EuroCommerce has announced that longstanding director general Christian Verschueren is to step down from his position later this year, with the representative group in the process of finding a successor.
Verschueren has led the group, which represents the retail and wholesale communities at a European level, for ten years, having assumed the role in July 2011.
“I believe that, together with our members and our great team, we have made the voice for retail and wholesale better heard over the last decade," he commented.
"Ten years is a long time in today’s fast-paced environment, particularly our sector, and renewal is healthy for any organisation. And with EuroCommerce at the cusp of a new era and with a new three-year strategy about to be developed, I thought that it was a good time for me to step down."
The former CropLife International and ACE executive has committed to remaining in his role until a new director general is established in his or her position in the second half of this year.
"A new leader will bring new energy and fresh ideas, and write the next chapter for this great organisation," he added. "The retail and wholesale sector, not always sufficiently recognised for the service it provides to Europeans, deserves this."
'Major Impact'
Commenting on Verschueren's decision to step down, EuroCommerce President Régis Degelcke added, “Much as I regret his decision to stand down, I respect it. Christian has had a major impact on the cohesion and effectiveness of our organisation, and he has given our sector a stronger political standing in Brussels and Strasbourg.
"He is leaving EuroCommerce in good shape, and this will facilitate a smooth transition to the new leadership.”
Check out ESM's interview with Christian Verschueren from early 2020 by clicking here.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
