BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The European Pet Food Federation (FEDIAF) announced Oct. 27 the appointment of Raquel Izquierdo de Santiago as the association’s new secretary general. She succeeds Thomas Meyer, previous secretary general of FEDIAF for more than 20 years.

Izquierdo de Santiago brings more than 20 years of experience, of which she spent 15 years representing various European trade associations. She offers extensive experience in European affairs, public relations and association management.

“I am honored to have been appointed by FEDIAF,” Izquierdo de Santiago said. “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 organization and it goes without saying that my passion for pets — particularly my own two cats — will help.”

Additionally, FEDIAF welcomed Alice Tempel Costa as the organization’s new technical director. Costa brings more than eight years of European trade association experience, as well as career experience from DG AGRI of the European Commission, FAO, Embrapa (The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and Wageningen University.

“We are delighted to welcome Raquel and Alice to complete the team with Jakub Rusek, our experienced scientific and regulatory affairs manager,” commented Annet Palamba, president of FEDIAF. “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 endeavors.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.