As the IOTA Foundation expands its role in unleashing the potential of global trade by building an open, trusted digital infrastructure – and enabling the tokenization of over $10 trillion in real-world value – we are pleased to announce two senior appointments that will enhance our global marketing and communications capabilities: Karen O’Brien as Chief Marketing Officer for the IOTA Foundation, and Manuel Vigilius as Executive Communications Advisor and interim Head of Communications for TWIN, the trade and supply chain digital infrastructure built on IOTA.
Expanding IOTA’s International Footprint
The IOTA Foundation is entering a pivotal new phase of growth. Successful pilot projects have been completed in Europe and Africa, showcasing how IOTA technology can digitize trade, supply chains, and real-world assets – particularly through TWIN (Trade Worldwide Information Network). Now, the Foundation is scaling its collaborations with governments, industries, and international organizations.
To support this expansion, the IOTA Foundation is strengthening its ability to communicate effectively with global stakeholders and build long-term partnerships across sectors and borders. Appointing experienced international leaders like Karen and Manuel ensures that IOTA can engage with partners, policymakers, and communities worldwide with the strategic clarity and professionalism demanded by large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
About Karen O’Brien
Karen O’Brien joins the IOTA Foundation with deep expertise in global marketing, brand leadership, and digital strategy. She has held senior positions in technology, start-up, and consultancy environments, including Ava Labs (Avalanche), Wunderman, HP, Oracle, Microsoft, Western Union, PayPal, and T-Mobile, helping organizations to scale internationally and connect with diverse audiences. Karen’s experience spans strategic brand building, market expansion, and cross-sector collaboration, making her well-positioned to shape IOTA’s international narrative and outreach.
“I’m thrilled to join such an exceptional team shaping the future of trade, trust, and tokenization. What excites me most is the opportunity to elevate IOTA’s storytelling, showcasing the real-world adoption, impact, and innovation happening around the world through builders, enterprises, and governments using IOTA to power real economies.”
— Karen O’Brien
About Manuel Vigilius
Manuel Vigilius brings a wealth of expertise in corporate communications, public affairs, and strategic consultancy. He has held senior roles with global firms such as Maersk and DSV, leading teams developing and promoting brand, reputation, and stakeholder communication across complex international markets. Manuel’s experience advising executive teams and shaping communications in highly regulated and trade-intensive sectors will be instrumental in supporting the adaptation of TWIN and the IOTA Foundation’s expanding partnerships with both public and private stakeholders.
“I’m excited to join IOTA at a pivotal moment in its history. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners to unleash unused potential in global trade and local economies by making trade more transparent, fair, accessible, and sustainable for all involved through the promotion of TWIN and our partnerships.”
— Manuel Vigilius
Building Trust Through Communication
Commenting on the appointments of Karen and Manuel, Dominik Schiener, Co-Founder and Chairman of the IOTA Foundation, said:
“At the IOTA Foundation, our mission is to build the trust infrastructure for a digital and tokenized global economy. As we scale IOTA and TWIN across continents, clear communication and shared vision become more important than ever. Karen and Manuel bring world-class experience and leadership that will help us tell IOTA’s story to the world, showing how our technology is driving real change in trade, supply chains, and the tokenization of real-world assets. Their expertise will be key as we continue turning vision into global impact.”