Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association UNICA has lost its second official in recent weeks to the private sector.

UNICA announced this morning that after launching the group''s efforts in Europe and spearheading its EU strategy for three years, Emmanuel Desplechin is stepping down from his post as UNICA''s chief representative to the EU, effective Feb. 11.

Desplechin has been tapped as senior manager for EU Affairs at Danish biotech company Novozymes. He will remain in Brussels in his new position, UNICA noted.

"It''s a privilege to have had the chance to be the voice of UNICA in Europe at such an important juncture in time," said Desplechin. "We''ve seen the industry expand and consolidate and EU policy transform itself to take advantage of cutting edge innovation to meet the increasing demand for clean fuels. I know that UNICA''s successes will continue
here in Europe and internationally. I am excited to take on my new role at Novozymes and look forward to a continued partnership with UNICA and its member companies," he added.

With Desplechin''s departure, UNICA''s activities in Brussels will continue to be overseen by its senior advisor for International Affairs, Geraldine Kutas, who now is also the acting head of UNICA''s Brussels office.

Last month, UNICA''s chief representative for North America, Joel Velasco, left his post after three years to join advanced biofuel maker Amyris as senior vice president, External Relations.

Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association UNICA has lost its second official in recent weeks to the private sector.

UNICA announced this morning that after launching the group''s efforts in Europe and spearheading its EU strategy for three years, Emmanuel Desplechin is stepping down from his post as UNICA''s chief representative to the EU, effective Feb. 11.

Desplechin has been tapped as senior manager for EU Affairs at Danish biotech company Novozymes. He will remain in Brussels in his new position, UNICA noted.

"It''s a privilege to have had the chance to be the voice of UNICA in Europe at such an important juncture in time," said Desplechin. "We''ve seen the industry expand and consolidate and EU policy transform itself to take advantage of cutting edge innovation to meet the increasing demand for clean fuels. I know that UNICA''s successes will continue
here in Europe and internationally. I am excited to take on my new role at Novozymes and look forward to a continued partnership with UNICA and its member companies," he added.

With Desplechin''s departure, UNICA''s activities in Brussels will continue to be overseen by its senior advisor for International Affairs, Geraldine Kutas, who now is also the acting head of UNICA''s Brussels office.

Last month, UNICA''s chief representative for North America, Joel Velasco, left his post after three years to join advanced biofuel maker Amyris as senior vice president, External Relations.