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IFMA has announced the official formation of the International Facility Management Association Europe, Middle East, Africa (IFMA EMEA) as a unique legal entity, effective from July 1, 2021.
IFMA EMEA will be "ideally positioned and able to meet the unique circumstances in each of these regions and provide optimal opportunities for growth to its EMEA-based members and the broader FM community", says IFMA.
Benefits to the IFMA EMEA community will include local professional development and training, and research opportunities.
Peter Ankerstjerne, IFMA chair of the global board of directors, said: "I’m really excited that we can now launch IFMA EMEA as a separate entity with its own professional board, linked closely to IFMA’s strategic initiatives, plans and values. I strongly believe this will help us propel the FM profession to the next level and drive growth in the region.”
Don Gilpin, IFMA President and CEO, added: “The role of the FM professional has become more strategic in nature. With expanding responsibilities and skills – especially post-pandemic and with growth across sectors such as construction and infrastructure worldwide – the facility management industry is projected to advance rapidly; however, awareness of FM’s contribution and demand for FM services varies regionally. IFMA EMEA will focus advocacy efforts and educational and networking resources specific to professionals in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This will open doors to new opportunities for FMs in those regions and support global industry standards and best practices, which is good for everyone.”
IFMA EMEA will be governed by a board of directors and led by staff in Belgium.
IFMA EMEA Board of Directors:
Jos Duchamps (Belgium), IFMA EMEA Chair and IFMA Board Liaison
Erik Jaspers (The Netherlands)
Helena Ohlsson Skjeld (Sweden)
Dr. Marie Puybaraud (France)
Deborah Rowland (UK)
Jaime Pire (Spain)
Alexey Grinchenko (Russia)
Peter Prischl (Austria)
Jan Dunkelberg (Germany)
Don Gilpin (U.S.) IFMA President and CEO