The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) expands its leadership team with two new senior hires.
Andreas Klugescheid will take up the new Chief Strategic Foresight and Engagement Officer role. Having led the Brussels office of BMW Group, Andreas will now be seconded to ACEA, bringing experience leading a European public affairs team and public relations functions for Russia, the Middle East, and Africa. With over 24 years at BMW, including assignments in the United States and Latin America, Andreas brings a wide breadth of industry insight. Working across departments, Andreas will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships and leading other thought-leadership and agenda-setting projects.
Maria Linkova-Nijs will undertake the new Executive Head of Policy and Strategy role. Maria is a data- and advocacy-driven public affairs and policy communications professional with over 15 years of experience. In her most recent role, Maria co-led a team of almost 30 people and took an innovative and creative approach to new channels and tools, notably machine learning and artificial intelligence. Maria will head ACEA’s Policy and Strategy department and play a crucial role in optimising the industry’s position in relevant policy discussions and ensuring the strategic alignment of ACEA activities.  
“The European automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in the last century as we shift from the combustion engine to battery-electric. This profound change has significant repercussions for a critical industry like ours. The ACEA secretariat is also evolving to ensure we collectively tackle challenges at this pivotal moment ahead of the European elections,” stated Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General.
Under the leadership of the Director General, Andreas and Maria will join other members of ACEA’s senior management team, comprising Thomas Fabian, Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer; Marc Greven, Chief Operations Officer and Legal Counsel; and Pierre Millette, Chief Technology Officer.
