The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has appointed Alev Somer deputy director trade and environment. According to the industry assocaiation, Ms Somer has over seven years of experience in public affairs, working on environmental and industrial policies in Brussels.
She has been leading the environment and technical committees of the European Aggregates Association (UEPG) since 2016 and has advocated the uptake of secondary raw materials in an industry traditionally geared towards the production of primary raw materials. Ms Somer held prominent roles in EU expert groups, addressing circular economy and sustainability. Previously, she worked with the European Network of Cities (Eurocities) and the Birmingham City Council on sustainable city management projects.
In her capacity as deputy director for trade & environment, Ms Somer will be working closely with Ross Bartley, BIR director for trade & environment , as she prepares to succeed him when he retires in a year. Ms Somer is a French and Turkish national. She studied political science and holds an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Birmingham. "With Alev, BIR is gaining a highly competent and promising colleague who will certainly be an asset for our legislative and policy work,” says BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet. “Her experience and also her international background are the perfect fit for our organisation, and I am certain that our members will benefit greatly from her expertise, drive and vision.”
