Global Mobility Professional of the Year - VOTE NOW
Submit your vote for your favourite Global Mobility Professional of the Year by end of Friday, 3 October!
The winner will be announced on 21st October at the EMMAs Dinner - Book your seats now!
Ana has built an impressive career spanning tax advisory, mobility program design, business transformation, and people development. Before joining Vialto, she held senior leadership roles at PwC, like tax and legal services transformation leader in Spain and leader of the NEW LAW business in Spain, advising some of the world’s largest multinational clients. Today, as CEO for EMEA, she leads one of the most diverse and complex regions within Vialto Partners, responsible for guiding mobility solutions across more than 30 territories.
Ana has been the leading partner for important global mobility programs like Telefonica, Indra, Airbus or one of her most recent clients, Siemens Gamesa. Her consistent ability to deliver measurable impact—both in client outcomes and organizational performance—has earned her recognition as one of the most trusted leaders in the global mobility field. Innovation in Operating Structure and Service Delivery Ana has been the driving force behind Vialto’s new operating structure in EMEA and Europe West, introduced in 2024 and expanded in 2025. This forward-looking strategy included: - Creating two distinct regions (Europe West and EMEA) to align markets. - Restructuring 30+ territories into eight Market clusters led by Market Leaders. - Launching a dedicated Sales function in both regions. - Introducing regional COO roles to strengthen governance and operational consistency. These changes were not cosmetic—they represent Ana’s ability to innovate at scale. The structure reduces complexity, improves collaboration, accelerates issue resolution, and delivers a more seamless, client-focused “one-Vialto” experience. Knowledge and Thought Leadership Ana combines hands-on experience with academic excellence. She has over 25 years in mobility and is further strengthening her expertise through advanced studies, including International Tax Studies in IE and MBA in ESADE.
Her knowledge is not only applied within Vialto but also shared with the wider community, including as a speaker and contributor to events such as EMEA Mobility Week. She is widely recognized as a thought leader and trusted advisor.
Ana’s people-centric approach creates career pathways and development opportunities, helping teams thrive, while her focus on service delivery keeps Vialto a trusted partner for clients navigating global mobility. Professional Reputation Colleagues and clients alike view Ana as a leader who combines strategic vision with integrity and care. Her reputation for delivering excellence while championing innovation and collaboration places her among the most respected professionals in the industry.
Ana Berta López’s record of achievement, structural innovation, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment to client service embody the qualities celebrated by the FEM community.
Since 2012, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chapter Lead for the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) Germany, and for several years now, I’ve also led the Swiss Chapter. In these roles, I’ve curated and moderated over 50 Chapter Meetings, always with the aim of fostering peer-level exchange, offering practical insights, and creating a platform where mobility professionals from all backgrounds can connect, collaborate and grow. These events have become a recognised cornerstone of the Global Mobility network in the DACH region – advancing not only individual expertise but also the professionalisation of our field. During the pandemic, I launched a Global Mobility podcast series to keep the community engaged through digital knowledge-sharing formats. Professionally, I bring extensive experience from senior leadership roles across global relocation, visa and immigration providers, as well as within Big Four consulting.
Today, as the founder of Blue Hills Consulting, I support organisations of all sizes in shaping international workforce strategies, driving transformation, and ensuring compliance across borders. My academic background includes a degree in Business Administration, an Executive MBA with a focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and an LL.M. in International Business Law, specialising in Migration Law – with particular emphasis on skilled worker migration to Germany. Despite all these years in the field, I remain genuinely fascinated by the diversity, relevance and future potential of Global Mobility. For me, exchanging ideas with like-minded professionals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work – both professionally and personally. I am deeply convinced that Global Mobility can play a vital role in positively shaping the future of work – especially as an enabler in tackling today’s major challenges: demographic shifts, the need for international talent attraction, talent retention and development, and the strategic expansion into new markets. Even the transformation of business in the context of decarbonisation will rely heavily on international workforce strategies.
Now is the time to unlock the full potential of the Global Mobility function and to position it as a strategic contributor within organisations. That is precisely where I focus my efforts: through FEM Chapter Meetings and other industry platforms, I aim to provide impulses, share practical experience, and offer thought leadership – particularly to support small and mid-sized mobility programmes on their journey to becoming recognised strategic drivers. Global Mobility thrives on collaboration. I do my best to contribute – with energy, experience, and the firm belief that we can achieve more when we move forward together.
With over twenty years of experience as an immigration lawyer, I have built a reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses seeking practical, innovative solutions to the most complex global mobility challenges. At Faegre Drinker’s London office, I partner with companies across a diverse range of industries, guiding them through intricate work permit and visa processes worldwide. My career spans practice in the UK, United States, and Trinidad & Tobago.
I have developed particular expertise as a U.S. immigration attorney working closely with U.S. Consulates in Europe, which has empowered me to facilitate seamless cross-border moves between Europe and the United States through evolving immigration policies and often challenging environments. I also regularly support U.S.-based companies and their teams as they expand into the UK and beyond, always striving to simplify the process with clear, pragmatic advice. For example, I orchestrated the transfer of U.S. professionals to France for the Paris Olympics. Beyond my client work, I am deeply invested in advancing the global mobility field. I am an active member of professional associations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA), and have served as co-chair of AILA’s Global Migration Section.
I am passionate about knowledge sharing and mentoring, and I regularly present at conferences—including AILA 2024 and British American Business 2025—as well as publish thought leadership through Faegre Drinker’s website, SME magazine, and Investment Monitor, amongst others.
I am honoured to have received ongoing recognition from my peers and the industry, being listed in the International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers each year since 2011, and in the Thought Leaders Global Elite - Corporate Immigration Law since its inception. Clients consistently commend my deep subject matter expertise, clear communication, and ability to deliver effective, tailored solutions for their businesses and teams.
Reena is the first Global Mobility professional at Titan Company Limited (a Tata Enterprise) and Titan Engineering and Automation Limited (TEAL), having built and led the global mobility function for both organizations from scratch. Titan is a leading lifestyle company in India, known for its strong presence in jewelry, watches, eyewear, and emerging categories like Indian dress wear and wearables. TEAL, on the other hand, provides turnkey automation and testing solutions across 18+ countries, with projects spanning the USA, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and more. In her role, Reena bridges the distinct mobility needs of both companies, ensuring compliant, efficient, and cost-effective cross-border movement of talent.
With over 12 years of experience in global mobility across IT, retail, and manufacturing sectors, Reena has navigated complex immigration landscapes and tailored mobility solutions to meet business needs. Key achievements include: - Designing and implementing mobility policies for Titan and TEAL, ensuring smooth cross-border transitions. - Introducing the Employer of Record (EOR) model for Saudi Arabia and Slovakia, enabling Titan’s expansion into these countries. - Developing innovative visa strategies, such as Germany’s Para 19 visa and a Legal Representative model in France. - Streamlining mobility operations in the US, Europe, and Asia, significantly reducing processing times and costs while enhancing compliance. - Supporting business growth in new markets like Morocco, Romania, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam. - Playing an instrumental role in launching Titan’s presence in Singapore through the franchise model, resulting in the opening of the first store. Reena’s expertise has not only optimized visa strategies but also improved resource allocation and ROI planning, contributing directly to the business's global expansion and operational efficiency.
With 12+ years in global mobility across IT, retail, and manufacturing sectors, I have navigated complex immigration landscapes and built mobility solutions tailored to business needs. Key achievements include designing and implementing policies for Titan and TEAL (and previous companies I have worked with), introducing the Employer of Record model for Saudi Arabia and Slovakia, and enabling new work visa strategies like Germany’s Para 19 visa, Legal Representative Model for France, Temporary Work Visa for Mexico, etc. I have helped streamline mobility in the US, Europe, and Asia, reduced processing time and cost, enhanced compliance, and supported business growth in new markets including Bangladesh, Singapore, Morocco, Romania, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Harveer is a visionary Global Mobility leader whose strategic insight, operational rigor and unwavering commitment to people have driven IKAN’s evolution into one of the world’s most respected destination service providers. With more than two decades of experience, he combines deep technical expertise in policy design, destination & immigration services, household logistics. From his chance entry into mobility in 2004 to his current role as Senior Vice President – DSP Services, Harveer has consistently turned complex relocation challenges into growth opportunities for his clients and his teams. During his first tenure at IKAN in Hyderabad, Harveer’s solutions-driven mindset and benevolent leadership guided hundreds of VIP moves for Deloitte, UBS, Microsoft and Google. In the frenetic post-Y2K era, he deftly navigated India’s then-immature housing market and shifting immigration regulations, building robust relocation protocols from scratch. His hands-on approach—consulting closely with corporate mobility and HR teams, iterating policies to ensure compliance, and securing stakeholder buy-in, enabled these global firms to establish and expand their footprints in India with confidence. After seven years at SantaFe Relocation, where he honed his skills in global policy development, destination services and cultural training,
Harveer rejoined IKAN in 2014 to spearhead its India expansion. As head of DSP Services, he established multiple regional offices, built a high-performing India-wide team and introduced award-winning in-house technologies. Under his leadership, IKAN won “Best DSP of the Year” four years running, thanks to transparent best practices, end-to-end digital solutions and an unrelenting focus on service excellence. Harveer’s strategic collaborations with senior leadership also yielded innovative frameworks that have become benchmarks across the mobility industry. Beyond his commercial successes, Harveer is a passionate mentor and culture-shaper. He designs clear frameworks for career progression, empowering individuals to master the full spectrum of talent mobility - from DSP services, immigration strategy and household goods logistics to cross-cultural coaching. His empathetic leadership style fosters psychological safety, encouraging team members to propose bold ideas and take ownership of client outcomes. As a result, IKAN has enjoyed exceptional employee retention rates, seamless service continuity and glowing client testimonials that cite “Harveer’s personal touch” as a differentiator.
At his core, Harveer believes that successful relocations are built on honesty, respect and creative problem-solving within compliance boundaries. He cultivates these values in every project, ensuring that each family’s move is treated as a bespoke journey rather than a transaction. His ability to marry strategic vision with operational excellence - and to elevate both his clients’ businesses and his colleagues’ careers, makes him uniquely deserving of the Global Mobility Professional of the Year award. Judges will find in Harveer not just a leader, but a true architect of modern mobility whose influence will shape the industry for years to come.
With more than a decade of experience in the global mobility sector, Murtaza Shah has established himself as a trusted leader and innovator, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for clients while shaping industry best practices. As a Partner at Northman & Sterling, he has driven the company’s growth into a recognized international provider of immigration, visa, and relocation services, while maintaining consistent focus on quality, compliance, and client satisfaction. Murtaza has successfully managed large-scale, time-sensitive mobility projects for multinational clients, including the deployment of hundreds of employees and their families across multiple jurisdictions. His ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks in key regions such as Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the wider GCC has enabled organizations to achieve their strategic mobility goals with efficiency and full compliance. Committed to improving client experience, Murtaza led the introduction of digital case management systems that provide real-time visibility, streamline documentation, and reduce administrative inefficiencies. His focus on innovation has not only optimized internal processes but also delivered measurable benefits to clients, including faster turnaround times, cost efficiencies, and a more transparent service journey. Murtaza is highly regarded for his extensive expertise in immigration law, mobility compliance, and workforce deployment strategy. Corporate clients consistently view him as a reliable advisor, valued for his ability to provide clear, pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.
His reputation is reinforced by his dedication to maintaining the highest ethical standards and his commitment to supporting both employers and assignees throughout the mobility lifecycle.
At the heart of Murtaza’s professional ethos is a genuine commitment to client service. He is recognized for his responsiveness, ability to resolve issues under pressure, and consistent focus on creating positive outcomes for assignees and their families. By combining technical expertise with empathy, he ensures mobility transitions are smooth, compliant, and supportive of employee well-being.
Murtaza’s contributions extend beyond immediate client engagements. He has championed knowledge-sharing and talent development within Northman & Sterling, embedding improved methods and scalable practices that strengthen the firm’s long-term capability. His work has positioned the business to deliver sustainable value to clients while reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the global mobility community.
Murtaza Shah exemplifies the qualities of a Global Mobility Professional of the Year: consistent excellence, forward-looking innovation, deep technical knowledge, and a strong professional reputation. His achievements have made a significant impact not only on clients and assignees but also on the evolution of best practice within the wider industry.
With over 15 years in global mobility — and approaching three with Global Expat Pay — Hien Tran is widely regarded by colleagues and clients as a consummate professional whose operational expertise is matched only by her calm, human approach. We recognise that this award is traditionally given to in-house professionals. However, Hien’s influence as a service provider has been so profound — transforming client programmes, stabilising complex payroll operations, and reshaping policy execution — that it felt only right to nominate her. The scale of her contribution extends well beyond her role title, benefiting multiple organisations across industries.
Hien has played a pivotal role in supporting major multinationals, including Daimler Truck and KION Group, to modernise their expat payroll and compensation models. This required unpicking years of manual workarounds and local variations, then digitising and standardising them into accurate, audit-ready solutions. It is painstaking, highly technical work that demands both patience and precision. Hien ensures every stakeholder — from payroll leads to assignees — feels informed, supported, and reassured throughout. Her colleagues describe her as “a multitasking master” and “Superwoman,” adept at balancing competing priorities with composure. A GEP product leader summarised her impact: “Her deep operational insight has been instrumental in shaping our platform.
She has a rare ability to translate complex mobility challenges into clear, strategic opportunities.” Clients echo this sentiment. A senior mobility manager at Daimler Truck reflected: “Hien is exceptional support to my team — always organised, attentive, and reliable. Her friendly nature makes collaboration effortless and her dedication to customer focus truly stands out.” What sets Hien apart is her ability to bridge disciplines. She engages equally well with HR, tax, and payroll teams, translating technical logic into actionable steps and ensuring no stakeholder is left behind. A former colleague observed: “Hien has exceptional relationship management skills and high EQ. She instils calmness even in adverse circumstances and delivers success with a solutions-oriented approach.” Hien’s contribution also extends beyond her immediate work. She is a steering committee member for the UK Chapter of Women of Global Mobility, helping to elevate female voices and foster community across the profession.
Her willingness to mentor others and share her expertise demonstrates a commitment to shaping the future of global mobility, not just delivering in the present.
In short, Hien embodies the highest standards of the profession: technical excellence, empathy for the assignee experience, and an unwavering drive to make things better. That a service provider’s contribution merits consideration in an award usually given to in-house professionals speaks volumes about her exceptional impact.
As one colleague summed it up:
“She doesn’t just get things done — she quietly raises the game for everyone around her.”
In just four years at Booking.com, Maaike has truly transformed the GM team. Her empathetic leadership and clear, strategic guidance bring out the best in people, creating a high-performing team grounded in trust, collaboration, and results. With years of experience in Global Mobility, she has a deep understanding of the market, is always up to date with new developments and sees opportunities to improve how we work—aligning team success with company goals.
Thanks to her direction, we’ve embraced automation, efficiency, and employee experience while remaining cost conscious and compliance driven. She knows how to strike the right balance between doing what’s best for people and what’s right for the business. Her leadership has secured us a seat at the table with senior leadership and delivered tangible results from cost saving solutions in temporary accommodation to implementing robust business travel compliance programs and global mobility policies. Through automation and smart tech integration, she and the team have reshaped workflows, improved data accuracy, and elevated the relocation experience for new hires. She excels at creating a supportive atmosphere for our team and is always ready to mentor others in the team and in the wider company to help them grow professionally.
She also consistently works to increase the visibility of Global Mobility throughout the organization.
At our company, we truly embrace sustainability, and it was great to see her and one of our team members openly sharing our insights and best practices with the wider community during the FEM—showcasing our proactive approach and commitment to positive change.
Her impact is not only visible in what we’ve achieved, but in the empowered, agile, and forward-thinking team she’s helped build.