materials, food technology and processing.
Provided market intelligence and research, site visits for business locations, orientation on Australian business rules and regulations, government processes and approval assistance, and identification of potential Australian business partners.

May 1998 - Sep 2011

13 years 5 months

Business Development Manager

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Business development, in-market research, product and service assessment, partner identification and introductions on behalf of Australian exporters into Italy for IT, agrifood, textiles and leather, publishing, art projects and entertainment.
Provided assistance and in-market intelligence to save time, money and effort of Australian businesses for exporting and international business expansion.
Served 3 years as Investment Manager on behalf of Invest Australia, the investment attraction agency of the Australian Government.

Mar 1998 - Apr 1998

2 months

Marketing Manager

Sakkis Italia

Managed import and export of yarn and fabrics from and to Greece, Taiwan, China, South Korea and India.
Worked on core products including spandex yarn for manufacturers of hosiery, stretch fabrics and knitted items, and cotton sewing thread.

Sep 1995 - Feb 1998

2 years 6 months

Milan, Italy

Marketing Assistant, Milan Branch Office

Hyosung Corporation

B2B marketing for textiles and yarn, leather and skins, accessories (bags), tyre cord and consumer telephone devices.

Mar 1995 - Jun 1995

4 months

Korea, Republic of

Internship

ITA - Italian Trade Agency

Market research on behalf of Italian exporters of gift items, shoes and accessories, and machineries for sport shoes.

Feb 1992 - Sep 1992

8 months

Italy

External Contributor

Agenzia Area Radio news agency

Apprentice radio journalist and correspondent (news writer and public reader) in Italy's largest radio news agency, belonging to SPER radio network.

Sep 1990 - Jun 1991

10 months

Italy

External Contributor

La Repubblica

External contributor to the local news sections in Civitavecchia and Rome.

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Food and Beverage, Fashion, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Energy.

Food and Beverage

Fashion

Information Technology

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Energy

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Business Intelligence, Sales, Investments and M&A, Marketing, Research and Development, and Strategy.

Business Intelligence

Sales

Investments and M&A

Marketing

Research and Development

Strategy

Summary

Experienced business development and sourcing manager Lead Generation (B2B), innovation promoter, productive investment facilitator and Software as a Service (SaaS) communicator.

20+years international public affairs and trade background. Team Specialist in relationship/partnership brokering and negotiations, leadership and project management in cross-cultural environment, business planning, public relations and communication.

Experience across several industries: Clean Energy and Renewables, Coal, Agri-food, Agritech, Innovation including Software - SAAS, Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Health and Medical. Textiles (fabric and yarn), wool, leather and skins, jewellery, cosmetics, luxury goods, media and publishing, visual and performing arts, commodities, innovative services.

Skills

Business Development
Public Affairs
Management Of Relations With Key Stakeholders And Institutions - Government And Industry
Cross-cultural Negotiation And Representation
Cold Call And Interpersonal Skills
Promotion Of Innovation, Technology Transfer And R&d Collaboration
In-market Research And Analysis
Sourcing Of Italian Suppliers
Trading With Australian And Asian Suppliers And Buyers Targeting Eu Markets

Languages

English

Native

Italian

Native

French

Intermediate

Education

Oct 1995 - Mar 1996

ITA - Italian Trade Agency

Master CORCE de Franceschi · International Trade - Export Manager · Rome, Italy

Oct 1986 - Jun 1995

Luiss Guido Carli University

Graduated · Political Science and International relations · Rome, Italy

Certifications & licenses

Export Manager

Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search

Sales Negotiation

FERPI Professional Member under Law 4/2013

FERPI

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 41

Experience in Food and Beverage 26 y

Avg length 1 y 9 m

Longest experience 13 y 4 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 16 (Italy, United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Poland, +11)

Primary country Italy

Expertise

Recent roles VP Business Development - Europe & Asia, Country Manager Italy, Supplier Sourcing & Business Development Manager - Italy & France

Main industries Food and Beverage, Fashion, Information Technology

Main business areas Business Intelligence, Sales, Investments and M&A

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Certifications earned 4

Profile

Created

July 2025

Last Update

January 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Deborah based?

Deborah is based in Milan, Italy and prefers 100% remote projects.

What languages does Deborah speak?

Deborah speaks the following languages: English (Native), Italian (Native), French (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Deborah have?

Deborah has at least 32 years of experience. During this time, Deborah has worked in at least 29 different roles and for 37 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 9 months. Note that Deborah may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Deborah be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Deborah would be well-suited for roles such as: VP Business Development - Europe & Asia, Country Manager Italy, Supplier Sourcing & Business Development Manager - Italy & France.

What is Deborah's latest experience?

Deborah's most recent position is VP Business Development - Europe & Asia at KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts.

What companies has Deborah worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Deborah has worked for KARALLIEF Herbal Extracts, Refuresh, Luxury For You, Asian Insiders, and NEARMOTION.

Which industries is Deborah most experienced in?

Deborah is most experienced in industries like Food and Beverage, Fashion, and Information Technology. Deborah also has some experience in Manufacturing, Energy, and Professional Services.

Which business areas is Deborah most experienced in?

Deborah is most experienced in business areas like Business Intelligence, Sales, and Investments and M&A. Deborah also has some experience in Marketing, Research and Development, and Strategy.

Which industries has Deborah worked in recently?

Deborah has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Media and Entertainment, and Cosmetics.

Which business areas has Deborah worked in recently?

Deborah has recently worked in business areas like Marketing, Sales, and Strategy.

What is Deborah's education?

Deborah holds a Master in International Trade - Export Manager from ITA - Italian Trade Agency.

Does Deborah have any certificates?

Deborah has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: Export Manager, Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search, and Sales Negotiation.

What is the availability of Deborah?

Deborah is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Deborah?

Deborah's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.