IRU Appoints Habib Turki as New Secretary General Following Member Vote in Geneva
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has officially appointed Habib Turki as its next Secretary General following a vote by its General Assembly of members. The decision was confirmed today in Geneva, marking a significant leadership transition for the global road transport organization.
Turki’s appointment was proposed by the IRU Presidential Executive, the organisation’s governing board, and subsequently endorsed through a member vote. He will succeed current Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, bringing with him nearly two decades of international experience spanning trade, transport, and development policy. His tenure is expected to begin on 1 August 2026.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the IRU, as the organisation continues to expand its role in promoting safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible road transport systems worldwide. Turki is expected to play a central role in shaping the IRU’s strategic direction, particularly in areas such as global connectivity, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and the decarbonisation of road freight.
A Leadership Transition Rooted in Member Consensus
The IRU General Assembly, composed of representatives from its global membership base, formally voted to confirm Turki’s appointment. This democratic process underscores the organisation’s governance structure, which relies on member participation to guide key leadership and policy decisions.
By approving the nomination put forward by the Presidential Executive, IRU members signaled strong confidence in Turki’s ability to lead the organisation into its next phase of development. The transition also reflects continuity within IRU’s long-standing mission of advancing international road transport standards and supporting cross-border trade efficiency.
Umberto de Pretto, the outgoing Secretary General, has led the organisation through a period of significant transformation, including expanded digitalisation initiatives, strengthened global partnerships, and increased emphasis on sustainability within the transport sector. Turki’s appointment ensures a structured leadership handover designed to maintain momentum across these strategic priorities.
Extensive Experience in Global Transport and Trade
Habib Turki brings a diverse and international professional background to the role. His previous experience within IRU, combined with leadership positions in other global organisations, positions him as a seasoned figure in transport policy and institutional development.
Between 2015 and 2018, Turki served as IRU’s Regional Adviser for the Middle East. During this period, he played a key role in expanding IRU’s footprint across the region, helping to strengthen engagement with national governments and transport authorities. One of his major contributions was advocating for the accession of several countries—Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—to the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system, a global customs transit framework that simplifies international cargo movement.
He also oversaw the implementation of the TIR system in the United Arab Emirates, a milestone that significantly enhanced cross-border trade efficiency in the Gulf region. These efforts contributed to improved logistics connectivity and reinforced IRU’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing transport corridors.
Following his tenure at IRU, Turki joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 2019. At FIA, he was tasked with developing the Tourism Services Department, a role that expanded his portfolio beyond freight and logistics into broader mobility and travel ecosystems. He also led FIA’s advocacy efforts at the United Nations and other major international organisations, representing the institution on key global policy platforms.
In 2024, Turki was promoted to Chief Development Officer at FIA. In this capacity, he focused on driving global expansion through institutional partnerships, market development initiatives, and strengthened international representation. He played an active role in negotiating agreements with governments and global organisations, while also supporting FIA’s expansion efforts in Asia, particularly in China.
Strategic Vision for the IRU’s Next Chapter
In his first remarks following the announcement, Turki expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him by IRU members and outlined his enthusiasm for returning to the organisation in a leadership capacity.
“It is an honour to be appointed IRU Secretary General. I am delighted to work again with IRU members across the globe,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of the IRU’s historical contributions to global trade and transport systems, highlighting the organisation’s role in rebuilding trade networks in post-war Europe through the TIR system. He also referenced IRU’s ongoing work in improving road safety and advancing sustainable transport solutions.
“IRU’s rich history speaks for itself: from reviving war-torn trade links in post-war Europe with the TIR system and advancing road safety globally to leading the pragmatic, sustainable decarbonisation of our industry,” Turki stated. “I am excited to lead the organisation into its next chapter.”
His remarks suggest a continuation and expansion of IRU’s core priorities, particularly in balancing economic efficiency with environmental sustainability. As global supply chains face increasing pressure from regulatory shifts, geopolitical tensions, and climate commitments, IRU’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in shaping practical and scalable solutions for the road transport sector.
Focus on Sustainability and Digital Transformation
One of the key challenges awaiting Turki will be guiding the IRU through an era of rapid transformation in global logistics. The road transport industry is undergoing structural changes driven by digitalisation, electrification, and stricter emissions regulations.
Under previous leadership, IRU has actively promoted initiatives such as digital TIR systems, improved customs procedures, and enhanced road safety standards. Turki is expected to build on these initiatives while also strengthening collaboration with governments and private-sector stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon transport technologies.
The organisation is also likely to continue expanding its advocacy role in international forums, ensuring that road transport operators are represented in discussions on climate policy, trade facilitation, and infrastructure investment.
Strengthening Global Trade Connectivity
Another major focus area for the incoming Secretary General will be the expansion of global trade corridors. The IRU has long been a key player in facilitating cross-border transport through the TIR system, which allows goods to move under customs seal across multiple countries with reduced administrative burdens.
Turki’s previous success in promoting TIR accession in the Middle East positions him well to further extend the system’s reach into emerging markets. Strengthening participation in Africa, Asia, and Latin America could significantly enhance global logistics efficiency and support economic development in developing regions.
His experience in negotiating institutional partnerships and working with governments is expected to support these efforts, particularly in regions where regulatory frameworks are still evolving.
Continuity and Change in IRU Leadership
While Turki’s appointment signals a new chapter for the IRU, it also reflects continuity in the organisation’s long-term vision. The transition from Umberto de Pretto to Habib Turki is expected to be smooth, with both leaders sharing a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation in road transport.
The IRU’s governance structure, which emphasizes member-driven decision-making, ensures that strategic priorities remain aligned with the needs of its global network of transport operators and stakeholders.
As Turki prepares to assume office in August 2026, the organisation is expected to maintain its focus on strengthening international trade flows, improving road transport efficiency, and advancing sustainable mobility solutions.
Habib Turki’s appointment comes at a time when global logistics systems are facing both disruption and opportunity. From supply chain resilience to environmental transformation, the road transport sector is increasingly central to global economic stability.
With his extensive experience in international institutions and proven track record in expanding global transport frameworks, Turki is set to lead the IRU into a new phase of strategic development. His leadership will likely shape not only the organisation’s internal priorities but also its broader influence on global transport policy in the years ahead.
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