I don't understand what the meaning represent has here:
HE represents the problem
In my opinion, present nice fits here in the meaning that he is showing or describing something in front of her colleagues or something. Correct me If I didn't get the meaning in your example. I can't recall that represent has, at least, a similar meaning.
I'm getting closer to the full understanding, but now I just want to know what you meant.
He presents the problem = he describes and explains the problem to someone. He represents the problem = he is an example of the problem we're discussing.