Brussels, 17 April 2026
JA Europe is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, bringing senior leadership expertise from leading European and global companies across finance, law, transport, logistics, energy, and sustainability and aviation, all with strong business–education collaboration experience.
The new appointments reinforce JA Europe’s strategic leadership at a time when empowering young people with the skills, mindset and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing world is more important than ever. Their collective experience strengthens JA Europe’s role as a bridge between education, business, and policy, supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.
The newly appointed Board members are:
Fleur Hudig
Head of Culture & Inclusion, NN Group
Fleur Hudig leads culture and inclusion at NN Group, aligning organisational culture with digital and AI transformation while overseeing the company’s diversity and inclusion agenda. With a background in European public affairs and corporate citizenship, she previously held senior roles at ING and has been instrumental in developing long‑term strategies on financial empowerment, skills and work readiness, including NN Group’s partnership with JA Europe.
Counsel, GA‑Alliance
Giulia Lovaste is a lawyer specialising in EU Business Law and international commercial and regulatory matters. She advises public and private stakeholders on cross‑border policy and regulatory issues and regularly supports EU institutions, notably the European Commission, in the development and drafting of EU legislation. Her work focuses on strengthening relations between the European Union and third countries, contributing valuable legal and policy expertise to the Board.
Martje van der Linde
Vice President, Brand, Communications & Digital Marketing Europe, FedEx
Martje van der Linde leads brand, communications and digital marketing for FedEx in Europe. With extensive experience in strategic communications, corporate reputation and digital transformation, she brings a strong business and brand leadership perspective to JA Europe’s Board, supporting the organisation’s engagement with key stakeholders across Europe.
Gilles Vermot Desroches
Chief Citizenship & Institutional Affairs Officer, Schneider Electric
Gilles Vermot Desroches leads corporate citizenship and institutional affairs at Schneider Electric, following a long career at the intersection of business, sustainability and public policy. He has played a central role in shaping the company’s social, environmental and youth‑focused initiatives, including the Schneider Electric Foundation and Access to Energy programmes, and serves in multiple leadership roles across global and European institutions.
Managing Director, International Government Affairs, Regulatory & Policy, Delta Air Lines
David Werner leads international government affairs, regulatory, and policy strategy at Delta Air Lines, overseeing legislative and political engagement across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. With over two decades of experience in government, legal, and airline operations, he brings deep expertise in public policy and transatlantic relations to the JA Europe Board.
“At JA Europe, we believe that empowering young people with the right skills and mindset is essential for Europe’s future. The appointment of new Board members brings fresh perspectives and deep expertise from across business, policy, and education. Together, we will strengthen our impact and ensure that every young person can thrive and contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative Europe.” Laurence Morvan, Chair of the Board, JA Europe.
“These appointments reflect the depth of engagement and shared commitment that underpins JA Europe’s Board, bringing in expertise that will directly strengthen programmes in entrepreneurship education, financial capabilities, and work readiness for young people across Europe. At a time when young people are facing mounting and complex challenges—particularly in education—the decision of leaders with such expertise to actively invest in the next generation sends a powerful signal of responsibility and leadership, truly leading by example,” said Irene Cervellera, Vice Chair of the Board, JA Europe.
“We are happy to welcome these outstanding leaders to the JA Europe Board. Their cross‑sector expertise, combined with a strong focus on skills development, competitiveness and economic empowerment, will be instrumental in strengthening our impact and expanding opportunities for young people across Europe to thrive in the future of work.,” said Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing Board Members for their leadership and dedication, which have driven JA Europe’s progress: Jeff Bullwinkel, Matteo Curcio, Henk Huisman, and Mark Timmermans.
Their commitment has strengthened our organisation and inspired countless young people.
JA Europe would like to warmly thank GA‑Alliance for hosting the Board meeting during which these appointments were confirmed.
