Brussels, 21/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - On a proposal by Ms Anna Diamantopoulou, Commissioner for Employment and Social Policy, and in agreement with the President, Romano Prodi, and Mr Neil Kinnock, Vice President responsible for administrative reform, the Commission has decided to appoint Ms Odile Quintin, a European civil servant of French nationality, as Director General of DG Employment and Social Policy.
Odile Quentin, 55 years of age, has held the post of Director for the Social Dialogue since March 1996, concurrently holding the post of Acting Director General since 1 May 2000.
Commenting on this nomination, Anna Diamantopoulou stressed that Ms Quentin was, "in every way an ideal candidate. By virtue of her long experience in the Directorate General, she is well versed in both policy and procedure. I am therefore confident that she will manage the department effectively in implementing our numerous initiatives and will be capable of adapting to new requirements linked to carrying through Commission reform".