Lobbying groups ACEA, CLEPA name new directors

PARIS -- ACEA, the European automakers’ lobbying group, has named Sigrid de Vries as director general, replacing Eric-Mark Huitema.

De Vries, who is currently secretary general at CLEPA, the European suppliers’ association, will be succeeded there by Benjamin Krieger.

Huitema, who has been in his post since 2019, will leave the group on Aug. 31, the group said in a news release.

"During his tenure, he played a strong role in representing the European automobile industry as a progressive player that embraces the objectives of the EU’s Green Deal," ACEA President Oliver Zipse, the CEO of BMW Group, said.

For de Vries, who has been CLEPA’s secretary general since 2017, the new position is a homecoming of sorts. A former journalist, she was director of communications and public relations at ACEA from 2006-12. She starts her new post on Sept. 1.

Krieger has been CLEPA’s head of government affairs since 2018, with a focus on CO2 and pollutant emissions standards, sustainability, and other issues. He has been working on EU policy for 15 years, including positions at the European Parliament and  and as a consultant.

The leadership changes at Europe’s leading automotive lobbying groups come at a critical time in the transition to electrification.

The European Parliament last week voted to support an effective ban on sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles after 2035. The proposal must still be ratified by all 27 member states.

The EU is also expected to soon unveil proposed Euro 7 pollution regulations, which critics say would add excessive compliance costs to gasoline and diesel engines.