New director appointed to takeover Eurogroup leadership

Posted on 30/11/2012

Eurogroup for Animals is delighted to announce the appointment of Reineke Hameleers as its next Director. She will take over the leadership of the organisation on 1 February 2013

Ms Hameleers, a Dutch national, is currently the Regional Director of the Limburg section of the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, Dierenbescherming and brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in the animal welfare sector since 2003 and became Regional Director in 2008. She has a Master’s degree in Arts and Science Studies from Maastricht University and her thesis was on human-animal relationships.

Since she joined the Dutch society she has developed a wide range of knowledge and experience, in research and policy development and as a spokesperson, senior manager and strategist.  During the past five years she has worked hard on her greatest challenge so far, the development of an animal welfare centre in Limburg.  She has been following the work of Eurogroup with great interest and is very enthusiastic about this new challenge.  Being from Maastricht, living in the triangular cross-border region of Rhine-Meuse, she is a true European and will dedicate herself to the improvement of the conditions in which animals are kept in Europe and beyond. 

She takes over from Sonja Van Tichelen who recently left the organisation to take up the role of European Union Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare after 20 years at Eurogroup.

Commenting on her appointment Ms Hameleers said:“I am extremely excited and also humble to be appointed to this position. Eurogroup has a very special position in the world of animal welfare and I look forward to working with the team and the member network to build a Europe that really cares for animals.”

Peter Davies, President of Eurogroup for Animals welcoming the appointment of Ms Hameleers said: “Reineke brings a very special set of skills that will help Eurogroup develop to meet the current challenges that face us and build a robust and successful future for the animal welfare movement. We are extremely pleased that she has agreed to join us and I wish her and the team every success.”