- Securing Europe’s Place in a New World Order
Jean-François van Boxmeer succeeds Carl-Henric Svanberg as Chair of ERT
BRUSSELS, 25 May 2022: At the ERT Plenary in Copenhagen earlier this week, the Members of ERT elected a new Chair of the organisation for a two-year term: Jean-François van Boxmeer, current Chairman of Vodafone Group.
The 60-strong organisation which counts CEOs and Chairs of some of Europe’s most significant industrial and technology companies among its Membership has long been recognised as an important high-level forum. With its cross-sectoral Membership, ERT focuses on major themes such as competitiveness & innovation, energy transition & climate change, trade & market access, digital transformation, jobs & skills and more.
A Member of the organisation since 2005, Mr van Boxmeer succeeds Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chair of Volvo Group in the role at the helm of ERT. During his tenure, Mr Svanberg was particularly vocal about the need for business to play its part in strengthening Europe’s place in the world, against a backdrop of increasingly turbulent geopolitics.
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Mr van Boxmeer has previously been Chair of ERT’s Committee on Trade & Market Access and also Vice-Chair of ERT (from 2016 to 2020). He is the 11th person to take on the role of Chair at ERT and the first Belgian to do so. In April 2023, the organisation will mark 40 years since its first meeting.
A Belgian national, Mr van Boxmeer speaks five languages including Dutch, English, French, Italian and Polish. He will continue in his role at Vodafone Group as Chairman which he took on towards the end of 2020.
Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive of Heineken for 15 years, having been with the company for 36 years. Jean-François held a number of senior roles in Africa and Europe before joining Heineken’s Executive Board, with worldwide responsibility for supply chain and technical services, as well as regional responsibility for the operating businesses in North-West Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
He is a member of the shareholders committee of Henkel AG&Co KGaA and a non-executive director of Heineken Holding N.V.
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A biography of Jean-François van Boxmeer is available here.
A high-resolution photograph is available on request.
A full list of the Membership of ERT is accessible here.
I am honoured to take on the Chairmanship of this renowned organisation. By collaborating as the leaders of Europe’s largest businesses, we have a role in ensuring the future resilience, competitiveness and prosperity of the EU - the world’s second largest economy. Achieving the twin digital and green transition is a key element in meeting these goals. With all stakeholders working together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable, and scaled single market for future generations.
ERT’s work will continue to promote both the premise and the promise that Europe must remain competitive, united and a leader on the world’s stage − both politically and economically.