Willy De Greef: looking for Europe to play a leadership role.
De Greef is a plant biologist who is no stranger to biotechnology’s controversial side, having formerly been head of Regulatory Affairs at Plant Genetic Systems and Syngenta Seeds. Most recently he has been an advisor to the UK biofuels company D1 Oils plc.
“One of the major challenges for real innovation is to be a part of responsible change and convince decision makers to welcome innovative improvements. If we can be successful in building more confidence in the benefits of biotechnology solutions to solve old problems, Europe will again play its leadership role in improving the lives of its citizens,” said de Greef, as he stepped into the post.
The association also elected new board members, bringing the number of representatives of companies and associations from across Europe to 23.
“The diverse membership of EuropaBio is the association’s strength because it opens up opportunities for synergies and partnerships that can help industries learn from each other, to develop new markets, new products and new processes,” said de Greef.
The new board members are: Jacqueline Hunter, Senior Vice President and Head of Neurology & GI Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery (CEDD), GlaxoSmithKline; Serge Zybach, Head Diverse Field Crops, Syngenta International AG; and Hans Kast, President & CEO of BASF Plant Science.
EuropaBio is the only EU-level association representing all sectors of biotechnology industry.
Receive the Funding Newswire each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
Follow where the public and private R&I money is going and which collaborative opportunities you can pursue.
