EuRIC's long-serving secretary general is passing the baton to an experienced colleague. Emmanuel Katrakis, who has led the European Recycling Industries' Confederation since its founding in 2014, will leave the umbrella organisation at the end of March. He will be succeeded at the beginning of April by Julia Blees, Euric's current policy director, who has been with the association since 2018. She is "poised to carry forward the vision and mission of the association", which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year", Euric announced today.
The incoming secretary general was officially appointed at EuRIC’s most recent board meeting held earlier this month. Until the end of March, Mr Katrakis and Ms Blees will work closely together with the team to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
"Under Emmanuel Katrakis' leadership, EuRIC has experienced remarkable growth, becoming an indispensable partner in advancing the circular economy and sustainability initiatives across Europe. His vision, commitment, and tireless dedication have positioned EuRIC as a key contributor to Europe’s green transition and an indispensable interlocutor of European institutions," the organisation commented.
Mr Katrakis described leading Euric for the past ten years as "an incredible journey" and said he was "immensely proud" about what had been achieved together. "In ten years, we have more than doubled the number of resource streams we represent, quadrupled in members, and welcomed a new team member every year. As I transition to new opportunities, I am confident that Julia Blees, with the support of EuRIC’s board, members and team, will thrive in her new duties and successfully spearhead the efforts towards the circular future our industry strives for."
"EuRIC has been the voice of the recycling industry in Brussels for the past ten years. After five years of contributing to this journey and actively engaging with stakeholders, I am excited to lead the efforts as of April and continue to weave new opportunities for EuRIC and the recycling industry,” commented Julia Blees.
Ms Blees studied law and qualified as an attorney in Germany before completing a Master of Laws degree in the U.S. She has been managing EuRIC’s Paper and Textiles Branches, as well as handling all international and legal matters. "In addition to managing the association’s challenging portfolio, Julia Blees is set to continue EuRIC’s legacy and maintain strong connections with the EU institutions and circular economy stakeholders", the organisation said.
