Rebeca Riofrio is a British director, chairman, entrepreneur, and media executive whose career spans more than two decades across the arts, fashion, education, media, and international business. Widely recognised for her strategic vision and cultural influence, she is the founder of Art in Fusion, an international television production platform, and serves as Director and Chairman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion, and Sports, operating at the intersection of creativity, policy, and global advocacy.

Alongside her media and cultural leadership, Rebeca is Marketing Manager at Anglia Ruskin University London, bringing over 25 years of senior experience within the UK higher education sector. Her work has contributed to institutional growth, international positioning, and the development of long-term strategic partnerships.

Her professional journey is distinguished by a rare ability to unite artistic sensitivity with commercial acuity. A defining early influence came when she served as the “eyes” of the legendary American novelist, travel writer, and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn during the latter’s loss of eyesight. Inspired by Gellhorn’s discipline, courage, and uncompromising pursuit of truth, Rebeca developed a profound respect for storytelling as both a moral responsibility and a creative force.

Rebeca has collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands and leading fashion designers across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. As a fashion and marketing consultant, commercial director, and leader of international campaigns, she is known for her precision, discretion, and measurable impact. She is also a trusted mentor to emerging entrepreneurs and public figures, supported by nine years of professional experience as a trained counsellor.

In film and television, Rebeca has produced and directed multiple projects and has held official accreditation at the Cannes Film Festival for more than a decade. She holds a recognised licence to conduct interviews with international actors, directors, producers, and cultural leaders. Her career also includes a pivotal role in the development of a multi-million-pound education company that received the Queen’s Award for Business and Enterprise in 2006 and 2010, presented at Buckingham Palace by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

As founder of Art in Fusion TV, Rebeca has built a platform reaching more than 6.1 million weekly viewers across 35 countries. She is also Editor-in-Chief of Parliament News Magazine, read by senior decision-makers and international audiences worldwide.

Her public service work includes active involvement in international campaigns addressing modern slavery, human trafficking, institutional sexual harassment, women’s refuge protection, sustainability, and climate responsibility. In addition, she serves as Chief Operating Officer of SIGULP and Guest Editor for Elaph Media. She is accredited press for Haute Couture Paris and the British Fashion Council.

Rebeca’s contributions have been recognised through numerous international honours, including the Big Ben Award at the House of Lords, the Outstanding Award from the Government of France, the European Businesswoman of the Year Award, the Creative Woman of Excellence Award, and the Women of Excellence Award in Saudi Arabia.

Sessions

Session II

Aesthetic Leadership: Women Shaping Art, Design & Lifestyle Economies

11:00 – 12:30