Brussels, 08/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - Mr Gert-Jan Koopman, of Dutch nationality and 36 years of age, has been appointed by Commissioner Neil Kinnock to replace Mr Philip Lowe as Head of his Private Office. Mr Lowe becomes Director General for Competition. Mr Koopman's appointment took effect on 1 May. When Mr Kinnock had been appointed Commission Vice-President responsible for reform in 1999, Mr Koopman had taken on the job of Deputy Head of his Private Office at the Directorate General for Administration, with special responsibility for the coordination of administrative reform. Mr Koopman's prior work experience includes teaching economics at the University of Utrecht, and a post at the Central Planning Bureau The Netherlands (1987-1991). He entered the Commission in 1991 as Administrator at the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs. In 1995, he was a Member of the Cabinet of Neil Kinnock, who was then Transport Commissioner.