Advisory Board
Global Dating Insights (GDI) has announced the launch of its Advisory Board, bringing together a select group of senior leaders from across the global online dating and social discovery ecosystem.
The Advisory Board has been established to help guide GDI’s editorial direction as the industry continues to evolve at pace.
As online dating platforms face increasing scrutiny around trust and safety, regulation, monetisation, AI, and user wellbeing, the Board will provide experienced, balanced perspectives to ensure GDI’s coverage remains relevant, informed, and genuinely useful to founders, operators, investors, and partners.
What the Advisory Board Will Do
The GDI Advisory Board will act as a strategic sounding board, supporting the team on the themes, topics, and issues that matter most to the industry.
Members will help identify emerging trends, highlight under-reported challenges, and provide insight into how operators are navigating growth, regulation, and innovation across different markets.
Importantly, the Board is not a governance body and does not influence day-to-day editorial decisions.
Founding members of the GDI Global Editorial Board for 2026 will include:
- Michael O’Sullivan, Founder HubPeople
- Tegan Broomfield, Founder Evntful
- David Vermeulen, Founder Inner Circle
- Nicky Wake, Founder Chapter 2 Dating
- Claire Renier, Head of Communications, happn
Claire Renier
Head of Communications, happn
Claire is Head of Communications for happn, the location-based dating app designed to help people connect with those they cross paths with in real life.
With a strong background in brand strategy, communications, and consumer marketing, Claire has played a pivotal role in shaping happn’s distinctive identity and global growth. She brings a sharp understanding of modern dating culture, user behavior, and the importance of authenticity in social discovery.
David Vermeulen
Founder & CEO, Inner Circle
David is the Founder and CEO of Inner Circle, a dating app known for its curated, quality-driven approach to matchmaking.
With experience across technology, travel, and startups, David founded Inner Circle to address the growing demand for meaningful connections in an increasingly crowded dating landscape. He is widely recognized for advocating intentional dating, strong community standards, and thoughtful product design.
Nicky Wake
Founder & CEO, Chapter 2 Dating
Nicky is the Founder and CEO of Chapter 2 Dating, a dating platform specifically created for people aged over 50 who are seeking meaningful relationships.
With a background in business leadership and a passion for challenging age stereotypes in dating, Nicky has become a leading voice in the fast-growing mid-life dating segment. Her work focuses on inclusion, emotional intelligence, and designing products that reflect real life stages.
Michael O’Sullivan
Founder & CEO, HubPeople
Michael is the Founder and CEO of HubPeople, a platform that blends professional networking, community building, and real-world events to foster authentic connections. With deep experience in tech, events, and social platforms, Michael focuses on how digital tools can enhance human interaction rather than replace it. His work sits at the intersection of dating, networking, and social discovery.
Tegan Broomfield
Co-Founder & CEO, Evntful
Tegan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Evntful, a platform dedicated to helping people meet through curated, interest-based events. With a background in entrepreneurship and community-driven experiences, Tegan is passionate about reducing dating app fatigue by bringing people together in real-world settings. Her work emphasizes confidence, inclusivity, and meaningful social interaction.
