Photo: IRU
Habib Turki (above) was today confirmed as the new secretary general of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), following a vote at the organisation’s annual general meeting in Geneva.
He will succeed Umberto de Pretto on 1 August, joining the IRU from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), where he developed the Tourism Services Department and led its advocacy at the UN.
In 2024, he was named chief development officer of the FIA and negotiated partnerships and agreements with international organisations and governments, while supporting FIA’s expansion in China and across Asia.
Prior to that, he served as the IRU’s regional adviser for the Middle East from 2015 to 2018, successfully growing the union’s presence in the region, advocating the accession of Oman, Palestine, Qatar,and Saudi Arabia to the TIR system.
“It is an honour to be appointed IRU secretary general and I am delighted to work again with IRU members across the globe,” said Mr Turki.
“IRU’s rich history speaks for itself: from reviving war-torn trade links in post-war Europe with the TIR system and advancing road safety globally; to leading the pragmatic, sustainable decarbonisation of our industry.
“I am excited to lead the organisation into its next chapter,” he added.