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Willy De Greef appointed New Secretary General of EuropaBio

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Brussels, Belgium
15 April 2008

Following the retirement of Dr. Johan Vanhemelrijck on July 1st 2008, Willy De Greef (53) will become the new Secretary General of EuropaBio. Willy De Greef brings to EuropaBio a unique combination of biotechnology experience, European and international policy understanding and managerial skills.

Willy was involved in setting up biotechnology policies and regulations both at the European and International levels, and has represented private and public sector organisations. During his career Willy has been involved not only in the developed world, but also has in-the-field experience in the developing world. His career has given him insights into the effects of policies on regions throughout the globe.

After four and half years at the helm of EuropaBio, Johan Vanhemelrijck has decided to retire as Secretary General. His tenure oversaw a major boost in EuropaBio activities, and a doubling of its membership base as well as an increased awareness and acceptance of life science solutions among the public and policy makers. Biotechnology now generates almost 2% of EU gross value added, and the innovations based on the new knowledge of life sciences are improving the sustainability of society, quality of life and longevity.

According to Willy De Greef: "One of the major challenges for real innovation is to overcome society's fear of change and convince decision makers to welcome innovative improvements. If we can be successful in building more confidence in the benefits of biotechnology solutions to solve old problems, Europe will again play its leadership role in improving the lives of its citizens."

In welcoming the new Secretary General, Steen Riisgaard, President and CEO of Novozymes said: "We are delighted to have a highly experienced and deeply knowledgeable executive to lead EuropaBio and we are confident that Willy will bring his enthusiastic and dynamic leadership to build further on the strengths of the association. On a personal level I was sad to learn of Johan's decision to retire. He has done a great job in making the association well known and well respected and I would like to thank him for his contribution."

EuropaBio became one of the leading Brussels based European associations since its creation in 1996 under the leadership of its former Secretary Generals.

"The members and myself have full confidence that Willy will carry on growing the association and enable the biotechnology industry to continue to play a major role in the innovation and competitiveness debate," said Johan Vanhemelrijck. "I ask the colleagues from the sector organisations and other trade bodies, policy makers and stakeholders, regulators and politicians to welcome Willy as they welcomed me four and a half years ago, and to give him all the support they possibly can in his new position. I would also like to thank all those who continue to support EuropaBio, and to campaign for the universal use of biotechnology in all parts of society, and I wish them well."

Willy De Greef is a plant biologist with extensive experience in tropical crop breeding (through research management positions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Cameroon) and in technology transfer related to agricultural biotechnology. He has been head of regulatory affairs for two biotechnology leaders, Plant Genetic Systems in the 1980s, and Syngenta Seeds from the late 1990s until 2003. He has been involved in the policy and public debate around agricultural biotechnology (OECD, UNIDO, Biodiversity Convention, Cartagena Biosafety Protocol) and in the development of the regulatory framework since 1986. He has contributed to the development of rational regulatory frameworks for biotechnology for developing countries and in capacity building for biotechnology researchers in the developing world in biosafety assessment and regulatory compliance. Recently he has been head of regulatory affairs and new projects for D1 Oils Plant Science, a biofuel company.

EuropaBio is the European Association for Bioindustries, solely and uniquely bringing together bioscience companies from all fields of research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. It has 81 corporate members operating worldwide, 5 associate members, 6 BioRegions and 25 national biotechnology associations representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research. Its mission is to promote an innovative and dynamic biotechnology-based industry in Europe.
 

 

 

 

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