[Brussels, 9th September 2014] The AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) today announced the appointment of two new directors: Vincent De Vroey as Civil Aviation Director and Dr. Burkard Schmitt in the position of Defence & Security Director. Both executives will take over their new roles and responsibilities on November 2nd, 2014.
“Vincent and Burkard are well known and highly respected in what is commonly called the Brussels scene. They both come to ASD with strong knowledge and track records in their respective areas of expertise. I am very happy to have them on board as ASD is increasing its efforts to become a proactive and knowledgeable speaking partner to the Institutions and European Member States”, said Jan Pie, ASD Secretary General.
Vincent De Vroey has spent the bulk of his career with the Association of European Airlines (AEA) holding a range of positions of increasing responsibility. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Electronics Engineering degree from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium.
Commenting on his appointment, Vincent De Vroey said: “I’m looking forward to working within ASD where my experience in the field of civil aviation and government affairs at EU level will certainly facilitate the dialogue in issues such as aviation safety, Air Traffic Management, Single European Sky, Research & Technology, REACH & environmental issues, maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) and airline operations”.
Dr. Burkard Schmitt has worked as defence expert at the European Commission. Prior to that, he was Assistant Director of the European Union Institute for Security Studies in Paris. Burkard Schmitt holds master’s degrees from the universities of Bordeaux and Erlangen and a PhD in Contemporary History from the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen, Germany.
“I’m very excited about this new role in my career and the challenge it represents. I believe that my expertise in European defence and security matters will contribute to a fruitful dialogue between industry and European policy makers on these issues, acknowledged Burkard Schmitt.
About the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD)
ASD represents the Aeronautics, Space, Security and Defence industries in Europe.
Based in Brussels, the organisation’s membership today comprises 16 major European aerospace and defence companies and 27 member associations in 20 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK).
These industries reach a turnover of 186.8 billion euros, invest 17.6 billion euros in R&D, employ more than 750.000 people and counts over 2000 companies, 80 000 suppliers, many of which are SMEs.
Media Contact at ASD:
Dolores Muniz +32 2 775 81 33
Rue Montoyer 10, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 775 81 10, Fax: +32 2 775 81 12
www.asd-europe.org