Paris, France – May 13, 2024 – OICA – the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers – is pleased to announce the appointment of François Roudier as its new Secretary General, effective June 1, 2024. François Roudier will succeed Yves van der Straaten, who will retire on July 1 after more than 25 years of exemplary service to OICA and the global automotive industry as secretary general and technical director, following almost 15 years at GM.

In conjunction with this appointment, OICA has also announced the appointment of Olivier Fontaine as Technical Director, effective July 1, 2024. This separation of the roles of Secretary General and Technical Director will allow for greater focus on both technical expertise and communications.

John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and President of OICA, emphasized the importance of these appointments:

“OICA was founded at the dawn of the automotive era. Today, we work with the United Nations, policymakers, scientists, engineers and civil society to improve global road safety and environmental standards and harmonize vehicle regulations so all countries – and all people – have access to the safest and most innovative transportation options.”

Bozzella added: “These are exciting new additions to OICA. François brings more than 30 years of experience in technical and corporate communications and already made significant contributions to the automotive industry while at the French Automobile Manufacturers Association (CCFA) and later at the French Automotive Industry Association (PFA). His understanding of the global automotive landscape and Olivier’s regulatory experience will be a formidable new leadership team and lead OICA into the future.”

François Roudier expressed his enthusiasm about joining OICA: “I am deeply honored to take on the role of Secretary General at OICA, an organization that supports the global automotive industry. I look forward to working with our members to address their rapidly evolving challenges. I look forward to championing the interests of the world’s automotive trade associations and contributing to the sustainable growth of our industry.

François Roudier (59), a French citizen, has a career that demonstrates a strong commitment to the advancement of automotive technology, economics, and mobility. He has extensive communications experience and is a regular contributor to print and broadcast media. He holds a PhD in history from the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne. Before joining the CCFA in 2008, he began his career in the aerospace and defense industry with the SAFRAN Group and the Paris Airshow.

Olivier Fontaine (57), a Belgian citizen, joined OICA in 2000 after a career with General Motors Europe in Brussels and in Belgian and French industry. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering in Electromechanics – ECAM (Brussels). He is an expert in international regulations on vehicle construction (EU, UN, US…).

About OICA
The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), based in Paris, France, was founded in 1919. OICA’s membership consists of 35 national trade associations around the world. Twenty of these associations represent the major automotive manufacturing countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. They are committed to technological innovation in safety, environment, fuel efficiency and electrification, and seek global harmonization of safety and environmental standards for the benefit of all countries. OICA plays a central role in global automotive regulation and is the only automotive organization recognized for this purpose by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). https://www.oica.net/

For more information:
Jocelyne Nziendolo
OICA – International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
4 rue de Berri – 75008 Paris – France | T: +33 1 43 59 00 13 – E: jnziendolo@oica.net

Download the press release