Congrats Ian Saunders, new Secretary General of World Customs Organization (WCO)

Today the World Customs Organization (WCO) has elected Ian Saunders from United States as new Secretary General for the next five year. The election took place when the 184 member states voted in Brussels at the organizations annual general assembly, The Council Session.

Congratulations Ian

This is a great decision. We are facing numerous challenges for global trade in the years to come & WCO plays an essential role for border management, global supply & value chains. We need a new dynamic start of the work from our international institutions.

I personally know Ian Saunders since way back.

I know him as a great leader, colleague & friend, with strong integrity. He will be an excellent Secretary General. 

He will get strong support from Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Treviño Chapa, the team at the Secretariat, the WCO Membership & international trade.

Ian is a proven and principled manager with more than 20 years of customs experience and 30 years of experience in international relations. He has a record of addressing complex challenges and elevating organizations to excellence. 

I am convinced that Ian Saunders will strengthen the partnership & cooperation with private sector in the future.  

This is a good day for the customs community & for world trade.

In addition, Commissioner Edward Kieswetter of (RSA) South African Revenue Service (SARS) was elected as Chairperson of the Council for the upcoming year. Ed is a strategic & visionary leader that will take WCO forward.

We have a good combination of leaders at the helm of WCO. Congrats also to Edward!