Cefic Announces Changes in the Team
Brussels, 31 October 2023 –Today, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) announces changes including two new Executive Directors, a farewell to a valuable Executive Director and further strengthened industrial policy and Public Affairs activities.
Given the ongoing economic crisis and the urgent need to maintain industry competitiveness in Europe, Cefic will add weight to its industrial policy team by welcoming George Kapantaidakis, previously Public Affairs Director, as a new Director of Industrial Policy. The Public Affairs team is also seeing some changes. Cefic regretfully bids farewell to Hartwig Wendt, who has led the Public Affairs team and other operations as COO over the past two years. The whole team wishes him the very best as he prepares himself for new assignments outside of Cefic. Entering the team as Public Affairs Director Sector Groups is Michela Mastrantonio, previously Cefic Sector Group Manager. And taking the reigns of the Public Affairs team as Executive Director will be Camilla Martelli, previously Director Public Affairs.
Looking ahead, Camilla said:
“I am honored and filled with enthusiasm to embark on this new journey leading the Cefic Public Affairs team. In a world where dynamic political landscapes present both challenges and opportunities for our industry, Public Affairs has never been more vital. My ambition is to continue fostering open dialogues, innovative partnerships and transparent communication. I look forward to collaborating with the Cefic team, our members, EU decision-makers, and civil society to facilitate the sustainable transformation of our industry in alignment with the EU Green Deal objectives.“
Camilla Martelli – Executive Director Public Affairs, Cefic
Cefic is also pleased to welcome Liesbeth Timmermans, previously Legal Affairs Director, as Executive Director Legal Affairs. Commenting on her future role, she said:
“I am delighted to take the lead on Cefic’s legal affairs and contribute to our industry’s collective work towards the Green Deal objectives. Over the years, we have consistently strived to maintain the utmost legal and ethical standards in our operations, and I am deeply committed to upholding these high standards. I am dedicated to providing a legal perspective to the EU policy debates, as enforcement, access to justice and corporate accountability are increasing in importance on the EU agenda. With a keen understanding of the legal complexities inherent in our sector and a forward-looking perspective, I look forward to engaging with our stakeholders on all European legal policy matters and to uphold our association’s governance and compliance policy.”
Liesbeth Timmermans – Executive Director Legal Affairs, Cefic
On the changes, Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General added:
“It gives me great pleasure to see the Cefic team grow in their roles and our organisation strengthened with these outstanding leaders. The feeling is also bittersweet, as it is with sadness that we say goodbye to Hartwig. Hartwig has guided our public affairs and operations through undoubtedly the most challenging period, particularly with the EU Green Deal and the Ukraine crisis. I thank him personally for his loyal and trustful leadership and wish him all the best for his future.”
Marco Mensink – Director General, Cefic
For any further enquiries, please contact media@cefic.be.