About ERT

The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) has a long history of promoting competitiveness and prosperity in Europe.  In April 1983, 17 leading European business leaders came together to launch ERT.  They were then, as we are now, united by a belief that European co-operation between industry, policymakers and all stakeholders is essential to strengthen Europe’s place in the world.

Today, ERT Members include CEOs and Chairs from around 60 of Europe’s largest companies in the industrial and technological sector. We are committed to creating a strong, open and competitive Europe through which we promote sustainable growth, jobs and prosperity for all.

We publish reports and papers, which we share with the public, decision makers in European and global institutions and national governments. They are the basis for discussion and action. We advocate policies that underpin the values of freedom, tolerance, equality and openness.

Companies led by ERT Members represent

• 6 million direct jobs globally
• €3,000 billion combined annual revenues
• €120 billion investment in R&D each year

How ERT Works

• ERT Members meet twice a year in Plenary Session, the principal ERT decision-making body, where key issues are identified and discussed.
• ERT Members nominate an Associate. An Associates Meeting precedes each Plenary Session.
• Working Groups are chaired by ERT Members and composed by Associates and company experts. They work on key issues, develop recommendations and report back to the Plenary Session.

ERT is currently chaired by Sir Jonathan Symonds, who was elected to the role in May 2026, for a two year term.

The day-to-day operations of ERT are managed by a full-time Secretariat, based in Brussels. Following the departure of former Secretary General, Anthony Gooch Gálvez on 31 October, the Secretariat is currently in leadership transition. The incoming Secretary General, Joakim Reiter has been announced and will formally start in the role on 1 January 2027.

If you have a query in the meantime, contact the relevant member of the Secretariat listed below, or send a message to contact@ert.eu