PRESS RELEASE
Brussels, October 2020 – FEDIAF, The European Pet Food Federation is delighted to announce the appointment of Raquel Izquierdo de Santiago as the new Secretary General of the association. Raquel succeeds Thomas Meyer who has been directing the organisation for over 20 years, successfully navigating the industry through a complete revamping of all EU legislation affecting pet food following the BSE and dioxin crisis.
With new challenges set by the Coronavirus pandemic, Raquel takes the reins at a significant time for the pet food industry. Raquel has the ideal experience with a career spanning over 20 years in Brussels, of which the last 15 have been in European Trade Associations. She brings extensive experience in European affairs, public relations and association management. Raquel holds a Law Degree from the University of Salamanca, Spain, a Master’s Degree in European Legal Studies from the University of Leeds, UK, and an Executive Master in International Associations Management from Solvay Brussels School Economics & Management, Belgium.
Raquel comments: “I am honoured to have been appointed by FEDIAF. My experience leading a fellow trade association will be invaluable and I look forward to guiding FEDIAF in its journey collaborating with authorities, regulators and academics, to ensure that Europeans continue to have access to safe and nutritious, quality pet food. My coaching training will also be beneficial as we develop the internal strategy of the organisation and it goes without saying that my passion for pets – particularly my own two cats – will help.”
Also joining the FEDIAF team is Alice Tempel Costa, the new Technical Director. She has over 8 years’ experience in European Trade Associations in Brussels. Prior to that she has worked for DG AGRI of the European Commission, FAO, Embrapa (The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and Wageningen University. Alice holds a BSc in Agriculture from UFRGS, Brazil and a Master’s Degree in Cooperation & Development from IUSS University in Pavia, Italy.
Annet Palamba, FEDIAF’s President, added: “We are delighted to welcome Raquel and Alice to complete the team with Jakub Rusek, our experienced Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager. Raquel has a proven track record and we are excited for the future of FEDIAF. It is excellent to have Alice in the role as Technical Director, where her expertise will be highly valued. We thank Thomas Meyer for many wonderful years leading the association, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
For more information about FEDIAF and its commitment to safe and healthy pet food, please visit fediaf.org.
For more information, please contact: Raquel Izquierdo de Santiago, Secretary General, + 32 (2) 536 05 20 – fediaf@fediaf.org
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FEDIAF represents the European pet food industry with around 200 production sites. It is an umbrella organization of national pet food industry associations plus direct company members. FEDIAF’s mission is to be the credible and responsible voice of the European pet food industry collaborating with authorities, regulators and academics for achieving favourable conditions for the supply of safe, nutritious and palatable products to pets and their owners. Based in Brussels, FEDIAF is fully committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, to the wellbeing of pet animals, to their important social role and to the respect of sustainable development. www.fediaf.org