BIR adds deputy director for trade and environment

The Bureau of International Recycling, Brussels, has hired Alev Somer as its new deputy director for trade and environment.

Somer has more than seven years of experience in public affairs, “working on environmental and industrial policies in Brussels,” BIR says. Most recently she has been leading the environment and technical committees of the European Aggregates Association (UEPG), where since 2016 she “has advocated [for] the uptake of secondary raw materials in a traditionally primary producer industry,” the global recycling association adds.

Previously, Somer also has worked with the European Network of Cities (Eurocities) and the Birmingham [United Kingdom] City Council on sustainable city management projects.

In her new role, Somer “will be working closely with Ross Bartley, BIR director for trade and environment, on all ongoing trade issues and environmental matters impacting the recycling industry worldwide,” BIR says.

“With Alev, BIR is gaining a highly competent and promising colleague who will certainly be an asset for our legislative and policy work,” BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet says. “Her experience and also her international background are the perfect fit for our organization, and I am certain that our members will benefit greatly from her expertise, drive and vision.”

Somer is scheduled to attend the BIR’s World Recycling Convention in late May in Barcelona, the organization says.