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WTO Director General joins PepsiCo

2020-08-20T16:07:08.089Z


The Brazilian Roberto Azevedo announced in mid-May to everyone's surprise that he would leave his post at the end of August.


The Director General of the World Trade Organization Roberto Azevedo is preparing to join the vice-presidency and general affairs direction of the American beverage giant PepsiCo at the end of August, leaving his place at the WTO, an institution in crisis, empty. The Brazilian, an engineer by training and career diplomat, announced in mid-May to everyone's surprise that he would leave his post at the end of August, a year before the end of his mandate, for " family reasons ", without however revealing what his duties would be. next functions. It is now done, Pepsi having announced that the former boss of the WTO will join its ranks as of September.

Read also: The WTO, paralyzed by the trade war, is looking for a leader

In a statement, the group explained that it had created a new position for the Brazilian, bringing together activities in public policy, government affairs and communication, so that it focuses " on consolidating external engagement efforts. of PepsiCo to national and international governments, regulators, international organizations and non-governmental actors ”. Ramon Laguarta, president and CEO of PepsiCo, argued that the WTO boss will bring " valuable policy skills and technical knowledge about the complex social, political and regulatory environments " impacting society. I am delighted to join PepsiCo at a time when strengthening relationships between businesses, governments and society has become essential to generate long-term sustainable and inclusive growth ,” said Roberto Azevedo.

After his departure, one of the four deputy directors of the WTO - an American, a German, a Nigerian and a Chinese - was to lead the organization while waiting for the Brazilian's successor to be appointed. But the 164 members of the organization, who usually make decisions by consensus, could not come to an agreement. The process of nominating Roberto Azevedo's successor - eight candidates are in the running - is due to start in September and is expected to last for several weeks.

Read also: Roberto Azevêdo leaves the WTO at a critical moment

In the midst of the global economic slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, several major projects await the future boss of the WTO: prepare for the ministerial conference which should take place in 2021, give a boost to the negotiations that are trampling and unravel the conflicts between the organization and the United States. Washington has threatened to quit the WTO, which it calls for overhaul, and since December has paralyzed the appeals tribunal of its dispute settlement body (ORD).

Source: lefigaro

All business articles on 2020-08-20

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