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 the EFAMA’s 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 policy and decision makers to promote the EFAMA’s legislative agenda and the views of its members.
As director of public policy, Diezhandino will take responsibility for strengthening political and public support for the EFAMA’s issues and priorities, ensuring that the industry retains a strong voice and positive representation.
Diezhandino will also be responsible for developing the framework within which the EFAMA’s members operate, working in collaboration with EFAMA’s 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, Diezhandino 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, EFAMA director general, said: “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.”
“We now enter a new and important phase of political engagement and representation for our industry, and [Diezhandino] 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.”
