Stephen Kreppel is Scottish and holds dual British and Polish nationality. He has homes in London and France and is fluent in French and German. After graduating in economics from the London School of Economics, he worked as a policy adviser to the British government on trade and economic policy development. He later transitioned to developing and managing international consumer and tourism brands for major corporations during his tenure at JWT, the world’s largest advertising and communications consultancy.

Stephen believes that sustainable development can only be achieved through the private sector, with government or international development organisations playing a supporting role by aligning with market and consumer objectives, and by integrating efforts behind a common national purpose. He has contributed to creating integrated development strategies across Southeastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

He is a co-founder of The Nation Consultancy Ltd, a specialised economic development consultancy that applies international private sector development techniques to national economic and social development. By studying the attitudes, and leveraging the purchasing power, of green consumers and eco-travellers—TNC produces strategies that are effective in creating resilient and sustainable economic growth. The integration of digital strategies to directly connect international consumers with producers has opened new, cost-effective possibilities for this innovative methodology. This approach combines the demand-side focus of consumer markets with motivation for profit, complementing the supply-side initiatives typically provided by international development organisations.

Unlike traditional development organisations that focus on processes, TNC prioritises results: sales, pricing, profits, job creation, improved livelihoods, and environmental benefits. Its successes in other countries include inclusive economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), quality tourism, and exports.

TNC has commissioned original research into the attitudes of international ethical consumers and travellers towards sustainability and green purchasing. Its principals, who bring experience from leading global consultancies and advertising agencies, have been instrumental in delivering some of the world’s most successful examples of nation branding, as measured by tangible and enduring results.