AIS - Key Persons
Andreas Koini grew up in a small town in the very north of Austria. After Secondary School he attended Technical University Vienna and completed a double Hons. Masters' in Education, Mathematics and Sports Science. He also holds a Master of Science, Finance, from Birkbeck College, University of London. Andreas is a keen sportsman who has represented his country at an international competitive level. He is married to Catherine and together with their three children Stefan, Hannah, William and their dog Lotty they enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside around their home in Kapellen.
With three decades of teaching experience, including more than ten years as Head of School, his international career saw him hold teaching and senior leadership positions at a College for Architects and Engineering in Austria, as well as the German School London, UK. He was the Founding Head of a new IB World School in Frankfurt Germany, offering all three levels of the IB Programme. Andreas joined AIS as Head of School in 2015. He is a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission for International Education based in Boston US, and acts as chairperson for accreditation team visits all around the globe. In addition, Andreas is the chairperson of the Northwest European Council of International Schools (NECIS).
Andreas truly believes that education, and in particular international education can be the major driving force in creating "…a better and more peaceful world…" (IBO mission statement). His hope is that through his work he can contribute to this aspirational goal. Andreas shares much more with you, both personally and professionally, in this Leadership Spotlight video.
Barbara Oberreuther joined the AIS Board of Trustees in 2022. She holds a degree in Architecture and is an accredited coach with the International Coach Federation. Barbara worked and lived in Germany, Belgium and Hong Kong. In 2021 she returned to Belgium as a trailing spouse. Both kids are currently attending AIS.
Christi Sexton joined the AIS Board of Trustees in May 2023. Christi and her family relocated to the Netherlands in the Summer of 2022 from New Orleans, Louisiana USA when her husband accepted a position with Dow, Inc. in Terneuzen. Christi holds Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Chemistry, a professional degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Tennessee system and a Master Teacher certification in the State of Texas. Christi has 15 years' experience as a secondary science teacher writing grants and curriculum for the Fort Bend Independent School District, teaching Advanced Placement sciences, and coaching multiple sports. She spent the last five years as the owner-operator of a private tutoring business in New Orleans, Louisiana. Christi's son, Jackson, is a DP program student at AIS.
David Towe studied at the United World College of the Atlantic and did his IB Diploma there in 1987. He completed a degree in English at Cambridge and worked as a teacher for three years in the UK before heading off to pursue his passion for international education. He lived in Italy and Thailand before coming to Belgium.
David is a Principal Examiner for the International Baccalaureate and leads teacher training workshops. He has delivered IB Diploma workshops in Language A Literature in 14 countries on three continents. Since 2005 he has been a member of the curriculum review group that constructs the DP Group 1 courses: Studies in language and literature.
David believes that a school should foster the natural curiosity that we all have, challenging students to think more deeply about essential issues. It is fundamental to him that school also be a place where each individual is treated with respect. He is proud to work at Antwerp International School, with its long tradition of providing a warm and welcoming environment to the whole community. Learn more about David's role as Secondary School Principal in this Leadership Spotlight video.
Job Titles:
- Vice - President
- Member of the Management Board of Amerborgh
Edgar Mulder is a member of the Management Board of Amerborgh, a family owned management company with investments and participations in companies in the field of asset management, cross-media publications, IT development, hotels, property development and activities related to the art and culture. Previously he worked at Unique International and as an independent entrepreneur on a variety of projects for various clients. In 2012 Edgar moved from the Netherlands to Belgium with his wife and four children.
Els De Cremer holds a Master in Psychology from the University of Ghent and a Master in Business Administration from the Vlerick School of Management. She is the co-founder and Managing Director of Borderless Executive Search. Els started her career with The Dow Chemical Company holding a variety of positions in Human Resources and Business Management. Els has lived and worked in Belgium, The Netherlands and Switzerland. Both her children have graduated from AIS. She joined the AIS Board in 2021 and now lives in Antwerp with her family.
Koen Palinckx has been the District Mayor of Ekeren since 2013 and was re-elected in 2018. Before that, he was alderman for culture, heritage and mobility. He is also a member of the Provincial Council for Antwerp. Koen holds a Master in History from Ghent University. In his professional career, Koen held positions in the public sector, working for the Flemish government, the City of Antwerp and Brasschaat. He is also chairperson of the Board for the Federal War Heritage Institute. He joined the AIS Board in 2019.
Job Titles:
- CEO & Managing Director of Rosy Blue NV
Ravi Bhansali is CEO & Managing Director of Rosy Blue NV, one of the largest companies in the international diamond trade, with activities ranging from rough & polished diamond trading, cutting & polishing, and jewellery manufacturing & distribution. He is a 3rd generation Indian in Belgium, born and raised in Antwerp. Both he and his wife are alumni of AIS. Ravi received his Bachelor's degree in International Business and Marketing from Regent's University London. Ravi has lived in Antwerp, London, Mumbai, Sri Lanka & Thailand, and finally returned to Antwerp where he lives with his wife and 2 kids. Ravi is also passionate about contemporary art, and spends much of his time pursuing this interest.
Job Titles:
- External Relations and Office Manager
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Regional CFO for Europe
Vincent is the Regional CFO for Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas for PSA International, one of the largest global port operators. He is a member of PSA's regional management team based out of Antwerp. The team is responsible for the business and operations of PSA's investments in Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Canada, the United Sates, Argentina, Columbia and Panama. He is a Singaporean and received his Bachelors of Accountancy Degree (Honours) from the Nanyang Technological University. Vincent and his wife Jadene have 3 daughters, 2 of whom are currently attending AIS. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2021.
Wayne Quenneville (aka Mr. Q) has been involved in education and sports coaching from a very young age. With nine years of experience volunteering in classrooms and leading programmes in the resorts of his hometown, Bracebridge, Canada, Wayne graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2003 with his Bachelor of Education degree and a license to teach K-12. His passion for exploring the world and learning about diversity through experience has led him to teach in six countries: Mexico, Canada, Korea, Singapore, Germany and Belgium. A self-described global-citizen, Wayne is a proud father of three AIS students, Isabella, Elizabeth and Brandon and a devoted husband to one of the best teachers in the world, Mrs. Q.
An avid advocate for lifelong learning, in 2012 Wayne began working for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), leading teacher workshops. Traveling to a variety of countries across Europe and the Middle East, he has led workshops in subjects ranging from International Mindedness, The role of Personal, Social and Physical Education in the PYP and most recently, Making the PYP happen in the Early Years: Implementing Agency. In addition to leading workshops, Wayne has also supported school communities through the process of the IB verification and evaluation visits.
Wayne believes the PYP is the best foundational education programme in the world as it places each child at the centre of their learning. He knows the IB pillars of International Mindedness, Approaches to Learning skills and Concept-based Inquiry ensure young learners are prepared to successfully tackle all of the complex challenges that lie ahead. Wayne is most excited to work and learn in a community where all members have a voice, a choice and a strong sense of ownership over their learning journey. In this Leadership Spotlight video, Wayne shares more about himself and how students at AIS grow as young leaders.