Brussels, 13th October 2014. The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) has hired Gabriela Diezhandino, the former Head of Public Affairs for Insurance Europe, to head its newly created Public Policy Department.

The new department will work closely alongside EFAMAs other two specialist divisions - Economics and Research, directed by Bernard Delbecque and Regulatory Policy, directed by Vincent Ingham. Its primary focus will be on engaging in a constructive dialogue with policy and decision makers to promote EFAMAs legislative agenda and the views of its members.

This development reflects EFAMAs commitment to proactive engagement with new and existing political stakeholders through transparent dialogue, and to ensure the industry continues to be represented effectively on the European and international political stage.

As Director of Public Policy, Gabriela will take responsibility for strengthening political and public support for EFAMAs issues and priorities, ensuring that the industry retains a strong voice and positive representation. Gabriela will also be responsible for developing the best possible political framework within which EFAMAs members operate, working in collaboration with EFAMAs Director General, the other two Directors, EFAMA members and industry representatives to identify, pinpoint and develop industry priorities and policies.

A 14-year Brussels and EU affairs veteran, Gabriela joins EFAMA from Insurance Europe, where she was Head of Public Affairs for seven years, responsible for devising and implementing the policy communication and engagement strategies, and promoting the policy messages of the association.

Peter De Proft, Director General of EFAMA, said:
We are delighted to welcome Gabriela to the EFAMA team. The creation of this new role is proof positive of our commitment to engaging constructively with law-makers, and is a particularly important and strategic move for us in the context of the newly elected European Commission and Parliament. Moreover, we needed someone with a strong track record on-the-ground in Brussels allied to an in-depth knowledge of the international financial services industry, and the issues that EFAMA will be engaging with.

We now enter a new and important phase of political engagement and representation for our industry, and Gabriela will play a key role in making sure that we meet our stated intention to provide leadership and play an enhanced collaborative role with legislators and regulators. We have no doubt Gabriela will prove a worthy addition to our team.

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact:
Peter De Proft, Director General
Telephone: +32 (0) 2 513 39 69
E-mail: info@efama.org

Notes to editors:
About the European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA):