New Secretary General for European Automobile Manufacturers' Association

Following the meeting of its Board of Directors on Friday, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) announced the appointment of Erik Jonnaert as the Secretary General of ACEA, with effect this autumn. 

Mr Jonnaert will replace Ivan Hodac (67) who after 12 years at the helm of ACEA will be taking his retirement.

A Belgian national, Mr Jonnaert (55) is a graduate of Harvard Law School who started his career with the Linklaters law firm. He subsequently joined Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he gained over 25 years of global experience in public affairs, regulatory affairs, communications and stakeholder relations. His last role was vice president for P&G's external relations in Asia.

Jonnaert: "It is a great honour to have been given this opportunity to represent what is one of the strategically most important industries in Europe in these challenging times." 

ACEA President Sergio Marchionne, who is CEO of FIAT and Chrysler Group, stated: "We are delighted to welcome Mr Jonnaert to the industry and to ACEA. We are confident that he will build upon the exceptional work of Mr Hodac who has steered ACEA smoothly for many years, shaping it into one of Brussels' most respected associations."