Appointment of a new Chair of BIR’s International Trade Council

BIR President Susie Burrage OBE has appointed Emmanuel Katrakis as the new Chair of the organization’s International Trade Council.

Emmanuel Katrakis
© BIR

Emmanuel Katrakis is Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs at longstanding BIR member company Galloo Group, a leading western European company active in the recycling of metals and technical plastics.

He is a well-known figure within BIR and the international recycling community, having previously served as Secretary General of the European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC), which he joined at its inception in 2014. He significantly developed EuRIC into the definitive voice of the European recycling industry, bridging the industry with European institutions. With over 15 years of experience in Brussels, Emmanuel Katrakis has extensive expertise in recycling, advocacy, and association management. He is a frequent speaker at international recycling conferences and a member of several expert groups supporting the transition to a circular economy. Emmanuel Katrakis holds degrees in European law and international relations.

“I am very happy that Emmanuel has accepted my invitation to chair one of BIR’s most important cross-commodity committees, our International Trade Council,” comments BIR President Susie Burrage. “Thanks to his leadership skill and his deep understanding of the industry, the ITC will certainly gain momentum and widen its important contributions to our membership.” BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet adds: “International trade is the very foundation of our industry and therefore we must place the utmost emphasis on defending our right to freely ship our products wherever they are needed. The ITC plays a crucial role in this mission, and Emmanuel has the necessary expertise for this important position.”

Emmanuel Katrakis is very enthusiastic about his new role within BIR. “I am excited to be given the opportunity to actively contribute to the programmes and missions of our global recycling organisation, which in light of current international trade and legislation challenges holds an ever-increasing importance for ensuring the free trade of our recycled materials,” he says. “I wholeheartedly thank Susie for the trust she is placing in me and look forward to working closely with her and the BIR leadership.”

Susie Burrage joins Emmanuel Katrakis in thanking outgoing ITC Chairman Michael Lion for his sterling job and his outstanding service to the industry over several decades, for which he was awarded an honorary BIR membership.

www.bir.org