Mr Franz comes most recently from Hitachi ABB Power Grids and the ABB Group, a multinational corporation active in power and industrial automation technologies, where he was the Head of Government Relations for the EU. Before joining ABB in 2012, Mr Franz worked at BusinessEurope, the European business federation. As Industrial Affairs Director, he notably represented European industry in the political discussions around the landmark 2020 EU climate and energy package.
“This is a very exciting time to join EPEE. The heating and cooling industry is a key sector in the European Green Deal and clean energy transition. EPEE’s members contribute with their technologies to ensuring that European citizens can lead healthy, productive and comfortable lives in a rapidly changing world. As the new Director-General I feel honoured to continue Andrea’s great work and ensure that EPEE will pursue its dialogue with EU policymakers, its collaboration with partners around the world, and its path to help the EU achieve its climate and energy goals”, said Mr Folker.
Mr Franz replaces Andrea Voigt who successfully led the work of EPEE for the past 12 years in her role as Director-General. Ms Voigt joined EPEE – The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment – in 2009, succeeding Friedrich Busch, who had been head of EPEE since its foundation in 2000. Ms Voigt will leave EPEE to take up the position of Vice President, Head of Group Public Affairs and Sustainability at Danfoss.
Ms Voigt's work over the years has seen EPEE evolve into a leading and respected trade association in both Brussels and internationally, working closely with decision-makers, industry stakeholders, media, NGOs and governments across Europe and at a global level.
“EPEE has grown considerably over this last decade and is considered today as a major voice of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump industry in Europe and internationally. I truly enjoyed leading EPEE over these past 12 years, both from a professional and from a human perspective. Now it’s time to move on and I am very much looking forward to taking up a new challenge at Danfoss. I am leaving EPEE in excellent hands and wish Folker all the best in leading this great association through very exciting times for our industry sector,” said Ms Voigt.