Irene Braam

Irene Braam is the Executive Director of the Bertelsmann Foundation (North America) and the first vice president and board director of the Bertelsmann Foundation Board of Directors. She has been with the Bertelsmann Foundation since April 2016, overseeing its transition from a traditional Washington think tank to a pioneer in tackling policy issues through film. Under her leadership, the Foundation has produced over 20 documentaries. Prior to joining the Bertelsmann Foundation, Braam worked for over 10 years with the Bertelsmann company. Her roles included Director of Government Relations of the Brussels Liaison Office starting in 2005 and Senior Vice President of Government Relations beginning in 2011.

Braam, originally from the Netherlands, is an experienced lawyer and media expert. After completing her law studies at Maastricht University, she began her career in the music industry. Braam served as the Head of International, Legal and Business Affairs at Naïve Records in Paris. She also held roles as the head of business development for Midbar Tech Ltd. in Tel Aviv and as both the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs and Director of Legal and Business Affairs at the Universal Music Group in London and Brussels.