The International Co-operative Alliance has appointed Rodrigo Gouveia as its Director of Policy.
Mr Gouveia is currently Secretary-General of Euro Coop, which represents the interests of European consumer co-operatives, and at the ICA he will be charged with advancing the mission of the Alliance with intergovernmental organisations and development agencies.
When he starts in January, he will also represent the co-operative movement within the United Nations and its specialised agencies, and build strategic relationships with select intergovernmental organisations.
Mr Gouveia, who is also currently Secretary-General of Consumer Co-operatives Worldwide (CCW), the international sectoral organisation representing consumer co-operatives, will facilitate the creation and implementation of a global co-operative development agenda with the co-operative development community.
He holds a degree in Law and two post-graduate degrees in Consumer Law and in Public Economic Regulation. Having worked for co-operative organisations for 15 years, Mr Gouveia has extensive experience and knowledge of the movement, as well as of representation and advocacy activities.
Delighted with his new role, he said: “It’s a great pleasure for me to work for the International Co-operative Alliance and help advance the cooperative business model. It is a big challenge but I know I can count with the valuable help of members, regional offices and sectoral organisations in a combined effort to raise the voice of co-operatives and shape the political agenda of global institutions.”
Charles Gould, Director-General of the Alliance, said: “We are very excited to have Rodrigo joining the team at the International Co-operative Alliance. We have had the opportunity to work with him in his roles at Euro Coop and CCW and know that he brings the co-operative knowledge and policy expertise that we need to advance our ambitious agenda.”
Duncan Bowdler, President of Euro Coop, added: “Euro Coop members wish Rodrigo all the best in his new role. Rodrigo was an excellent Secretary-General of Euro Coop and we shall miss him. We are very pleased that he will continue to serve the co-operative movement”.
Anne Santamäki, President of CCW, commented: “Rodrigo has been a valuable Secretary-General for CCW and I am sure he will continue to serve the co-operative movement in a professional and highly competent way as Director of Policy for the ICA.”
