Susanna Zammataro, longstanding director general (DG) of the International Road Federation (IRF) - headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland - will start her new role at Fidic (International Federation of Consulting Engineers), also based in Geneva, on 1 May.
Her replacement is Gonzalo Alcaraz, current IRF deputy director general. He will assume the role of acting DG on 1 May, until his formal appointment by the IRF board of directors later in the year. Zammataro will continue to serve as an advisor to the IRF board.
“It has been an immense privilege to serve the IRF,” says Zammataro. “I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together. As I step into my new role at Fidic, I do so with confidence, knowing that the Federation is in excellent hands and well-positioned to achieve its future goals. I look forward to further strengthening the bonds between our organisations in my new capacity.”
"Over the years, we have not only built a robust network of members and partners, but also a close-knit IRF family. I feel truly blessed to have contributed to this remarkable community and to be part of it.”
IRF president Dimitris Mandalozis says: "We extend our heartfelt thanks to Susanna for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Federation. Under her stewardship, the IRF has grown in relevance, impact, and global reach. She has firmly established the IRF as a key player in the global transport sector.”
He praised the "strong connection" between Fidic and IRF Geneva, adding that the appointment "opens up exciting new opportunities for collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable infrastructure and mobility solutions".
Fidic represents the global consulting engineering industry and is responsible for promoting the business interests of global firms supplying technology-based intellectual services for the built and natural environment.
Zammataro brings 25 years of experience to her new job. Her previous roles included a stint at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), where she worked on trade and investment agreements. She also worked at the European Commission, shaping policy, international negotiations and advocacy efforts, and holds a master’s in European law from the College of Europe.
“As a global industry federation leader of many years standing, Susanna knows well how membership organisations work and is familiar with the business, political and regulatory environment in which they operate,” said Catherine Karakatsanis, Fidic president and senior vice president of engineering consultancy Stantec.
“Her significant experience in the international transportation sector and across the membership organisation arena show that she has the skills and expertise to lead Fidic into the future. Susanna’s skillset and experience in delivering success and influencing decision makers is just what we need at Fidic.”
Fidic’s membership counts around 100 national associations across the globe and represents more than one million engineering professionals and 40,000 firms.
The federation said that the buildings and infrastructure sector in which its members work contributes more than $36 trillion to global GDP.
