Mayta Villafane

Mayta Villafane is the COO of the ECF. Based in Brussels, he oversees human resources, learning and impact, and technology; and is responsible for core processes such as grant-making, strategic planning and monitoring, and learning

Prior to joining the ECF in 2012, Mayta gained 11 years of operations and IT management experience in the financial software industry, as project manager, programme manager, and key account manager for global clients. He was responsible for the launch of several Internet banks in different countries. After deciding to focus on global warming issues, Mayta worked for nearly five years with Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a Norwegian foundation whose mission is to safeguard life, property, and the environment. He headed the DNV’s Climate Change and Environmental Services Division for Benelux, Germany, and the UK. Among other things, he was involved with Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) validation and verification projects, carbon footprint design, and third-party services related to greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.

He is a member of the OPN (Operations Professional Network) Steering Committee. The Operations Professionals Network is a European-level peer-learning and support network of operations managers of international foundations. It provides a safe space for learning, exchange and discussion on operational issues foundations are facing.

A Belgian citizen, Mayta holds a civil engineering degree and a master’s in Environmental Management, both from the Free University of Brussels. His native language is French, and he is fluent in English and in Dutch. He loves off-track skiing and playing chess while drinking a good beer.