Today, CLEPA President Mr Roberto Vavassori announced that CLEPA CEO Mr Paul Schockmel will be stepping down from his position by the end of August 2016.

Mr Vavassori, thanking Mr Schockmel for his achievements, said, "Under his leadership, CLEPA has successfully refocused towards new strategic priorities and built a solid international presence in growth markets such as China and the United States. We are now a truly global organisation with more than 140 members."

Mr Schockmel said, "It has been a privilege to have led CLEPA over the past two years and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the CLEPA members for their support. I have led the association into a strong position from which it will soar and reach the next level of success and impact. I will miss the Brussels atmosphere however I have made the decision to take up new challenges in the industry".

Ms Amalia Di Stefano, the current CLEPA Deputy CEO already responsible for Global Governmental Affairs and Communications, will take on the role of acting CEO.

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Note to Editors

CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. 116 of the world's most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 24 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3 thousand companies, employing more than 5 million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain. Based in Brussels, Belgium, CLEPA is recognised as the natural discussion partner by the European Institutions, United Nations and fellow associations (ACEA, JAMA, MEMA, etc.).

Facts about the European automotive industry

• Some 12 million people are employed in the European automotive industry
• European automotive suppliers directly employ 5 million people
• European automotive suppliers invest €18bn in RDI per year. They are one of the biggest private investors into research and innovation
• Per year, 16 million vehicles are manufactured in Europe, contributing to the stability and growth of the European economy